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Caprivi, commercial Lee Metfords and Lee Enfields (what we're generically calling "Lee Speeds" for convenience, whether or not they have the Lee Speed Patent stamp) were built on Magazine Lee Metford, Magazine Lee Enfield, and SMLE (Short Magazine Lee Enfield) actions. Only the SMLE-type actions had charger guides (you'll notice that Tinker's does not have a charger guide). However, the charger guide is useful to today's shooter becuase it makes it easier to add scope mounts without drilling into the rifle.

All Lee Speeds had the magazine cutoff, except for those chambered for the .375 Flanged Express. If you don't like the cutoff, it only takes a screwdriver to remove it.

To make a fake Lee Speed method #1 (the cheap way): I would get hold of a decent SMLE No.1, MkIII* and replace the wood with a sporter stock (hang on to the original wood; someone will need it someday). Remove the ugly military backsight and add some folding leaf express sights. For the fore-end and buttstock, the Slee furniture in the above post looks very nice, but it does not look much like a Lee Speed stock. However, there is no source of original or repro stocks that match the original Lee Speed pattern, so choose a stock that suits you. You won't have a true Lee Speed, or even one that looks like one, but you'll have a smooth, well-balanced attractive Lee Enfield sporter that is tastefully done in the spirit of the classic sporters--it will put bubba to shame and be a lot of fun to shoot and show off.

To make a fake Lee Speed method #2 (more expensive than buying a genuine Lee Speed): find a Long Lee action (MLE or MLM) that no longer has a barrel--please don't rip up an intact Long Lee--or as in the previous example, use an SMLE MkIII*. Find a Lithgow heavy barrel, such as were made by Lithgow from the 1920s to 1950s for Australian rifle clubs, and fit it to your receiver. (Thicker barrels, like the Lithgow Heavy and the Long Lee look more attractive on a sporter than the thinner SMLE barrel). Add modern express sights (the original BSA cape sights are no longer available), and pay someone to make you a buttstock and fore-end from scratch, according to the exact dimensions of the original BSA sporters. Add engraving, your family crest, and smooth-rounded 5-shot magazine, sliding tang safety, and refinish to taste.

Keep in mind that Tinker's action at the top of this thread was not a sporter. It was a commercial gun (still a Lee Speed) that matched the military service rifle in every way except its markings (although it was probably better finished and had nicer wood). Such Lee Speeds were made for Volunteer units (for private purchase) and for target shooters who required a gun that matched the specs of the service rifle. His action is a rarity, because it was made according to the pattern of the very first Gov't Lee Metford--a pattern that was soon replaced with improved models. It retains features--like that early safety--that were recalled and removed on the military versions. Because this one was a private purchase, the owner decided he would keep that safety thank you very much. However, somehwere along the way, he lost the rest of the rifle! There's a story there somewhere...!

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Researching Lee Speeds and all commercial Lee Enfields. If you have data to share or questions, please send me a PM.

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