I don't follow ya Marrakai. What's the difference between a factory sporter and a Lee Speed?

I'm not asking anyone else to follow my definition. I'm just describing how I use the term "Lee Speed," which is a Lee Metford or Lee Enfield that was originally made for sale to civilians.

Such a rifle made in say, 1899, would say "Lee Speed Patents", but an identical one made ten years later would lack that stamp. To me, those are both Lee Speeds. If others disagree, I'm OK with that. It's just a generic shorthand reference anyway, to make conversation easier. There was never an official model called a "Lee Speed."

I put Gov't surplus in a different category. But I agree that all Lee Metfords and Lee Enfields from the heyday of the Empire are marvelous things!

BTW, I sent you a PM some while back. Not sure if it went through. Feel free to PM me.

Cheers!