I recently acquired a British Enfield .380 revolver from a Gunbroker seller and on examination was surprised to find the scruffy looking finish was in fact black paint. The paint was well applied and seems rather durable, for paint that is. I recall seeing some Enfield rifles with painted actions and got to wondering if this may have been an arsenal finish or refinish on revolvers as well. The gun is otherwise in very good condition with no rust or pitting. Anyone have an insight into this painted Enfield revolver?:confused:

Can't remember for sure, but I think some were painted at the factory.

Bye
Jack

I am not sure, but I believe that the paint was also used by units to touch up worn spots on their guns. Certainly, I saw a can of the paint being used to touch up a .38 S&W revolver, once.

Well,I guess if paint was used for "touch up", then the whole gun must have been painted. I've seen photos of others which showed the kind of deep scratches that look like paint, guess it's better than rust.

A lot of English guns were painted at the factory. Resists rust better. They are parked underneath so that the paint sticks better.