Britarms Model 2000
Britarms · Pistol · Discontinued · 1980
Also known as: Britarms 2000, Britarms 2000 Mk 2, Action Arms Model 2000
Overview
The Britarms Model 2000 is a British .22 Long Rifle blowback-operated semi-automatic target pistol designed for NSRA/ISSF rapid-fire 'standard pistol' competition. Built by a small British firm, it featured an adjustable trigger, adjustable rear sight, interchangeable Patridge front sight, anatomical adjustable grips, and twin charging handles reminiscent of the Walther GSP. A small lever on the left grip could lock the bolt slightly open as a safety. Production was decimated by the 1988 British firearms legislation that curtailed the target-shooting sports in England.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1361 g (48.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 279 mm (10.98") |
| Barrel Length | 148 mm (5.83") |
| Height | 146 mm (5.75") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 330 m/s (1083 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 141 J (104 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Bolt Hold Open Lever
- Features: Adjustable Trigger, Adjustable Rear Sight, Interchangeable Front Sight, Anatomical Adjustable Grips, Twin Charging Handles
Variants
- Britarms Model 2000 Mk 2 - Improved
Production
Production years: 1980-1990
Made in limited numbers by a small British company; production effectively ended after the 1988 UK firearms restrictions.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: Alan Westlake
Discontinued: 1990
Notes
Early examples had a reputation for unreliability; later Mk 2 pistols (mid-1980s onward) were built and improved by gunsmith Alan Westlake, an ex-GB International shooter, and were regarded as far more dependable. Imported into the United States by Action Arms in the early 1980s.
Background
The Britarms 2000 was a fixture of British smallbore standard-pistol competition, where five shots had to be placed on turning targets within a set time. Later Mk 2 pistols were hand-built by Alan Westlake and his daughter after he acquired and refined the original design.