Some firearms have interesting backstories; this is especially true with military firearms — many of which are designed to address a need, fill a gap, or overcome a perceived inferiority. It may be difficult to believe but the best bolt-action battle rifle of the 20th century, the No1 Mk III or SMLE (Short Magazine Lee Enfield), and its descendants were almost consigned to the scrap heap before World War I.
The British Army had
