[Old Salt]

Picked up a well worn Enfield pistol (cheap) and have a few questions. The bore looks great but the external finish is dreadful. What did they finish the guns with in 1943? Looks like paint.

The action seems to bind when the 3rd shot is fired like the fired case that has rotated down to the bottom binds again the back plate. There is some fore and aft (1/16") play in the cylinder. Could that be my problem. Have tried 2 types of 38 S&W ammo. Same thing.

Anyway, with the 38 S&W cartridge I guess you'd do just as well beating them to death with the butt of the revolver. Then again I'm one of those 45 ACP guys. Anything less is being underarmed.

 

[Austin]

Interesting pistols, but not the most well made guns, produced during wartime conditions. Usually they are serviceable enough. I think some were issued with a black railroad paint finish. I remember when Century was selling these for $ 49.95 delivered. I waited too long and when I ordered, they were out of stock. I think they are worth about $200 now.

Sorry can't help with the cylinder indexing problem. Maybe someone here has smithing experience with these ?

 

[reddog]

Just remember there was a war going on and Britain was fighting for her life so the finer points of fit and finish were sometimes overlooked. It's part of history my friend.

I have a Webley which is marked "War Finish" so the customer base won't think this is the new finish on their pistols.