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Pattern 1913 Enfield
Pattern 1913 Enfield
Pattern 1913 Enfield
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The Pattern 1913 Enfield (P13) was an experimental rifle developed by the Royal Small Arms Factory for the British Army as a result of its combat experience in the Second Boer War from 1899 to 1902. The weapon was to serve as a replacement for the Short Magazine Lee–Enfield (SMLE). An advanced chamber design allowed for a high-velocity .276 Enfield rimless round, which was more powerful than the service-issued .303 British cartridge. Introduction of the P13 was rendered impractical by the outbreak of the First World War.

Key Information

History

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During the Second Boer War, the British Army had been faced with expert Boer marksmen equipped with the Mauser Model 1895, in 7×57mm caliber. The Boers were able to fire at long range, sometimes as far as 2,000 yards, with the flat-shooting cartridge.[1] This experience prompted the War Office to develop its own "magnum" round in 1910, using a .276-calibre rimless cartridge. In August 1910, the Small Arms Committee, which had been responsible for the adoption of the Short Magazine Lee–Enfield, was asked by the Director of Artillery to produce a new specification for a service rifle. The main changes called for a Mauser-style action and a one-piece stock (a cheaper and more serviceable option).[2] In response, Birmingham Small Arms (BSA) submitted a design chambered for a rimless high-velocity cartridge. In 1911, the Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF) at Enfield, the British Government's design and production facility, produced a modified Mauser-pattern rifle for a similar cartridge, the .276. This rifle was presented to the Small Arms Committee on 3 April 1911 by the Assistant Superintendent Carnegie, and the Chief Designer Reavill.[3]

.276 Enfield (7×60mm) rimless bottlenecked rifle cartridge for which the Pattern 1913 Enfield action was designed.

Initially Enfield experimented with calibers ranging from .25 to .28.[4] The Pattern 1911 variant included two calibres; the .276 and the .256. The .256 was found to be inaccurate and the .276 was adopted in mid-1911 for further testing. Problems with pressure and jacket fouling in the bore resulting from the high velocity round led to the cartridge being redesigned.[5] Numerous changes to the rifle and the cartridge led to eleven Pattern 1911 and Pattern 1912 rifles being manufactured. At the end of 1912, it was decided to put the latest incarnation of the design into limited production for troop trials in 1913 and 1,000 were ordered from RSAF. By the end of 1912, 508 rifles had been completed, and by the end of January 1913, 1,251 had been manufactured. The rifle was distributed to the army as the Rifle, Magazine, Enfield, .276-inch. The trials took place in Britain, Ireland, Egypt and South Africa, by battalions out of Suffolk and Munster, as well as the 5th Dragoon Guards.[6] Upon the completion of field trials, the Chief Inspector of Small Arms recommended a number of changes, which resulted in a quantity of 6 improved Pattern 1913 rifles being manufactured between March and April 1914. The outbreak of World War I led to the abandonment of the effort to introduce a smaller calibre rimless cartridge for purely practical reasons. Adapting the design (with largely cosmetic alterations aside from chamber and extractor redesign) to fire the standard .303 British round led to the Pattern 14 Rifle (P14), which was fed from a five-round internal magazine by five-round stripper clips. Effective mass production in Britain during World War I was impossible, and many Pattern 1914s were produced in the United States. Due to the outbreak of war and logistical demands, the SMLE remained the standard British rifle during World War I and the Pattern 1914 never fully replaced the Lee Enfield. It was redesigned for US service to use the .30-06 Springfield cartridge as the M1917 Enfield rifle following the US entry into that war in 1917.

