Article on the Webley & Enfield .38 revolvers of WWII

PALADIN85020 · #1 03-08-2011, 07:27 PM

For those of you who are interested in World War II combat small arms, you might want to see my most recent article in the April issue of Dillon's Blue Press catalog/magazine. It covers the British Webley and Enfield revolvers in caliber .38/200 as made during the war.

Here's a pic of the article, which is copyrighted to Dillon. Subscriptions to the Blue Press are available free from Dillon Precision by calling 1-800-223-4570. Hope you enjoy the information!

John

reddogge · #2 03-09-2011, 10:02 AM

Great article John. I've owned a Webley MkIV for many years now.

Texas Star · #3 03-09-2011, 10:39 AM

I had not previousy known that a Capt. Boys was the main man at Enfield responsible for the .38 made there. Was he the same man for whom the Boys anti-tank rifle was named? Anyone know?

I've only seen one or two of the commercial Webley .38's.
The finish was very good, if not as bright as on the older .455's made for Wilkinson's and the WG models.

The War Finish examples are rougher than an S&W Victory Model, which is often pretty bad.

Has anyone here shot the Webley or Enfield .38's? How do they shoot?

PALADIN85020 · #4 03-09-2011, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texas Star

I had not previousy known that a Capt. Boys was the main man at Enfield responsible for the .38 made there. Was he the same man for whom the Boys anti-tank rifle was named? Anyone know?

Yes, he was the same man behind the Boys anti-tank rifle.

John

Nick B. · #5 03-09-2011, 01:58 PM

The Enfield and the Webleys that I have shoot well.
They will certainly give you A zone accuracy at 15-20 yds
better if you have a good one.
The Webleys can have somewhat heavy trigger pulls.
The guns are all pretty old by now and many have been abused and not cared for, you have to be selective if you want one for shooting.

NB

BLACKHAWKNJ · #6 03-09-2011, 07:36 PM

One of my treasures is a near mint 1932 No. 2 Mk I.

Texas Star · #7 03-09-2011, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick B.

The Enfield and the Webleys that I have shoot well.
They will certainly give you A zone accuracy at 15-20 yds
better if you have a good one.
The Webleys can have somewhat heavy trigger pulls.
The guns are all pretty old by now and many have been abused and not cared for, you have to be selective if you want one for shooting.

NB

Usually, the Enfield has the heaviest trigger.

No worries: if I buy one, it'll be in top condition. But I probably wouldn't shoot anything bigger than a rabbit with it.

T-Star

pilgrim6a · #8 03-10-2011, 03:07 AM

Mine shoots very nicely. I do think the single action pull is slightly heaver than the dbl. action pull.
I load a .38 HBWC over 3.1grs of Unique. This load shoots to POA at 10 yds.
I have one 12 rd box of 1944 ammo. I would love to crono. these but....

Texas Star · #9 03-10-2011, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilgrim6a

Mine shoots very nicely. I do think the single action pull is slightly heaver than the dbl. action pull.
I load a .38 HBWC over 3.1grs of Unique. This load shoots to POA at 10 yds.
I have one 12 rd box of 1944 ammo. I would love to crono. these but....

Pilgrim-

Is that a five-inch barrel? (Most were.) Maybe it's the photo angle, but it looks longer. Looks like maybe a postwar commercial gun. It isn't marked War Finish, is it?

How did you find it?

T-Star

rond · #10 03-10-2011, 09:13 AM

I have a DAO Enfield that shoots pretty well. Trigger is quick and lighter than I thought it would be.

pilgrim6a · #11 03-10-2011, 07:52 PM

The barrel is 5".
I got it at a gun show several years ago.
It has import markings. ( CAI )
I agree, it is post war production. No 'War Finish' markings.
Also marked on frame 'SPF 53XX'. The general theory is 'Singapore Police Force'.
I gave $200 for it. Seemed a lot at the time, but looks like a great deal now!