LEE ENFIELD

The Lee Enfield rifle enters the historical record as a reliable bolt-action rifle from the turn of the 19th century. In addition, the airsoft Lee Enfield is popular among many historical reenactments and can be a fun bolt-action airsoft gun to run on the field. 

RWA, G&G, KTW, and ARES offer their versions of the airsoft Lee Enfield, each of which is available at RedWolf. 

What is the Airsoft Lee Enfield?

The Lee Enfield rifle was named for the American James Lee — who designed the magazine and bolt system — and the Royal Small Arms Factory in Enfield Lock, Middlesex. 

A shorter version, officially titled the Short Magazine Lee Enfield (SMLE) No.1 MKIII, entered into service in 1907. Although soldiers nicknamed this shorter variant “smelly” after the abbreviation, it’s rumored they were more fond of the rifle than the name let on. 

The airsoft Lee Enfield replicates the real-steel, bolt-action, magazine-fed rifle used by the British Empire and Commonwealth military forces. Officially adopted in 1895, the Lee Enfield remained the British Army’s standard rifle throughout WWI and WWII, until 1957 when it was replaced by the L1A1 SLR. However, over 125 years later, it still sees service in certain parts of the world. 

Airsoft players typically run the Lee Enfield airsoft replica in military simulation (mil-sim) applications or historical reenactments. Depending on the manufacturer, most airsoft Lee Enfield rifles replicate the same operations and characteristics of their real-steel counterparts. 

Tinkering players have converted a VSR10 to a Lee Enfield, but conversion kits aren’t readily available if they even exist.

How Does the Airsoft Lee Enfield Work? 

Most airsoft Lee Enfield replicas are either gas-powered or spring-powered. Airsoft gas-powered variants require a compatible magazine that holds a green gas reservoir and a valve that releases the gas when struck, while CO2-powered variants draw from a CO2 capsule, similar to airsoft pistols. However, unlike gas blowback (GBB) pistols, gas Lee Enfield rifles don’t deliver that realistic recoil.

Unlike gas Lee Enfield airsoft rifles with a hop-up and bucking, spring Lee Enfield airsoft guns feature a heavy spring that players must cock back each time they want to shoot. Doing so isn’t a big deal with a bolt-action airsoft rifle, but it can make it harder to produce follow-up shots, especially against an airsoft automatic electric gun (AEG). 

Airsoft AEGs feature a battery and gearbox that complement upgrades like a high-quality inner barrel.

What Are Some Popular Airsoft Lee Enfield Guns?

It’s hard to go wrong with a Lee Enfield. Below are some of the most popular airsoft Lee Enfield rifles RedWolf carries:

• RWA Lee Enfield No.4: This spring rifle features a real-wood stock, adjustable sights, and a faithful replication of the historic rifle. Check out our full video review of the RWA Lee Enfield No.4 for more details. 
• KTW Lee Enfield No.4 Sniper Airsoft Classic Rifle: KTW’s take on the spring-powered Lee Enfield features an adjustable hop-up, real wood furniture, and a gun sling. 
• ARES Leen Enfield NO 4 MK1 Airsoft Sniper Rifle: The stainless steel, spring-powered ARES Lee Enfield features a 35-round magazine, hard plastic gun case, and a direct BB-feeding system to make the internal action more realistic. RedWolf also stocks the ARES Lee Enfield with a scope and mount and the L42A1 sniper rifle replica. 
• G&G Lee Enfield No.4 MK I Green Gas Airsoft Sniper: This green gas variant incorporates a period-correct smooth bolt pull, three 10-round magazines, and faux wood furniture, alongside a shell-ejecting function. 

RedWolf is your go-to source for airsoft parts, accessories, green gas, and CO2. If you’re anxious to add something to your airsoft wishlist, check out RedWolf.com for the best deals and availability. That goes for the airsoft Lee Enfield, Kar98K, and many other airsoft platforms.