Design

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The Pattern 1913 Enfield was influenced by the Mauser line of bolt-action rifles.[7] Engineering concepts found in the German Gewehr 98 and American M1903 Springfield service rifles were combined with design features of the British Short Magazine Lee–Enfield Mk III service rifle. This rifle was about 5 inches shorter than its first design.[8] The design of the Pattern 1913 Enfield showed the emphasis on accurate, rapid fire emphasized by British Army training during this period. The adjustable flip-up aperture rear sight with a 300 yd (274 m) battle setting when folded down allowing rapid and accurate sight acquisition. The Mauser-type bolt had a low-profile bolt handle with an integral safety lug built into its base that locked in the receiver. It also had a large gas shield to protect the shooters eyes in case a cartridge were to rupture.[9]

The unusual 'dog-leg' shaped bolt handle has a low profile and places the bolt knob just rearwards of the trigger close to the firer's hand,facilitating rapid cycling and fire. Like the Lee–Enfield, the safety falls under the firer's thumb and can be operated silently. The action was configured to be easily operable, even when heated by sustained rapid fire, with slick operation, cock-on-closing feature and positive camming action when opening or closing the bolt. The Pattern 1913 Enfield bolt locking lugs had a 4 degree helical angle with matching angles on the receiver lug seats, which is also called interrupted threading. This means that final head space is not achieved until the bolt handle is turned down all the way.

The Lee–Enfield rifle also featured helical locking surfaces. Helical locking is a momentum locking characteristic when a screw is inserted.[10] This creates a friction fit when a screw is inserted so that the screw does not back out to any force on the gun or vibrations from the rifle being fired. The British probably used helical locking lugs to allow for chambering imperfect or dirty ammunition and that the closing cam action is distributed over the entire mating faces of both bolt and receiver lugs. This is one reason the bolt closure feels smooth. The angled lugs had no tendency to unwind with chamber pressure since the "angle of repose" of smooth, lubricated steel surfaces is approximately 8 degrees. One advantage was that when the bolt handle was turned up was that the lugs cleared each other immediately so full effort was applied to the extraction cam. The trigger had a mechanical interlock to prevent firing unless the bolt was fully locked. The nickel-steel action was large and strong and had a long bolt throw compared to other military service rifle bolt actions, since it had to be capable of handling the dimensionally large .276 Enfield cartridge variants, and the barrel was given a heavy profile.

This picture is an example of a bottom-hinged trap. This is a picture of an AR-15 butt plate with a bottom-hinged trap.

The entire wooden stock of the rifle was all one piece and the metal butt plate had a bottom-hinged trap.[11] These traps were used to store various cleaning items for the rifle. This was seen in Pattern '14 and '17 rifle productions but traps on the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield rifles were all top-hinged.[11]

The Pattern 1913 Enfield had no magazine cut-off mechanism, which when engaged permits the feeding and extraction of single cartridges only while keeping the cartridges in the magazine in reserve. It was a long and comparatively heavy rifle compared to the Lee-Enfield Mk III which weighed 8 lb 10 oz (3.91 kg) empty.

The Pattern 1913 Enfield is distinguished by unusual angled finger grooves on the fore end of the stock, which were not present on the later P14 and M1917. Few examples exist on the collector's market due to the small-scale production. Some Pattern 1913s were later converted to target rifles in the UK.

