William Ellis Metford

William Ellis Metford (4 October 1824- 14 October 1899) was a British engineer best known for designing the Metford rifling used in the .303 calibre Lee-Metford and Martini-Metford service rifles in the late 19th century.

Metford was interested in both firearms and mechanics from an early age, and was employed as an engineer's apprentice with the Wilts, Somerset, and Weymouth Railway in south-western England after he finished school. In March 1856 he was elected as an Associate of the Institute of Civil Engineers in 1856, and soon moved to India with his wife, arriving in 1857 during the Indian Mutiny. The next year, he was forced to return to England because of poor health.

Much of his work with rifles and bullets was conducted in the period 1852-1857; during this time he was instrumental in designing the Pritchett bullet for the .577 calibre Enfield Rifled Musket, as well as an explosive bullet and explosive shell which were adopted by the British Government. Metford was also involved in designing bullets and rifle barrels for target shooters, and his bullets designs were noted for their accuracy.

In 1889 the Metford rifling design was chosen by the British Government for use in the new .303 calibre rifles being introduced to replace the Martini-Henry, and in 1891 Metford received £6,500 in royalties from the British Government relating to the use of his rifling in military service.

William Eliis Metford died in Bristol, England on October 14th, 1899 after a number of years of ill health.

References

*Skennerton, Ian: "The Lee-Enfield Story". Arms & Militaria Press, QLD Australia, 2007. ISBN 0 949749 82 6