Variations of the .455 Webley Fosbery Automatic Revolver

Published on April 17, 2020
Duration: 12:00

This video provides an in-depth look at the variations of the .455 Webley-Fosbery Automatic Revolver, presented by Ian McCollum. It details the mechanical evolution from the Model 1901 to the Model 1903, focusing on changes to the internal spring mechanisms, cylinder fluting, and barrel designs. The analysis highlights military trial feedback that drove design improvements for reliability, particularly concerning susceptibility to dirt.

Quick Summary

Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons meticulously details the variations of the .455 Webley-Fosbery Automatic Revolver, focusing on the evolution from the Model 1901 to the Model 1903. Key improvements included a more robust V-spring mechanism to enhance reliability against dirt and sand, shallower cylinder fluting, and design adjustments based on military trial feedback.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Webley-Fosbery Variations
  2. 01:05Model 1901 Features and Variations
  3. 02:46Military Testing and Reliability Issues
  4. 04:01Model 1903 and Target Variations
  5. 04:32Technical Mechanical Changes in 1903
  6. 06:13Internal Spring Mechanism Evolution
  7. 07:31Late Production and the Short Frame
  8. 09:55Barrel Lug Variations

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main models of the Webley-Fosbery Automatic Revolver discussed?

The primary models detailed are the Webley-Fosbery Model 1901, the rare .38 caliber Model 1902, and the improved Model 1903, including its Target variant. The video focuses heavily on the .455 caliber versions.

Why did the Webley-Fosbery design evolve from the Model 1901 to the Model 1903?

The evolution was driven by military trials where the Model 1901 proved susceptible to dirt and sand jamming its automatic cycling mechanism. The Model 1903 incorporated a stronger V-spring and other refinements to enhance reliability under adverse conditions.

What were the key mechanical differences between the Model 1901 and Model 1903 Webley-Fosbery?

The most significant change was the replacement of the Model 1901's coil spring with the Model 1903's heavier V-spring. Other updates included shallower cylinder fluting, a lower hammer spur, and modifications to the trigger and top strap.

What is the significance of the 'short frame' Webley-Fosbery variant?

Introduced around 1912, the short frame and cylinder version was designed to specifically accommodate the shorter .455 MkII cartridge, leading to a lighter and more compact firearm. These models also featured 6-groove rifling.

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