See also

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Notes

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Pattern 1913 Enfield

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from Grokipedia
The Pattern 1913 Enfield (P13), also known as the Rifle, .276, Pattern 1913, was an experimental bolt-action rifle developed by the Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF) Enfield for the British Army as a proposed successor to the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) Mk III. Chambered in the innovative .276-inch (7 mm) rimless high-velocity cartridge, it featured a Mauser-style controlled-feed bolt action with forward-locking lugs and a "cock-on-closing" mechanism to enhance accuracy, reliability, and long-range performance over the existing .303 British round. The rifle measured 46.3 inches (1,176 mm) in overall length, with a 26-inch (660 mm) barrel and an unloaded weight of 8 pounds 11 ounces (3.94 kg), incorporating a one-piece wooden stock, protected front sight, folding aperture rear sight graduated to 1,200 yards, and a five-round internal magazine loaded via stripper clips. Initiated in 1910 by the British Small Arms Committee following lessons from the Second Boer War (1899–1902), where Boer marksmen using rifles demonstrated superior range and trajectory, the P13 project aimed to modernize British infantry armament with a smaller-caliber, higher-velocity round delivering muzzle velocities around 2,785 feet per second (848 m/s) for flatter trajectories and reduced recoil. Design work, led by Enfield engineers including F.W. Newton, S.J. Carnegie, and E.R. Reavill, began in earnest in 1911, blending proven action principles—such as a turned-down bolt handle and non-rotating extractor—with retained Lee-Enfield elements like the rear-locking lug for smoother operation. A total of 1,251 to 1,257 rifles were manufactured for extensive trials conducted between 1912 and 1913 across the , , , and , evaluating aspects like accuracy, durability under rapid fire, and environmental performance. Despite positive feedback on its precision and robustness—outperforming the SMLE in long-range shooting—the P13 faced criticisms including excessive muzzle flash, chamber heating during sustained fire, and logistical challenges with the new .276 ammunition. The outbreak of the First World War in 1914 halted further development of the .276 cartridge due to production demands for existing .303 supplies, prompting a redesign in the proven .303 British caliber as the Pattern 1914 Enfield (P14), which retained much of the P13's action and ergonomics. Only six "Improved" P13 variants were produced in early 1914 to address trial shortcomings, but none saw combat service. The P13's legacy influenced subsequent British and American designs, notably the U.S. Model of 1917 Enfield, which adapted the P14 action for the .30-06 Springfield cartridge and became one of the most-produced rifles of the war. Today, surviving examples are highly valued by collectors for their historical role in the evolution of military rifles.

Background and Development

Historical Context

The Second Boer War (1899–1902) exposed critical vulnerabilities in the British Army's Lee-Enfield rifles against Boer forces equipped with rifles chambered in 7×57mm. British troops were frequently outranged, with Boers engaging effectively from long distances, often exceeding 1,000 yards, as demonstrated in battles like the Battle of Modder River on November 28, 1899, where accurate Boer fire inflicted 483 casualties before British forces could close to effective range with their cartridge. The Lee-Enfield's trajectory and velocity proved inadequate for long-range engagements, while its round-nosed bullet offered limited against dispersed, mounted Boer tactics, contributing to the British death toll of approximately 22,000, with total casualties exceeding 100,000. These deficiencies prompted extensive post-war analysis, emphasizing the need for improved ballistics to match continental rivals. In the early , European and American militaries shifted toward high-velocity small-bore cartridges to achieve flatter trajectories and greater effective range. The adopted the spitzer-loaded "Patrone 198" (or "s.S. Patrone") in 1905, increasing muzzle velocity to approximately 2,800 feet per second (fps) from the earlier 1888 round's 2,000 fps, enabling accurate fire beyond 800 yards. Similarly, the standardized the cartridge in 1906 for the rifle, employing a 150-grain at 2,700 fps to replace the slower , thereby enhancing penetration and range in response to global trends. These developments underscored the obsolescence of black-powder-era designs, pressuring Britain to modernize its service rifle. The Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF) at Enfield played a central role in addressing these issues by iterating on the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) Mk III, adopted in as a direct response to Boer War lessons. However, the SMLE's .303 rimmed cartridge, with a of about 2,400 fps, exhibited limitations in long-range accuracy and compared to emerging high-velocity rounds, particularly beyond 600 yards where bullet drop and wind drift reduced effectiveness. Post-war analyses by the highlighted the need for improved ballistics, leading the Small Arms Committee to initiate the project in 1910.

