Enfield MkII: Better Than the MkI, I Guess

Published on November 1, 2024
Duration: 12:51

Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons provides a critical review of the Enfield MkII revolver, detailing its design improvements over the MkI, such as a snag-free sight and simplified machining. He highlights its historical context, including markings for New South Wales and use by colonial forces, while also dissecting its mechanical flaws like cylinder locking issues and the 'bullet jumping' problem. The review concludes by noting its short service life and replacement by the Webley MkI.

Quick Summary

The Enfield MkII revolver, an update to the MkI, featured design improvements like a snag-free sight and better cylinder locking but suffered from 'bullet jumping' due to recoil. Marked for colonial forces like NSW, it was ultimately replaced by the more successful Webley MkI in 1887.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Enfield MkII
  2. 00:52Selective Ejection System Explained
  3. 01:45Markings & Colonial History (NSW)
  4. 03:28Design Improvements Over MkI
  5. 04:23Mechanical Updates: Cylinder Locking
  6. 05:50Maintenance Features: Disassembly
  7. 06:53Ammunition & Recoil Issues ('Bullet Jumping')
  8. 08:18The .476 MkIII Cartridge
  9. 10:15Production Numbers & Safety Accident
  10. 12:05Legacy & Replacement by Webley

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main design improvements of the Enfield MkII over the MkI?

The Enfield MkII featured a snag-free rounded front sight and simplified machining profiles for easier production. It also incorporated parts to improve cylinder locking, preventing free-spinning, though these were prone to wear.

What was the 'bullet jumping' problem with the Enfield MkII?

'Bullet jumping' occurred when recoil caused bullets to shift forward out of their casings. This could jam the cylinder action and was a significant reliability issue, partly addressed by the .476 MkIII cartridge.

Which historical forces used the Enfield MkII revolver?

The Enfield MkII was adopted by the British military and saw widespread use by colonial security forces, including examples marked for New South Wales (NSW) and the North-West Mounted Police in Canada.

Why was the Enfield MkII replaced?

The Enfield MkII was replaced by the Webley MkI revolver in 1887. The Webley proved to be a significantly more successful and reliable design, ending the Enfield's short service life.

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