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History Primer 198: Webley's Improved Government Revolver Documentary | C&Rsenal

C&Rsenal
Published on June 25, 2024
Category: Reviews
Duration: 64:00

This video provides an in-depth review and historical analysis of the Webley Improved Government Revolver, often known as the Webley Kaufman. It details the firearm's design evolution, technical improvements over its predecessors like the Enfield Mark I, and its place in firearms history. The presenter highlights key features such as the single-lever top-break action, the Warrant-style lockwork, and various safety enhancements introduced over its production life, offering a comprehensive look at this significant British service revolver.

Tags

Webley Improved Government
Webley Kaufman
Enfield Mark I
476 Eley
Top Break Revolver
Warrant Lockwork
C&Rsenal
Victorian Era Firearms
British Service Revolver
Firearms History
Revolver Mechanics
Gunsmithing

Quick Summary

The Webley Improved Government Revolver, commonly known as the Webley Kaufman, represented a significant advancement over the Enfield Mark I. It featured a robust single-lever top-break action, improved Warrant-style lockwork, and enhanced safety features like an automatic battery safety and a cylinder locking bolt, making it more reliable and user-friendly for its intended .476 Eley cartridge.

Chapters

  1. 00:20Introduction: Webley's Improved Government Revolver
  2. 00:36Physical Specifications and Ammunition
  3. 01:05Channel Funding and Support
  4. 01:35Sponsor Spotlight: Ballistol Lubricant
  5. 02:07The Kaufman as a Nexus of Firearms Evolution
  6. 02:36Webley's Early History and Solid Frame Revolvers
  7. 04:14The Rise of Top-Break Revolvers
  8. 04:46Webley's Number Four British Army Revolver
  9. 05:36Jean Warrant's Lockwork and its Influence
  10. 06:25Thoron Duny and the Patent Transfer
  11. 06:47Michael Kaufman and the Improved Lockwork
  12. 07:20The Enfield Mark I: A Theoretical Marvel
  13. 08:04Government Use of Patents and Enfield Production
  14. 08:34Kaufman's Patent to Webley & Sons
  15. 09:18Kaufman's Unique Locking System Patent
  16. 10:04Webley Secures Lockwork Rights and Top-Brake System
  17. 10:15Targeting the Enfield: Selective Extraction
  18. 10:35Webley's Extractor Clutch and Arbor Sealing
  19. 11:20Spring-Loaded Button Arbor Release
  20. 12:13Webley's Improved Government Revolver Release
  21. 12:30Collector Naming: First Pattern Kaufman
  22. 12:38Cartridge: 476 Enfield Mark III
  23. 13:07First Pattern Kaufman: Rarity and Improvements
  24. 13:30Henry Webley's 1883 Patent and Lever Release
  25. 14:14Second Pattern Kaufman: Closer Examination
  26. 14:49Action: Single and Double Action, Top-Break
  27. 15:06Grip and Frame Construction
  28. 15:32Breach Sealing Mechanism Details
  29. 16:07Lever Operation and Locking Pins
  30. 17:28Simultaneous Extraction Process
  31. 17:51Selective Extraction Functionality
  32. 18:30Arbor Release: Push Button Mechanism
  33. 19:16Markings: Retailer, MK, Serial Numbers
  34. 19:52Webley's Winged Logo and Branding Evolution
  35. 20:02Serial Number Location
  36. 20:22Inspection Side Plate and Internal Access
  37. 21:17Internal Lockwork: Warrant System
  38. 21:33Cylinder Stop and Trigger Integration
  39. 22:00Impact on Number Four Revolver Production
  40. 22:28Prototype for Future Webley Designs
  41. 22:44Further Refinements and Shooting Issues
  42. 23:00Troubleshooting: Blowing Open Action
  43. 23:47Automatic Out-of-Battery Safety
  44. 24:01The Field Magazine Report (1884)
  45. 24:49Third Pattern Kaufman: External Appearance
  46. 25:10Unusual Arbor Release on One Example
  47. 25:52Sliding Block Safety Mechanism
  48. 27:30Comparison: Safety vs. Earlier Models
  49. 28:47Third Change: Rebounding Hammer Necessity