Design Requirements and Process

The design process for the Pattern 1913 Enfield was overseen by the Small Arms Committee of the British War Office, originally established in January 1900 to advance military small arms development, with the specific project for a new rifle initiated in September 1910 at the direction of the Director of Artillery. This effort at the Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF) Enfield aimed to address the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield's limitations in long-range accuracy and stopping power. Core requirements specified a Mauser-style controlled-feed with rear-locking lugs to enable smoother cycling and reliable extraction, incorporating a "cock on closing" feature for enhanced rapid-fire capability while retaining select Lee-Enfield elements like the rear-mounted magazine. The rifle was to accommodate a novel .276 rimless cartridge, designed for muzzle velocities exceeding 2,700 feet per second to surpass the round's trajectory and penetration, thereby boosting effective range and lethality. Under the leadership of RSAF Superintendent F.W.A. Newton, Assistant Superintendent S.J. Carnegie, and Chief Designer E.R. Reavill, the project advanced through iterative phases starting with conceptual sketches and single-shot prototypes in 1911, presented to the Small Arms Committee on 3 April 1911. Early testing evaluated .276 and .256 options, with .276 selected by mid-1911 for its ballistic stability after the .256 proved inaccurate; cartridge refinements followed to mitigate excessive and flash issues. Wooden mockups and initial metal trials refined the one-piece and heavy barrel configuration for manufacturability and . By late 1912, 508 magazine-fed rifles were completed, prompting an order for 1,000 additional units to support 1913 troop trials across Britain, , , and . In total, 1,251 Pattern 1913 rifles were produced at RSAF Enfield from late 1912 to January 1913, undergoing rigorous evaluations that informed key decisions on ergonomics and reliability. The design was formally approved in March 1913, with the first complete prototypes finalized by mid-1913, setting the stage for further refinements based on trial feedback.

Design Features

Bolt Action Mechanism

The Pattern 1913 Enfield's mechanism represented a hybrid evolution, drawing primary inspiration from the Model while incorporating select Lee-Enfield elements to balance reliability, speed, and familiarity for British troops. This controlled-feed system prioritized positive cartridge handling to reduce stoppages in combat, a lesson emphasized after the Boer War experiences with the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE). The core design featured two primary front-locking lugs on the bolt body, which engaged corresponding recesses in the receiver for a secure, primary extraction-resistant lockup upon closure. A secondary locking surface at the base of the bolt handle provided additional support, enhancing headspace control and overall action strength for the high-pressure .276 Enfield cartridge. Central to the mechanism's efficiency was a non-rotating claw extractor mounted on the bolt face, which gripped the cartridge rim from initial chambering through extraction, ensuring consistent control without reliance on spring tension alone. This Mauser-derived feature minimized the risk of double feeds or failures to extract, particularly with the rimless .276 round, outperforming the SMLE's rear-locking system's occasional vulnerabilities. The bolt handle, configured in a turned-down "dog's leg" profile and mounted low on the receiver, employed a cock-on-closing cam that fully tensioned the only during the latter portion of bolt closure. With a 90-degree throw, this placement enabled faster cycling—up to 15-20 aimed rounds per minute in skilled hands—compared to the SMLE's higher, rearward handle that demanded greater arm travel. The safety apparatus was seamlessly integrated into the bolt's rear shrouded cocking piece, utilizing a thumb-operated rotating lever positioned adjacent to the bolt handle stem for intuitive access. When rotated to the "safe" position, it simultaneously blocked the from forward movement and locked the bolt against rotation, preventing unintended chambering or discharge while allowing the bolt to be worked for unloading. This dual-action safeguard, refined from wing-safety principles, improved upon the SMLE's simpler sear-only design by adding mechanical bolt immobilization. A pull-style bolt release lever on the receiver's left side further aided disassembly and clearing without tools. Ammunition feeding occurred through a fixed internal box magazine with a five-round capacity, optimized for stripper clip (charger) loading to maintain the rifle's semi-automatic-like rapidity. The loading sequence began with the bolt fully open and the action spring uncompressed; the operator aligned a charged stripper clip over the receiver bridge slot, then pressed each round downward sequentially with the thumb until all five seated on the staggered-column follower, after which the empty clip was ejected by hand. The magazine platform, machined from steel in early trials rifles, rose to engage the bolt face upon depleting the last round, halting closure to indicate reload. Ejection mechanics relied on a fixed blade ejector in the receiver recess: as the bolt rotated counterclockwise to unlock, the extractor held the spent case rearward while the ejector imparted angular force to the case head, reliably flinging it clear to the right without interference from the low-slung handle.

