Comparing WWI Rifles: The British Enfield SMLE and German Gew98

During the First World War, different nations employed a wide array of rifles, each with its own unique characteristics and contributions. Among the most notable were the British .303 NR1 MKIII SMLE (Simple Mark III Lee-Enfield) and the German Gewehr 98 (Gew98 Mauser). In this article, we will explore the differences and similarities between these two iconic rifles.

British Enfield SMLE

The .303 NR1 MKIII SMLE, commonly known as the Lee-Enfield, was the mainstay of the British and Commonwealth armies for several decades. While it was a reliable and accurate weapon, it also had its share of shortcomings. One of the main advantages of the SMLE was its ten-round detachable magazine, although this was often less practical in real combat situations.

Magazine and Feeding Mechanism: Despite having a ten-round magazine, the SMLE was designed for soldiers to use five-round stripper clips. This meant soldiers had to manually reload their magazines, which could be cumbersome in the midst of combat. Furthermore, the magazine lacked a strong spring, leading to improper feeding when full. Consequently, many soldiers took to loading only five rounds to ensure proper functioning.

German Gew98 Mauser

The Gew98 Mauser was a highly regarded rifle used by the German Army during WWI. It featured several design improvements over the SMLE, including a more user-friendly magazine and bolt mechanism.

Bolt Mechanism and Reliability: Unlike the SMLE, the Gew98 Mauser cocked the firing pin as the bolt was opened, requiring less dexterity and effort. The mechanism also provided a slight mechanical advantage, making it easier to handle. Grit and sand were less likely to cause issues in the Gew98 due to its rimless cartridges.

Optics and Targeting: The Gew98 Mauser had a graduated sight system, extending from 400 to 2000 meters, while the SMLE's range was from 200 to 2000 yards. While the SMLE might shoot slightly higher for targets closer than 400 meters, the impact was typically in a fatal area for a combat shot. Soldiers were trained to aim for the center of the body, which would result in a fatal shot at various ranges.

Experimental Comparison

A recent study involving expert riflemen highlighted the practical differences between the British and German rifles. Two shooters, one equipped with an SMLE and the other with a Gew98, participated in a rigorous combat firing course. Both were trained on their respective rifles, and the results were compelling.

Speed and Efficiency: During the competition, the German rifleman consistently completed each stage in less time than his British counterpart. Even though the German soldier was less physically fit, he still managed to outperform his British counterpart in most cases.

Reliability: One of the key factors was the reliability of the magazine and mechanism. For the SMLE, a failure to feed when charged with a full magazine resulted in a loss of precious seconds. Additionally, a piece of sand in the action of the SMLE caused significant jamming, resulting in a more substantial time gap.

Conclusion

While both the SMLE and the Gew98 were effective rifles, they each had their strengths and weaknesses. The SMLE's practicality in real combat was often hindered by its manual reloading system and magazine reliability issues. The Gew98, on the other hand, provided a smoother and more efficient experience, thanks to its sleek design and reliability.

Ultimately, the choice of rifle during WWI came down to more than just theoretical advantages. Practical experience and real-world performance played a crucial role in determining the rifle's efficacy on the battlefield.