From the Vault: Webley-Fosbery Automatic Revolver

Published on March 29, 2019
Duration: 4:31

This expert-level examination of the Webley-Fosbery Automatic Revolver, presented by Brownells, details its unique recoil-operated semi-automatic action, a significant innovation for its time around 1900. The review highlights its historical context as a potential military sidearm, its availability in calibers like .455 Cordite and .38 Automatic, and its popularity in competitive shooting due to its soft recoil and consistent single-action trigger.

Quick Summary

The Webley-Fosbery Automatic Revolver is unique for its recoil-operated semi-automatic action, where the barrel and cylinder assembly recoils to rotate the cylinder and cock the hammer. Developed around 1900, it was intended as a military sidearm and was popular for target shooting at Bisley matches due to its soft recoil and consistent single-action trigger.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Webley-Fosbery
  2. 00:52Unique Semi-Automatic Action Explained
  3. 01:16Safety Features and Historical Context
  4. 02:10Caliber Variants and Notable Mentions
  5. 02:45Competitive Performance at Bisley Matches
  6. 03:22Contemporary Design Context

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Webley-Fosbery Automatic Revolver unique?

Its uniqueness lies in its recoil-operated semi-automatic action. Upon firing, the barrel and cylinder assembly move backward, which rotates the cylinder and cocks the hammer, enabling semi-automatic fire with each single-action trigger pull.

What was the intended purpose of the Webley-Fosbery?

Developed around 1900 by Major Fosbery, it was intended as a military sidearm during a time when reliable semi-automatic pistols were scarce. Many officers purchased them privately, though it was never officially adopted.

In what calibers was the Webley-Fosbery produced?

The model shown is chambered in .455 Cordite. An eight-shot version was also produced in .38 Automatic, the same cartridge used in early Colt automatics.

Why was the Webley-Fosbery popular at Bisley matches?

It was popular at the Bisley matches in England due to its soft recoil and consistent single-action trigger, which contributed to its effectiveness for target shooting.

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