Lee-Enfield No. 5 Carbine

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	Weapon: Lee-Enfield No. 5 Carbine Type: Carbine Country of Origin: United Kingdom Caliber: .303 British Action: Bolt-Action

The Lee-Enfield No. 5 Carbine, commonly known as the "Jungle Carbine," was developed during World War II to provide British and Commonwealth forces with a lighter, more compact rifle suited for jungle and close-quarters combat. Based on the No. 4 rifle, the No. 5 featured a shortened barrel, flash hider, and lighter woodwork, weighing approximately one pound less than its predecessor. Chambered in .303 British, it maintained the ten-round magazine and fast bolt-action that defined the Lee-Enfield series, though its reduced length and weight led to increased recoil.

Production of the No. 5 began in 1944, with manufacturing primarily undertaken at the Royal Ordnance Factories in Fazakerley, UK, and by BSA (Birmingham Small Arms Company). Despite high expectations, the No. 5 was produced in relatively limited numbers, with approximately 250,000 units made before production ceased in 1947. Its service was focused in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, where soldiers appreciated its portability in dense jungle environments, though complaints about excessive recoil and a phenomenon known as "wandering zero" - where the rifle would lose accuracy over time - limited its popularity and production run.

The No. 5 Carbine gained a lasting reputation as a unique variation within the Lee-Enfield series, praised for its lightweight design yet criticized for issues with accuracy and recoil. Though quickly retired from front-line service, it has become a popular collectible due to its distinct design and association with WWII's later years and postwar conflicts. The No. 5's unique profile, historical significance, and limited production have earned it a special place among military rifles, with enthusiasts valuing its role as one of the last bolt-action carbines developed by the British Army.