Sterling & Enfield Conversions of Lee–Enfield No. 4 Rifles to 7.62 NATO: An Explanation for Certain Design Choices?

Abstract

Both the Sterling Engineering Company Limited and Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield proposed conversions of Lee–Enfield No. 4 rifles to the 7.62 × 51 mm (NATO) calibre in the 1960s. This article discusses a number of the design details of these two distinct conversions, and posits a possible explanation for some of the differences, namely on the basis of Sterling’s UK Patent No. 897,079. By making certain design choices regarding the charger bridge and ejector, Enfield managed to find a technical solution which avoided infringing Sterling’s patent, and hence avoided a legal battle that could have arisen from its 7.62 × 51 mm No. 4 rifle conversions.