TOPIC:

Thank you all for your very informative replies.
If the MI carried rifles, would they have been shoulder slung as they would possibly be too long for a saddle holster?
Was the only difference between the rifle and carbine just the barrel length?

Thanks IanP

Frank
P/88 bayonets are now pretty scarce in OZ. Especially pre-Edwardian models. Really, like every aspect of small arms from that era.
IanP
The MI carried their rifles, muzzle up, with the butt held in a bucket attached to the saddle. A short sling from the rifle's forward band to the arm allowed the rifle to be rapidly pulled into action. I will dig up illustrations of the "Bucket, Rifle MLM"; a picture will beat a volume of words!
The mechanism of the Lee Metford/Lee Enfield Cavalry carbines was similar to that of the Lee Enfield rifle; however the bolt-handle was swept forward for compactness. The fore-stock was shorter and it had a full-length handguard. The Carbine's magazine held six rounds. The Lee Carbines are handy little jobs - and when I did a bit of shooting with one in the 60's, they kicked like a mule!
More later.
Regards
IL.

Sample Picture...… Mike

Detail of the Rifle Bucket from the official List of Changes.



In the past, I have seen some comment to the effect that the Bucket method of rifle carriage was not ideal. However, the arm sling meant the rifle could be quickly withdrawn and - anyway - the rifle could be easily carried across the saddle bow at any time when the man was mounted.
Regards
IL.