1940 Enfield No.2 Mk.I* Revolver: Inspecting the Inspection

[jmoore]

Here's a revolver that apparently had extra scrutiny by the MoD during manufacture as many of it's components have the odd "'oo' in the broadarrow" mark. Having never seen such a plethora of view marks all in one place before, it seemed worthy of a photo thread for your own examination:


I liked it immediately and purchased it almost purely because of it's late type wooden grips. Additional pluses are the matched numbers and blued finish.

But then these little markings were observed:


In actual fact, they were misidentified at first as "sales" marks, but that didn't seem right as they seemed to be all over. So after arrivng home many hours later, it was discovered that they were additional inspection marks. Apparently used by the WD/MoD as spot check for production?

So, how deep into the works did the additional markings appear? The frame and barrel seem to be free of the "o^o" as do the springs (which mostly do have regular broadarrow marks) and screws (all free of any markings). Otherwise, the coverage appears fairly comprehensive:



Here's a group of small parts that were marked:



Even the cylinder stop/bolt was inspected. (It wasn't removed altogether to avoid having to chase the tiny coil spring down- never mind replacing it!)



There's plenty more. If interest warrants, more photos will be added.

Are there any of y'all that have similarly marked examples- either handgun or rifle?

Information

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[barbarossa]

Jmoore, the marking in question denotes that 10% of the parts in that particular batch were inspected before going into stores. Strictly a wartime marking, often seen on Enfield revolvers produced 1940-45.

[jmoore]

That's what i read in Skinnerton. Have seen it on individual parts before. But not in such quantity in one firearm. You would think that it's normally was a spot check on parts. Or, conversely, a weapon check, but that would only require one "o^o" on the frame or barrel, which this revolver doesn't have.




Note that the right grip is marked on both the bottom and on the "plate".

[Peter Laidler]

I have to say that I always doubted that this OarrowO logo was in fact a percentage check mark for the simple reason that after having worked on zillions of these little revolvers in the past, the actuyal fit of parts was absolutely diabolical. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that except for springs and pins, then nothing was a straightforward fit. Ok....., it'd FIT but to operate hand in glove with the rest of the action, every part required hand fitting. Especially sears, pawls and levers. Cylinder stops were something else! Interchangeability of parts wasn't something that the No2 revolver was renown among Armourers for. So I don't know what the OarrowO mark was meant to represent!!!!!!!

[Brian Dick]

I've seen the mark on Enfield manufacture replacement SMLE forends.

[sschoen]

Sir,
I have just bought one of these fine revolvers but it is missing the firing pin and retainer. Any suggestions about where I could find one?
Thanks,
Scott

[jmoore]

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufact...037.htm?page=3

Sir, I have just bought one of these fine revolvers but it is missing the firing pin and retainer. Any suggestions about where I could find one? Thanks, Scott

Numrich lists them, but is out. Check their site periodically. Another Enfield has to die for you to have parts, so availability is sporadic. Unless there's someone else with a stash, which is possible!

[Brit plumber]

I'd imagine that a gunsmith could make or covert one easily enough. There only made from thin sheet steel and then hardened. Unfortunatly the Webley Mk4 wont fit so dont try that one.

[mcguire1611]

I have a very nice No 2 Mk1 andi i would like to shoot it "BUT" I need a dang Fireing pin !
I would make one or have one made if i Had a Drawing of one . HELP Someone make me a Drawing so i can get on with it Thanks

[Peter Laidler]

Firing pins......... why doesn't someone do what everyone else in the known universe seems to do? That is get one, draw up a CAD pattern and get 200 laser cut. End of problem!