Enfield double action .476 in Mk I self-extracting revolver, 1880

Although the British Army had purchased revolvers from Colt and Adams from 1854 onwards, the standard of workmanship was heavily criticised. Accordingly, after trials in the 1870s, a self-extracting revolver was produced at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield and adopted in 1880.

The design was criticised in turn and a modified weapon, the Mark II, was introduced in 1882. Never popular, the Enfield was a clumsy weapon although its large bullet was effective. After Lord Wolseley, then Adjutant-General, joined in the criticism in 1886 the Enfield was soon replaced by the Webley Mark I revolver and most Enfields were relegated to colonial use.