P14 Enfield

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	Weapon: P14 Enfield Type: Infantry Rifle Country of Origin: United Kingdom Caliber: .303 British Action: Bolt-Action

The P14 Enfield Rifle was a British-designed bolt-action rifle initially intended to replace the Lee-Enfield rifle as the standard-issue rifle for British forces. Developed around the high-velocity .276 Enfield cartridge, the P14's design featured a five-round internal magazine, a robust receiver, and rear-mounted aperture sights for improved accuracy. However, with the outbreak of World War I and the need to standardize ammunition, the P14 was rechambered to fire the standard .303 British round, allowing it to be rapidly produced for wartime needs.

Production of the P14 was outsourced to American manufacturers, specifically Remington, Winchester, and Eddystone, to quickly meet the British Army's demands during World War I. Approximately 1.2 million P14 rifles were produced between 1916 and 1917, making it a valuable supplement to the British rifle inventory. While it was not as widely distributed as the SMLE due to production challenges, the P14 was still favored by some British marksmen for its precision, especially as a sniper rifle where it was fitted with a scope for increased range.

The P14 Enfield gained a reputation for its accuracy and robust design, particularly among British snipers and marksmen. Although it was ultimately overshadowed by the SMLE in regular infantry service, the P14's legacy as a highly accurate rifle has endured, and it remains a significant collectible item for military historians and enthusiasts. Its role in inspiring the later U.S. M1917 Enfield also solidified the P14's place in firearms history, serving as a key transitional design during a critical period of global conflict.