Best of American and Europe: the Webley No5 Express New Army

Published on December 6, 2024
Duration: 14:52

This expert review by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons delves into the Webley No5 Express New Army revolver, highlighting its blend of American power and European double-action design from 1878. The video details its technical specifications, historical context within British military procurement, and comparisons to other contemporary revolvers, offering deep insights for firearms enthusiasts.

Quick Summary

The Webley No5 Express New Army revolver, from 1878, uniquely blended American cartridge power with European double-action mechanisms. Featuring a durable solid frame and a Colt-style ejector, it was chambered for potent calibers like .45 Colt, though it saw more private officer purchase than official military adoption.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Webley No5
  2. 00:43Design Philosophies
  3. 01:38Webley No4 vs No5
  4. 02:28The RIC Model
  5. 03:20Military Adoption Context
  6. 04:32Technical Features
  7. 05:58Mechanical Improvements
  8. 08:33Markings and Calibers
  9. 10:40Retailer Markings
  10. 13:00Obsolescence

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguished the Webley No5 Express New Army revolver from other 19th-century firearms?

The Webley No5 Express New Army, introduced in 1878, combined American cartridge power with European double-action design. It featured a durable solid frame and was chambered for potent calibers like .45 Colt, distinguishing it from lighter police models and earlier designs.

Why was the Webley No5 Express New Army not officially adopted by the British military?

Although officers often privately purchased the Webley No5 Express for its robust design and power, the British military officially adopted the Enfield Mark 1 revolver. Factors like the advent of smokeless powder and improved top-break designs also contributed to the No5's relatively short service life.

What does the 'ARMY & NAVY C.S.L. EXPRESS' marking signify on the Webley No5?

This marking indicates that the Webley No5 Express revolver was sold through the Army and Navy Cooperative Society (C.S.L.). This was a popular retail outlet for British military personnel, suggesting the revolver was a preferred private purchase option for officers.

How did the Webley No5 Express improve upon earlier revolver designs?

The No5 Express incorporated a Colt-style spring-loaded ejector rod for faster reloading, a significant improvement over some earlier mechanisms. Its solid frame design also offered enhanced durability for handling powerful cartridges compared to lighter, less robust models.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →