The EM-2 was the result of a British research and development program looking for a replacement for the venerable Lee Enfield rifle after WWII. As with just about every other country on the planet, they were largely influenced by the German Sturmgewehr, and the program was built around the .280 Enfield cartridge. This was a good intermediate-power cartridge, firing a 140 grain bullet at about 2450fps – slightly more potent than the Soviet 7.62×39 and the “new” 6.8 Remington SPC.
The EM-2 used a long-stroke gas piston mounted above the barrel, and a locking system similar to the Degtyarev series of machine guns. Two flaps were mounted in the bolt carrier, and would pivot out to engage locking recesses in the receiver when in battery. The system was a bit complex, but effective and well sealed against dirt and dust.
Disassembly was simple enough, as the buttplate could be rotated up and removed, allowing the recoil spring, piston, and bolt carrier to slide out the back of the receiver. The safety was located in the front of the trigger guard much like the M1/M14 rifles, and the magazines were of the “rock-n-lock” variety, with an AK-like latch at the back of the magwell. The optical sight was fixed; zeroing was done with screw adjustments on the front of the carry handle.
The EM-2 was chosen over the EM-1 rifle as an standard service rifle as the No9 Mk1 rifle in 1951. Before it could be put into serious production, though, the government decided to indulge the US and adopt the new 7.62×51 cartridge instead (thus paving the way for the L1A1 rifle). A few decades later they would return to the bullpup configuration with the L85 rifle (which bears no mechanical similarity to the EM2 except gross configuration).
Damn shame about the rifle and more so about the cartridge. I love the 308 but the 280 brit would have solved the combat rifle issue we still are trying to solve.
This is great i was doing so much research on The EM2 finding old pics and just external ones but i stumbled on this and my mind exploded with joy thank you and how did you get a hands on with the EM2?
I’m glad it was useful info! As for where we got it…a gentleman never tells.
I was looking how you do working replicas do you think you could do one for the EM2? This would be brilliant (I might buy a deactivated one) Yes UK law is Very restrictive. Thanks
A reproduction EM2 isn’t on our list right now, but if there is enough interest in them we would consider it in the future.
What is the sight like? And what us that lever at the front of the cocking tube?
Chaz – if you’re referring to the left side of the gas regulator, that’s a flip-up backup sight post. Can’t answer what the sight picture looks like as I’ve never had the opportunity to see for myself – we have an EM-2 at the museum I volunteer at, but it only comes off display when absolutely necessary. Next time it does and I’m around, I’ll definitely try and get some photos though.
Thank you. My terminology with the EM-2 isnt the best. Where is this museum. and Can you tell me if there is a place in the UK I could see one?
It’s in Lithgow, Australia. I would assume there would be EM-2s in the UK, but I’m not sure where.
I’m a new guy on this conversation, but is there any reason why the sight picture on the EM-2 and the EM-1 should be different? The sights appear similar to me, and the EM-1 sight picture is published in the EM-1 manual.
That might be very true. I dont see why not.
Hello, I’d be very interested in an EM-2 replica. I’m a Corporal in the British Army Cadets so I know how the SA80 works, but I’ve always been fascinated by this weapon. I’ve never seen so many pictures of it before!
The sight has a downward pointer which gives a very clear picture even in poor light and is particularly good at picking out objects (such as helmet) showing above cover.
Although the EM-2 was an advanced design with an excellent intermediate cartridge, in reality it was not really ready for service. It wasa nightmare to strip with a very complicated bolt with many small parts.
i have shot a couple of different EM-2 rifles in different calibres and they perform well on the range, but in combat…??
Regards
TonyE
‘Ello. If replica EM-2s were to be made, I would also be very interested in purchasing one or two. I’ve always fancied owning one. There’s just something about it; maybe it’s a mixture of old/new designs to it.
And if you don’t decide on creating replicas, I don’t suppose I could be sent a copy of the machinists specs/designs?
– Dash
Hello forgotten weapons, I was seeing all the support for a EM-2 replica. I was wondering if you would be interested in making a small batch. Maybe 5? Thanks.
The bolt and receiver for the EM2 are both nightmares to manufacture – not something we have any plans to do. Sorry!