Barrel and Stock Configuration

The Pattern 1913 Enfield featured a barrel measuring 26 inches in length, designed with a heavy contour profile to enhance sustained accuracy and facilitate heat dissipation during prolonged firing, particularly in response to the higher pressures generated by the .276 Enfield cartridge. This robust barrel construction contributed to the rifle's overall emphasis on reliability under experimental high-velocity loads, with the design protruding slightly beyond the fore-end to minimize obstructions in field conditions. The stock was crafted from , forming a one-piece main body that simplified compared to the two-piece of preceding Lee-Enfield models, while incorporating a separate full-length upper handguard for improved heat shielding and protection of the shooter's hands. This configuration included a semi-pistol grip at the wrist for enhanced and control during aimed fire, along with a semi-rifle butt ending in a buttplate equipped with a trap for cleaning tools, promoting stability in various firing positions. The forend design featured coarse chequering below the chamber area and, in some trial variants, four slanted finger grooves on each side to aid grip, though these were later critiqued for their awkward angle and omitted in subsequent iterations. Overall, the measured approximately 46.3 to 46.4 inches in length and weighed about 8 pounds 11 ounces unloaded, balancing the need for maneuverability with the structural demands of the experimental . These elements collectively optimized the Pattern 1913 for troop handling and endurance testing, reflecting the British War Office's focus on a rifle suited to modern combat doctrines.

Sights and Accessories

The Pattern 1913 Enfield rifle featured a rear sight system designed for both close-quarters combat and extended-range engagements, consisting of a folding ladder-type sight mounted on the receiver. This sight incorporated a fixed for battle use when folded down and a tangent elevating leaf that could be raised for precise aiming, graduated in increments up to 1,200 yards to accommodate the rifle's intended long-range capabilities with the .276 Enfield cartridge. The design drew inspiration from contemporary British aiming systems, such as those tested at the Hythe School of Musketry, emphasizing simplicity and durability for use. The front sight was a fixed configuration protected by integral "ears" or wings to prevent damage in field conditions, with adjustability for achieved by drifting the sight base left or right using a punch, a standard practice for zeroing the to the shooter's needs. This setup provided a longer sight radius compared to the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield due to the rifle's extended barrel length, enhancing accuracy at distance without complicating the for rapid . A dedicated Pattern 1913 was developed to complement the , featuring a socket-type nearly identical to the earlier Pattern but with a modified longer and muzzle ring to accommodate the P13's thicker barrel profile at the muzzle. The had a single-edged, clip-point measuring 17 inches in length, optimized for thrusting and slashing in close combat while fitting securely over the rifle's front sight and . Approximately 1,500 examples were produced by in the , with the majority manufactured under contract by Remington and in the United States during preparations. The rifle included provisions for an optional cup-type grenade discharger attachment at the muzzle, allowing soldiers to launch early 20th-century rifle s such as the H-series or similar projectiles for or anti-personnel roles, aligning with evolving that integrated small-arms grenade projection into standard squad maneuvers. This accessory, while not standardized for the limited P13 prototypes, mirrored developments in the subsequent Pattern 1914 and reflected experimentation with versatile rifle configurations prior to widespread adoption in later conflicts.

