THURSDAY, 1 JA N UARY 2026 detractors and those impacted by it did not fully realise the impending consequences. At the time, the Factory was embarking on trialing and manufacturing the F88 Steyr rifle, while its workforce was around 600 people. The Small Arms Factory name disappeared and in its place ADI emerged. In late 1999, ADI was sold to the commercial interests of Transfield and Thompson-CSF. Ownership changed again when in 2006, the French based Thales Group acquired the facilities and assets, which remain in their hands to this day. The Thales Group at the Lithgow site continues to manufacture the F90 Steyr rifle (an upgraded version of the F88), and almost 200 people are employed there by Thales. AI Overview—The Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) .303 inch rifle, like the iconic Mk III and No. 4 models, was a bolt-action rifle chambered in .303 British, serving as the primary firearm for British and Commonwealth forces through both World Wars, famous for its rapid fire capability and reliability, despite initial criticism for its shorter barrel compared to contemporary Mausers, proving highly effective in combat.
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1.Buttplate, incorporating butt-trap access plate 2.Butt-trap containing barrel pull-through 3.Rear sling swivel 4.Stock (butt) 5.Stock Bolt 6.Rear hand-guard retaining ring 7.Hand-guard rear
8.Lower band 9.Lower sling swivel 10.Hand-guard, front 11.Foreend woodwork 12.Barrel exposing rifling 13. Upper Band 14.Foresight protector and foresight 15.Muzzle
Weight: 8.8pounds Length:44 inches Barrel length:25.2 inches Cartridge: .303 Mk VII SAA ball Muzzle Velocity: 550 yards Maximum range:3,000 yards
Key Characteristics: Action: Bolt-action, magazine-fed repeating rifle. Caliber: .303 British. Design: A shorter, more compact version of the original Lee-Enfield, intended to replace both infantry rifles and cavalry carbines. Magazine: Typically used a 10-round box magazine, fed by 5-round chargers (stripper clips). Variants: Key models include the Mk III (WWI standard) and the simplified No. 4 Mk I, designed for easier mass production in WWII.
Maggie Marriott's nom de guerre
Maggie Marriott
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