REMINGTON Model 30 Express

A Classic Rifle Bar None

- Layne Simpson

In 1913, Great Britain’s Enfield Arsenal completed the design of a new battle rifle with the intent of replacing the Lee-Enfield in .303 British. About 1,000 Pattern 13 rifles chambered for the .276 Enfield were built for military trials. Like the Lee-Enfield, its firing pin cocked as the bolt was pushed forward and closed. World War I began during the summer of 1914, and when ill-equipped Great Britain declared war on Germany in August, the new cartridge was shelved, the rifle was chambered for .303 British and its designation changed to Pattern 1914.

Meanwhile, the Lee-Enfield remained in production and because manufacturing capabilities could not handle the addition of the P14 rifle, huge contracts were awarded to Remington and Winchester. In addition to producing rifles at its Ilion, New York, plant, Remington leased more than 30 acres of factory floor space from Baldwin Locomotive Works in Eddystone, Pennsylvania, whereas many as 6,000 P14 rifles were produced each day.