The Webley revolver is an English pistol that was in service with the countries of the British Commonwealth (and the colonies) from 1887 to 1963. Its base is a tipping frame, which allows you to increase the speed of reloading and firing, as close as possible to counterparts equipped with drums recline to the side. Manufacturer - Webley & Scott. The first model was presented in 1887, was actively used during the Anglo-Boer confrontation. In 1915, a modification was released under the index MK-VI, which became widespread during the First World War. Consider the features of this weapon.
The performance characteristics
Revolver "Weblay" has the following set of characteristics:
- The main modifications are MK-4 and MK-IV-38/200 Service.
- The ammunition used is “455” and “38/200”.
- Empty weight - 1100/760 g.
- Full length - 286/266 mm.
- Stem rifling - 7 pieces with right-hand thread.
- USM (trigger mechanism) - a tipping double action.
- The presence of a fuse is not.
- Sight - rear sight with a front sight on the front of the barrel.
- The effective firing range is 46 meters.
- Starting charge speed - 190 m / s.
- Food - drum type.
- Cartridge capacity - six rounds.
History of creation
The Webble revolver in 1887 replaced its not-so-successful predecessor, the Enfield Mk-I & Mk-II, designed for caliber 476. Webley & Scott at that time was already known as a manufacturer of small weapons for officers and civilians . In tests, the modification under consideration with a self-extracting mechanism showed itself exclusively on the positive side.
In November of the same year, the model was adopted under the name Pistol Webley Mk. I. The first contract with the company was concluded for the release of 10 thousand Weblay revolvers. At the same time, the first batch of 2,000 copies was supposed to be ready within eight months at a price of £ 1.1 per unit. During serial production, the pistol in question has undergone several modifications. The most famous brand was the version of Mk-VI (1915-1923). All models were equipped with an opening case, half of which were interconnected by a hinge method.
Features
To reload the Webley-Scott revolver, it is necessary to fold the barrel down, as a result of which the body is refracted, and the six automatic spent cartridges are thrown out. The drum chambers were re-filled manually. USM pistol - double action. After firing, the receipt of the next charge was carried out automatically.
Initially, the release of these weapons was carried out with the expectation of a conventional cartridge of the type “455 Webley” and ammunition modification “38/200”. Recent modifications were discontinued in 1947. Distinctive features of the pistol are that it was produced not only for military purposes, but also in civilian execution with various design options.
Interesting Facts
The release of the English Webley revolver for the needs of the British Army was organized at Webley & Scott's facilities. Given the terms of the contract, at the peak of the popularity of these weapons, the company issued 2.5 thousand units per week. Later, production continued at the Royal Small Arms Factory.
In accordance with the requirements of the British Armed Forces , in 1929 a modification of the Webley revolver (Webley & Scott Mk. IV-38-200 Service Revolver) was developed. This version differed from its predecessor in small structural changes and the use of a different cartridge configuration. Among other advantages - light weight and more compact dimensions.
Device and construction
Structurally, the considered pistols are classified as weapons with a breakable frame and the simultaneous extraction of all cartridges in automatic mode. The frame is locked by means of a green system, which is a U-shaped mechanism in the form of a bracket, the upper crossbar of which captures the shank of a part of the core. On the right is a spring V-shaped device for a flat shutter compartment.
The trigger mechanism of the Webley-Fosbury revolver, like its "counterparts," is a trigger device with a double-action chipper. The weapon was powered from a drum containing six charges. The removal of spent cartridges was performed automatically after pressing the locking lever. In fact, after the barrel was refracted, the shot cartridges were pushed out with the help of a spring-loaded sprocket. In the same position, the pistol was loaded with new ammunition.
On the lower process of the barrel in front of the drum, horizontal protrusions are provided, which serve to facilitate the placement of weapons in the holster and to reduce the clinging to its edges by a clip. Other features:
- Aiming devices - open configuration with a semicircular front sight.
- Entirely - a cutout in the upper compartment of the shutter lever of the frame.
- The handle is trapezoidal, with a ring for the cord.
- Cheeks - made of ebonite, have a small notch.
Revolver "Vebley Bulldog"
The release of this model began in 1878. The pistol received its nickname for its peculiar appearance, it was focused mainly on a commercial purpose (for self-defense of citizens). He was also associated with a well-known breed of dogs, which were considered reliable home guards, although they did not differ in gigantic sizes. The model had a caliber for an 11 mm cartridge. The British Bulldog revolver was equipped with a one-piece frame with a shortened barrel. The cross section of the barrel was larger than the state compartment. In its upper part, an aiming bar was provided.
The weapon was equipped with a five-shot drum of a removable configuration, a retainer, which fixed the clip when it was lifted from the bottom of the frame while pressing and cocking the trigger. Charging weapons was carried out through a special folding door on the right side of the frame.
Exploitation
A variety of modifications of the British Bulldog revolvers, produced in 1878 - 1914, were intended primarily for commercial sale. However, these models were often used by police or military officers. The weapon quickly gained popularity due to its simplicity, reliability and low maintenance. Pistols were notable for their power in close combat, as well as stealth when worn.