Ammunition and Ballistics

.276 Enfield Cartridge

The .276 Enfield cartridge was an experimental military rifle round developed by the Royal Laboratory at Woolwich Arsenal beginning in 1910, in parallel with the Pattern 1913 Enfield rifle, as part of the British Army's post-Boer War initiative to adopt a more efficient small-arms system with improved ballistic performance. The design aimed to achieve a flatter trajectory for enhanced long-range accuracy and reduced recoil relative to the .303 British cartridge, facilitating faster follow-up shots while maintaining effective penetration. This rimless, bottlenecked centerfire cartridge measured approximately 7 mm (.276 inch) in caliber, with a brass case length of 2.35 inches (59.7 mm) and an overall length of 3.23 inches (82 mm). It was loaded with a 165-grain pointed spitzer bullet featuring a cupronickel-clad steel jacket and a lead-antimony core, secured by six crimping indents, to promote aerodynamic stability. The cartridge was engineered for higher chamber pressure than the .303 British's typical 19–21 tons per square inch, allowing for greater muzzle velocity from a standard-length barrel. The propellant charge comprised 49.3 grains of MDT, a consisting primarily of (about 58%), guncotton (37%), and (5%) as a stabilizer, which burned progressively to minimize and ensure consistent performance. For ignition, it employed a large primer cap filled with 0.6 grains of priming composition, including fulminate of mercury and other sensitizers, positioned in a circumferential groove and cap chamber to provide reliable, positive in the forward-locking Mauser-style of the Pattern 1913 , preventing misfires under rapid cycling. The rebated rim design further aided smooth feeding from magazines into the chamber.

Performance Characteristics

The Pattern 1913 Enfield demonstrated superior ballistic performance with the .276 Enfield cartridge, achieving a of 2,785 feet per second that contributed to a flatter compared to the . This velocity enabled an of 800 yards, with a maximum ordinate (bullet drop height) of 18 inches at 485 yards, allowing for precise long-distance engagements within the rifle's design goals. Recoil was higher than the .303 British due to the cartridge's greater muzzle energy, and was reported as excessive in troop trials, contributing to handling challenges during sustained fire. This, along with prominent and rapid barrel overheating from the high-pressure load, were key criticisms that affected its suitability for use. In accuracy trials, the Pattern 1913 Enfield demonstrated high precision, outperforming the SMLE at extended ranges and showcasing the stability of its Mauser-inspired with forward-locking lugs and auxiliary rear lug. This level of precision supported the British Army's training doctrine for aimed fire at extended ranges. The bolt design enhanced handling by facilitating rapid cycling due to its smooth operation.

Production and Trials

Manufacturing Details

The production of the Pattern 1913 Enfield was conducted exclusively at the Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF) Enfield, the primary British government facility for design and manufacture. A limited run of 1,251 rifles was completed between late 1912 and early 1913 specifically for troop trials, with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 1,251; an additional six improved variants were produced in March and April 1914 incorporating minor design refinements such as strengthened handguards, removal of finger grooves, and an altered barrel band. As experimental prototypes, the rifles required extensive hand-fitting to ensure precision, particularly for the Mauser-style mechanism and internal assembly, where machined steel platforms were fitted to the receiver. Barrel production involved standard techniques of the , resulting in five grooves with a left-hand twist rate of one turn in 10 inches to optimize stability with the .276 Enfield cartridge. Bolt lugs were machined using broaching or milling processes typical for Enfield's high-precision work, emphasizing durability for the front-locking lugs. Markings on the rifles included the manufacturer's stamp "Enfield" on the receiver, the production year "," and various inspector's stamps such as over "GR" or broad arrows for government property; serial numbers were engraved on the receiver, bolt, and for , with examples including low numbers like 2 and 4 up to higher ones like 1,131. Some barrels bore proof marks, including a double "R" indicating rejection for safety issues during testing.

