Martini–Enfield

Martini–Enfield Mk I & Mk II
Martini-Enfield carbine. From the Swedish Army Museum.
TypeService rifle
Place of originUnited Kingdom
Service history
In service1895–1918
Used byUnited Kingdom & Colonies
Afghanistan
WarsBritish colonial wars, Second Boer War (Limited)
World War I (Limited)
Production history
DesignerRSAF Enfield
Designed1895
ManufacturerRSAF Enfield
Produced1895–1903
No. builtapprox. 750,000
VariantsMk II Carbine
Specifications
Mass8.5 pounds (3.9 kg) empty
Length49.25 inches (1,251 mm)
Barrel length30.2 inches (770 mm) (rifle)
21.3 inches (540 mm) (carbine)

Cartridge.303 Mk IIC SAA Ball
Calibre.303 British
ActionMartini Falling Block
Rate of fire10 rounds per minute
Muzzle velocity2,200 feet per second (670 m/s)
Effective firing range1,000 yards (910 m)
Maximum firing range2,000 yards (1,800 m)
Feed systemSingle shot
SightsSliding ramp rear sights, fixed-post front sights

Martini–Enfield rifles were, by and large, conversions of the .577/450 Martini–Henry rifle, rechambered for use with the newly introduced .303 British cartridge. Whilst most Martini–Enfields were converted rifles, a number were newly manufactured as well.