The UK has some draconian gun laws right now, especially handgun laws, but this wasn't always the case.
Does anyone know what handguns were popular in the UK for personal protection from, say, end of WW 2 until the draconian laws kicked in?
You have the obvious Webley Mark IV, Enfield No. 2, and Smith & Wesson Victory model...all three chambered in 38/200 (a type of 38 cal round that predates the 38 special) carried in WW2, so I am sure a lot of those got into civilian hands.
But did many Browning Hi Powers get brought home, or bought new?
I always think of revolvers as more USA and small semi-auto pistols in 32 acp as more European, but does that trend hold in the UK as well? Were pocket pistols from the likes of FN or Beretta or Mauser being imported and sold in any noticeable numbers?
Does anyone know what handguns were popular in the UK for personal protection from, say, end of WW 2 until the draconian laws kicked in?
You have the obvious Webley Mark IV, Enfield No. 2, and Smith & Wesson Victory model...all three chambered in 38/200 (a type of 38 cal round that predates the 38 special) carried in WW2, so I am sure a lot of those got into civilian hands.
But did many Browning Hi Powers get brought home, or bought new?
I always think of revolvers as more USA and small semi-auto pistols in 32 acp as more European, but does that trend hold in the UK as well? Were pocket pistols from the likes of FN or Beretta or Mauser being imported and sold in any noticeable numbers?