Testing and Evaluation

The Pattern 1913 Enfield underwent extensive military trials between late 1913 and early 1914, primarily at the Bisley and ranges in the , with additional evaluations in Ireland, , and . Approximately 965 to 1,000 rifles in various configurations were issued to and units, including the and battalions and the , for field testing during musketry courses and combat simulations. These trials assessed the rifle's handling, accuracy, and reliability under operational conditions, building on initial prototypes tested in 1912-1913. Evaluations by the School of Musketry at Hythe, the Small Arms Committee, and participating infantry units yielded mixed results. The rifle demonstrated superior accuracy compared to the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield, with aperture sights improving aiming precision and providing a longer sight radius for better practical performance at range. Testers praised the rifle's balance, smooth , and overall durability during extended firing. However, significant drawbacks emerged from the high-pressure .276 Enfield cartridge, including excessive that impaired visibility, harsh causing discomfort and fatigue, and rapid barrel erosion due to the propellant, which also led to overheating, , and occasional parts breakage. Reports from early 1914, including those from the Chief Inspector of Small Arms, recommended modifications such as improved grasping grooves, reduced flash, and cartridge adjustments to address these issues. The outbreak of in August 1914 abruptly halted further development and trials, as the British prioritized immediate production of existing weaponry to meet wartime demands without disrupting ammunition logistics. The Pattern 1913 rifles were subsequently stored in arsenals or scrapped, with the design influencing a scaled-back .303 variant known as the Pattern 1914, though the original .276 project was abandoned.

Legacy and Influence

Relation to Pattern 1914

The Pattern 1913 Enfield, initially developed for the experimental .276 cartridge, was rapidly adapted in 1914 by re-chambering it for the standard round, resulting in the (P14) with only minor modifications to the action and stock to accommodate wartime production needs. This evolution addressed the logistical challenges of introducing a new cartridge during the early stages of , allowing the retention of the P13's core design while ensuring compatibility with existing British ammunition supplies. Key features from the P13 carried over to the P14, including the Mauser-style with front-locking lugs for enhanced strength, the heavy barrel profile for improved accuracy and heat dissipation, and the rear sight positioned close to the shooter's eye for a longer sight radius. Notable differences included a for the Pattern 1913 bayonet, an adaptation of the modified to clear the front sight protector, and the elimination of the magazine cut-off mechanism, which had been deemed unnecessary in trials, further streamlining the rifle's operation. Production of the P14 shifted to meet urgent demands, with contracts awarded to the Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF) at Enfield for initial output, Birmingham Small Arms (BSA) for supporting manufacture, and U.S. firms like Repeating Arms under British government oversight; overall, more than 1.2 million P14 rifles were produced between 1915 and 1918, primarily by American contractors to supplement strained facilities. Unlike the P13, which remained an experimental piece limited to trials, the P14 entered active service during , where it played a significant role in , particularly as a due to its superior accuracy over the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield in long-range engagements. British and Empire forces employed the P14 in reserves, training, and specialized roles on the Western Front, contributing to its reputation as one of the most precise bolt-action rifles of the conflict despite not becoming the standard issue.

Impact on Later Designs

The design of the Pattern 1913 Enfield, through its evolution into the Pattern 1914, was licensed by the British government to American manufacturers Remington, Eddystone, and in 1916 via contracts facilitated by , enabling the production of over 2.4 million U.S. Model 1917 Enfield rifles chambered in .30-06 during . These rifles, adapted from the P14's Mauser-inspired bolt-action mechanism, armed the majority of U.S. troops entering combat in 1918 and demonstrated the P13's foundational impact on large-scale international military production. Post-World War I, elements of the P13's design echoed in the British Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I rifle developed in the 1930s, particularly in the adoption of aperture sights trialed on the P13 prototypes a earlier, enhancing rear sight precision for use. The P13's Mauser-style forward-locking bolt, aimed at smoother operation and improved accuracy, influenced broader British experimentation with bolt mechanisms, though the No. 4 retained the rear-locking Lee action while incorporating manufacturing efficiencies from P13/P14 production. The P13's .276 Enfield cartridge concept directly informed U.S. experimental trials in the , where the caliber was adapted for John Pedersen's design, submitted as a competitor to the and emphasizing reduced recoil for rapid fire. This influence extended to civilian applications, with surviving P13 rifles—limited due to their experimental nature—converted into sporters and target rifles in the UK and U.S., leveraging the action's precision for custom sporting use. Only a handful of P13 rifles survive today, with known examples including prototypes in the Royal Armouries collection at (serial numbers 2 and 4) and the Infantry & Small Arms School Collection at (serial numbers 3 and 1131), underscoring their rarity and historical value.
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