  50. 30:14Counter-Rotation Problem with Uneven Loads
  51. 31:11Firing Pin's Role in Preventing Counter-Rotation
  52. 32:17John Carter's Patent for Hammer-Tipped Locking Bolt
  53. 32:32Disassembly for Service: Main Spring Removal
  54. 33:47Further Disassembly: Trigger, Hammer, Bolt
  55. 34:38Delicate Design of the Cylinder Locking Bolt System
  56. 35:29Reassembled: Cylinder Locking Bolt Functionality
  57. 36:15Animation: Thumb-Operated Latch Mechanism
  58. 37:44Animation: Lockwork (Warrant System)
  59. 38:40Animation: Main Spring Functions
  60. 39:25Animation: Locking Bolt (Anti-Counter-Rotation)
  61. 40:06Animation: Extractor Star and Coil Spring
  62. 40:55Shooting the Real Thing
  63. 42:26Shooting Experience: Improved Government Model
  64. 42:42Comparison: The Field Magazine's Description
  65. 43:05Enfield vs. Kaufman: Shooter Experience
  66. 43:34Price Increases Due to Improvements
  67. 43:56Complexity and Henry Webley's Solution
  68. 44:461885 Patent: Stirrup Style Latch
  69. 45:14New Lockwork for Double-Action Trigger Feel
  70. 45:29Third Pattern Kaufman: Final Revolvers
  71. 45:55Kaufman in British Service: Limited Official Records
  72. 46:17Victorian Era Campaigns and Service Life
  73. 46:42May's Experience Shooting the Kaufman
  74. 47:14Ergonomics Comparison: Kaufman vs. Number Four
  75. 48:15Aesthetics and Grip Design
  76. 48:48Top-Break Latch: Single Lever vs. Two Levers
  77. 49:00Action Smoothness: Single and Double Action
  78. 49:15Warrant System's Power Band and Trigger Pull
  79. 50:01Lockwork Similarity: Warrant Style
  80. 50:31Trigger Feel Comparison: Kaufman vs. Swiss vs. Enfield
  81. 51:30Grip Feel and Support
  82. 52:57Lack of Palm Support in Bird's Head Grip
  83. 53:16Knuckle Height and Shooting Angle Debate
  84. 54:01Seeking Explanation for Knuckle Position
  85. 54:25Loading and Unloading Speed
  86. 54:43Grip Comparison: Kaufman vs. Enfield
  87. 55:06Hammer Operation and Single Action Trigger
  88. 55:21Official Name: Webley's Improved Government Model
  89. 55:44Latch Robustness and Safety Confidence
  90. 56:11Recoil Management and Grip Assistance
  91. 56:50Ranking: Kaufman vs. Enfield, Swiss, Number Four
  92. 57:22Single Lever Latch Improvement
  93. 59:10Manufacturing Perspective on Lockwork
  94. 1:00:06Future Webley Developments
  95. 1:00:32Acknowledgements: Andy Wade, Jonathan Ferguson
  96. 1:01:21Anecdote: Bike Fire and Lost Wheel
  97. 1:03:42Extraction Issues and Cylinder Rotation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Webley Improved Government Revolver commonly known as?

The Webley Improved Government Revolver is most commonly known to collectors as the Webley Kaufman. This name reflects its development and improvements upon earlier government models, incorporating innovative features for its time.

What were the key improvements of the Webley Kaufman over the Enfield Mark I?

The Webley Kaufman offered significant improvements over the Enfield Mark I, including a more robust single-lever top-break action for faster reloading, enhanced safety features like an automatic battery safety, and a more reliable extraction system, making it more user-friendly.

What caliber was the Webley Kaufman designed for?

The Webley Kaufman was designed to fire the .476 Eley cartridge. This cartridge was developed with a slightly larger bullet, intended to assist with the selective extraction capabilities of firearms like the Enfield Mark I and the Kaufman itself.

What is the significance of the bird's head grip on the Webley Kaufman?

The bird's head grip on the Webley Kaufman is a distinctive feature, though often criticized for its lack of palm support. It may have been designed for easier concealment and drawing, particularly for officers, rather than for optimal shooting ergonomics.

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