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

The Last Stand of the Revolver

Welcome, firearms enthusiasts! Today, in the electrifying realm of TFBTV, we're diving into the curious case of Enfield's Field Number Two Revolver. Now, what makes this revolver stand out in a world that was madly infatuated with automatic pistols? Simple—it's the underdog, the economical choice, the rebel in the age of rapid-fire romances.

But hold on, don't be too quick to judge. This isn't just any revolver; it's a masterpiece born from the love affair between design prowess and financial pragmatism. So, why did the military, in a time when everyone was flaunting their sleek automatics, choose this budget-friendly bad boy? Let's uncover the mystery.

The Enfield-Webley Tango: A Dance of Design Drama

Enter the Webley, or so you think. The Enfield Revolver often finds itself mischievously twirling on the dance floor with confusion, often mistaken for its distant cousin, the Webley. Now, whether Enfield was a silent partner in the design tango remains a mystery. In typical Enfield fashion, they took a bit from here, added a dash from there, and voila, a revolver masterpiece was born.

Yet, drama ensued. Webley cried foul, slapping Enfield with a lawsuit demanding a hefty £2,250—equivalent to a small village in 1940s London. Enfield played their cards, claiming it's all public domain shenanigans. The court reluctantly sided with Webley, awarding them a mere £1,250 as a consolation prize. Talk about a showdown of design egos!

Under the Hood: Anatomy of a Maverick Revolver

Let's peek under the hood, shall we? This Enfield beauty is a classic British hinged-frame revolver, akin to its long-lost relative, the Webley. A stirrup block that's quintessentially British, ensuring a smooth operation with a satisfying click. It's a mash-up of design brilliance—the frame mirroring Webley, the lock work whispering cult secrets, and the cylinder stop paying homage to Smith & Wesson.

Chambered for .38 Smith & Wesson, it flaunts a robust structure that shouts, "I'm reliable, baby!" With its six-round capacity and a mechanical advantage that laughs in the face of mud, this revolver means business. But, oh, the controversy! The lighter ammo variants caused a stir, with rear sights getting a makeover for a different point design. Who said revolvers can't have a glow-up?

Size Doesn't Matter, but Lighter Does

Size matters, they say. Well, not for this Enfield darling. It's smaller, lighter, and packs less recoil than its pompous counterparts. The British military, not known for taking handgun affairs seriously, found solace in its simplicity. Sure, the 200-grain bullet might not win a marksmanship award, but it's the little powerhouse that could.

Enter 1942, the year of simplification. Double-action-only became the new black, as the era of single-action cowboy fantasies galloped away. No more fancy shooting from the back of a horse; it was all about rapid, instinctive shots. And guess what? They even kicked out the drop safety. Who needs it when you're too busy saving the day?

Final Thoughts: Enfield Revolver - The Maverick's Legacy

In the grand scheme of military romance, the Enfield Revolver may not have stolen the spotlight, but it sure left an indelible mark. From its controversial birth to the battlefield bravado, this pocket powerhouse had its moment. Good condition? It's a solid, capable service revolver that fits snugly in your hand. Bad condition? Well, let's just say it might wobble more than a tipsy reveler on New Year's Eve.

So, here's to the Enfield Revolver, the unsung hero in a world obsessed with automatic allure. It's the rebel yell, the budget-friendly ballad, and a timeless reminder that sometimes, in the chaos of innovation, simplicity steals the show. Cheers to the mavericks and the revolvers that dared to defy the odds!

And with that, dear readers, if you haven't subscribed to TFBTV on YouTube, you might be missing out on more intriguing tales from the world of firearms. A tip of the hat to our sponsors, Proxy Building Ventura Munitions, for making this journey into the heart of gun history possible. Until next time, keep the barrels hot and the stories hotter! 🔥🔫