History of WWI Primer 060: British Webley Self Loader Mk I N Documentary

Published on September 26, 2017
Duration: 49:03

This documentary explores the Webley Self Loader Mk I N, Britain's first adopted automatic pistol, detailing its development from the Mars Automatic and its adherence to strict 1903 military requirements. It highlights the pistol's innovative but complex locking system, the development of the .455 Self Loading cartridge, and its limited WWI service due to high production costs and sensitivity to harsh conditions. The review includes technical specifications, field stripping demonstrations, and range testing.

Quick Summary

The Webley Self Loader Mk I N was Britain's first adopted automatic pistol, featuring a unique rising block locking system and chambered in .455 Self Loading. Despite its innovative design, high production costs and sensitivity to environmental conditions limited its widespread service during WWI.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Webley Self Loader Mk I N
  2. 00:43Technical Specifications
  3. 01:11Early Development: Mars Automatic
  4. 03:02Webley-Fosbery & Military Needs
  5. 04:561903 Military Requirements
  6. 06:491904 Patent & Design Evolution
  7. 11:15The .455 Self Loading Cartridge
  8. 11:471904 Trials & Setbacks
  9. 14:441906 Patent: Revolutionary Breech Lock
  10. 16:481909 Trials & Navy Interest
  11. 21:10Adoption and WWI Service
  12. 23:58Field Stripping & Mechanism
  13. 26:32Range Testing & Impressions
  14. 31:12Historical Legacy & Fate

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the Webley Self Loader Mk I N significant in firearms history?

The Webley Self Loader Mk I N holds historical significance as Britain's first adopted automatic pistol. Its development involved refining earlier designs and meeting stringent military requirements for reliability and stopping power, marking a key step in the transition from revolvers to semi-automatic handguns for military forces.

What were the key technical specifications of the Webley Self Loader Mk I N?

The Webley Self Loader Mk I N has an overall length of 8.5 inches and weighs 2.5 pounds. It is chambered in .455 Self Loading (.455 Auto) and features a 7-round detachable single-stack magazine, utilizing a unique rising block locking system.

Why did the Webley Self Loader Mk I N see limited service despite its adoption?

Limited service was primarily due to high production costs, making it more expensive than competitors like the Colt 1911. Additionally, its sensitivity to environmental factors like mud and sand, common in trench warfare, hindered its reliability in the field.

What cartridge did the Webley Self Loader Mk I N use?

The pistol was chambered for a newly developed .455 Self Loading cartridge. This was a rimless (technically semi-rimmed) round derived from the .455 Webley revolver cartridge but shortened to function in an automatic pistol mechanism.

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