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How the No2 Revolver Lost its Hammer Spur (A Correction & A Story)

Forgotten Weapons
Published on December 6, 2022
Category: Tactical & Gear
Duration: 12:46

This expert-level entry, drawing from Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons, corrects the historical misconception surrounding the removal of the hammer spur on the Enfield No. 2 Revolver. It details the official reasons for the 1938 double-action-only conversion, emphasizing training simplification and standardized trigger pull over the previously cited snagging concerns for tank crews. The entry highlights how misinformation can become entrenched through authoritative sources and the challenges of historical research.

Tags

Enfield No. 2 Revolver
Enfield No. 2 Mk I
Enfield No. 2 Mk I*
Double-Action Only
Hammerless Revolver
Firearm History
Military Firearms
British Military
Firearm Design
Training Simplification
Historical Misinformation

Quick Summary

The hammer spur was removed from the Enfield No. 2 Revolver in 1938 as part of an update to a double-action-only (DAO) model. The primary official reason was to simplify training by standardizing the trigger pull for all shots, making it easier for general issue troops to learn and operate.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction: Correcting Misinformation
  2. 00:08Original vs. Updated Design
  3. 00:19Debunking the Tank Corps Myth
  4. 00:54Features of the Original Enfield No. 2
  5. 01:10The 1938 Double-Action-Only Conversion
  6. 01:38True Reason: Training Simplification
  7. 01:52Official Document B2289
  8. 02:07Reason 1: Consistent Trigger Pull
  9. 03:15Reason 2: Increased Confidence & Safety
  10. 03:55Reason 3: Accuracy vs. Simplicity
  11. 04:25Reason 4: Training Streamlining
  12. 05:07Details of the Source Document
  13. 05:25Book as a Source of Error
  14. 06:08Curator's Role in Misinformation
  15. 07:15Origin of the Tank Corps Myth
  16. 08:04Why Misinformation Persists
  17. 09:14Personal Verification Mistake (Holster)
  18. 10:13British Document Accessibility Issues
  19. 11:49Conclusion: Hammer Spur Removal

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the hammer spur removed from the Enfield No. 2 Revolver?

The hammer spur was removed from the Enfield No. 2 Revolver in 1938 as part of an update to a double-action-only (DAO) model. The primary official reason was to simplify training by standardizing the trigger pull for all shots, making it easier for general issue troops to learn and operate.

Was the hammer spur removed from the Enfield No. 2 Revolver for tank crews?

While the Tank Corps did request a hammerless version in 1936 due to snagging concerns, this was not the official reason for the 1938 adoption of the double-action-only, hammerless Enfield No. 2 Mk I*. The official rationale focused on simplifying training and handling for all soldiers.

What were the official reasons for the Enfield No. 2 Mk I* DAO conversion?

According to British document B2289 from 1938, the official reasons for the hammerless DAO conversion of the Enfield No. 2 Revolver were: 1) Consistent trigger pull for simplified training, 2) Increased confidence and safety in handling, 3) Overall better accuracy and simpler use for rapid firing, and 4) Streamlined training for soldiers focused on other duties.

How does misinformation about firearms persist?

Misinformation about firearms can persist due to the difficulty of correcting printed materials like books, the reliance on potentially outdated or misinterpreted information from authoritative sources, and the challenges of accessing and verifying primary historical documents, as seen with the Enfield No. 2 Revolver.

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