Enfield Revolver No.2 Mk.1 .380/200 History and Shooting Review

Published on February 23, 2017
Duration: 8:51

This review of the Enfield No.2 Mk.1 revolver covers its historical context as a British military sidearm, its mechanical design including variants like the Mk 1* (DAO), and its ammunition. The expert assessment highlights detailed knowledge of its lock work, production changes, and military doctrine, offering a comprehensive look at this classic firearm.

Quick Summary

The Enfield No.2 Mk.1 revolver served the British military as a more reliable and economical replacement for automatic pistols. It featured variants like the Mk 1* (DAO) for instinctive shooting and the Mk 1** with a removed drop safety for faster production. Chambered in .38 S&W/.380/200, its ammunition evolved from 200gr lead to 178gr FMJ, sometimes affecting accuracy and requiring sight modifications.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Historical Context
  2. 01:19Mechanical Design
  3. 02:59Ammunition and Ballistics
  4. 04:44Variants and Service Life
  5. 06:05Safety and Holsters
  6. 07:05Reliability and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary reason for the British military adopting the Enfield No.2 Mk.1 revolver?

The Enfield No.2 Mk.1 revolver was adopted by the British military as a more cost-effective and reliable alternative to the automatic pistols they were using at the time, aiming for improved dependability in service.

How did the different variants of the Enfield No.2 Mk.1 (Mk 1, Mk 1*, Mk 1**) differ?

The Mk 1 was typically single/double action. The Mk 1* was double-action only (DAO) for faster, instinctive shooting. The Mk 1** variant, introduced in 1942, removed the drop safety to speed up production during wartime.

What ammunition was the Enfield No.2 Mk.1 chambered for, and were there changes?

It was chambered in .38 S&W, often referred to as .380/200. Initially, it used a 200-grain lead bullet, but this was later changed to a 178-grain FMJ due to international convention concerns, which sometimes required sight adjustments.

What are common reliability issues with the Enfield No.2 Mk.1 revolver?

In worn examples, common issues include hinge wobble and binding. The cylinder lock-up, characteristic of its Colt-style action, is most secure only when the trigger is pulled.

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