Enfield No. 2 Revolver

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	Weapon: Enfield No. 2 Revolver Type: Revolver Country of Origin: United Kingdom Year Adopted: 1931 Caliber: .38/200 Webley (38 S&W) Action: Revolver Overall Length (mm): 205.0 Weight (kg): 0.00 Effective Range (m): 50

The Enfield No. 2 revolver was a standard-issue sidearm of the British Army, introduced in 1932 as a replacement for the Webley Mk VI. Chambered in .38/200 caliber (essentially .38 S&W), the revolver was designed to be more compact and lighter than its predecessor. It was a double-action-only revolver, optimized for close-quarters combat, and featured a top-break design with an automatic extractor for quick reloading. The No. 2 revolver had a four-inch barrel and simplified grips, aiming to make it easier to produce and use in wartime. Its design reflected a shift toward a lighter, less powerful sidearm for non-officer personnel and auxiliary troops.

The revolver was manufactured by the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield and various contractors, with production ramping up during World War II. An estimated 270,000 to 300,000 units were produced between 1932 and 1957. The Enfield No. 2 Mk I* variant, introduced in 1938, eliminated the single-action capability for simplicity and reliability in combat situations. It served with the British and Commonwealth forces throughout World War II and beyond, though it was gradually phased out in favor of semi-automatic pistols like the Browning Hi-Power in the post-war years.

The Enfield No. 2 revolver is remembered for its practicality and reliability, though its reduced stopping power compared to the .455 Webley was a point of contention. It gained notoriety for its service during key campaigns of World War II, including North Africa, Europe, and the Pacific. The revolver remains a notable artifact of British military history and is a popular collectible for firearms enthusiasts. Its role in transitioning British forces from large-caliber revolvers to modern sidearms marks it as a significant step in the evolution of military small arms.