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SMLE Jungle Carbine Question

mowartmowart Member Posts: 1,392 ✭✭✭✭✭
edited May 2008 in Ask the Experts
Why did they design it so only a special bayonet would fit?

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    iceracerxiceracerx Member Posts: 8,860 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Shorter barrel (carbine length) + fixed flash hider = special bayonet
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    00scoots00scoots Member Posts: 410 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    All I know is that due to the large flash suppressor other bayonets would not fit, hence the No. 5 blade bayonet, which is about the size of a combat knife. As to why the flash suppressor was designed as it is, someone with more knowledge of the history of Lee Enfields, particularly the No. 5 Mk I rifle, may have the answer.

    800px-Jungle_Carbine.jpg

    800px-JungleCarbine_Bayonet.JPG
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    heavyironheavyiron Member Posts: 1,421 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Hi,

    The No. 5 requires a special bayonet because of the diameter of the flash hider which was unique to the No. 5 rifle. In order to clear the diameter of the flash hider a special bayonet was required plus the other requirements included in the other responses.

    The No. 5 required a flash hider due to the signature of the muzzle flash from the muzzle. Since the No. 5 rifle had only a 20.5 inch barrel and used the same ammunition as the full length Enfield service rifles, trials found the flash from the muzzle to be unacceptable and fitted the rifle with a flash hider.

    If you have ever fired or seen fired a 7.62x54R service round fired from an M44 MN, it is the same principle at work.

    The No. 5 is also known for it wandering zero due to the flash cuts in the receiver.

    Regards,

    Heavyiron
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