Enfield revolver

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A 1930's vintage Enfield revolver, simple and double action.

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Enfield No. 2 Mk 1* with ammunition, double action only.
Photograph by Oleg Volk

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Close up of Mk 1* spurless hammer, and maker's stamp.
Photograph by Oleg Volk

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Photograph by Oleg Volk

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Photograph by Oleg Volk

The Enfield Revolver was a British handgun used in the Second World War.

History

After the First World War, it was decided that a .38 calibre (9.65 mm) pistol firing a 200 grain (13 g) bullet would be as effective as the .455 calibre (11.6 mm) round.

The British firm of Webley & Scott tendered their Webley Mk IV in .38/200 calibre. Rather than adopting it, the British authorities took the design to the Government-run Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield. The Enfield factory came up with a revolver that was very similar Webley Mk IV .38, but internally slightly different.

This pistol was designated as the Enfield No. 2 Mark 1 revolver and adopted for use from 1932.

Variants

Mk 1*

• spurless hammer,
• double action only

Mk 1**

• Simplified for wartime production in 1942.

The vast majority of Enfield No 2 Mk I revolvers were modified to Mk I* during WWII. The Enfield (and Webley revolvers) were not completely phased out in favour of the Browning Hi-Power until 1963.