History Primer 178: Webley No.5 Army Express Documentary

Published on May 30, 2023
Duration: 54:55

This documentary provides an in-depth look at the Webley No.5 New Model Army Express revolver. It details the historical context, technical specifications, and evolution of this solid-frame, triple-action revolver. The analysis highlights its design compromises for cost-effectiveness and its service history, particularly in Southern Africa, concluding it was a rugged, albeit mechanically simplified, choice for colonial use.

Quick Summary

The Webley No.5 New Model Army Express is a solid-frame, triple-action revolver with an 11-inch length and 2.4 lbs weight, chambered in calibers like .450 Adams and .455 Enfield. It featured a simplified design for cost and durability, making it suitable for colonial service, particularly in Southern Africa.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Webley No.5
  2. 00:39Technical Specifications Overview
  3. 02:45Historical Context: The Adams Legacy
  4. 03:24Philip Webley and the RIC Market
  5. 04:16Military Competition and the Enfield Adoption
  6. 07:25Evolution of the Webley No.5
  7. 11:16Mechanical Features and Safeties
  8. 13:58The New Model Army Express
  9. 20:09Service History in South Africa
  10. 23:51Range Performance and Final Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the key specifications of the Webley No.5 New Model Army Express?

The Webley No.5 New Model Army Express featured an 11-inch overall length, weighed 2.4 lbs, and was a six-shot, gate-loading revolver. Common chamberings included .450 Adams, .455 Enfield Mark II, and .476 Enfield Mark III, with singular ejection via a fixed rod.

How did the Webley No.5 New Model differ from earlier versions?

The New Model No.5 adopted a squared-off frame and barrel for easier manufacturing and a more durable two-piece 'saw-handle' grip. It also simplified cylinder indexing and removed the auto-rebounding hammer feature found in some earlier models.

Where did the Webley No.5 see significant service?

The Webley No.5 Army Express saw considerable use in Southern Africa, being adopted by the Transvaal government and the Cape Police. Markings like 'OVS' and 'CP' are common on examples that served through the Boer War.

Was the Webley No.5 considered a technological advancement?

While incorporating some safety patents, the New Model No.5 represented a deliberate technological step backward in terms of mechanical complexity compared to some predecessors. This simplification was driven by cost-effectiveness and a need for ruggedness in colonial service.

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