Prototype Webley 1910 Pistol

Published on February 24, 2015
Duration: 6:56

This video provides an in-depth look at a rare prototype Webley 1910 pistol, a 9mm semi-automatic firearm developed for military and police use. The presenter, Ian from Forgotten Weapons, details its short recoil operation with a unique dropping barrel mechanism, its hammer-fired action, and its testing by the London Metropolitan Police. The pistol fired a 130-grain bullet at approximately 1,040 feet per second, indicating a significant cartridge for its time.

Quick Summary

The prototype Webley 1910 pistol was a 9mm semi-automatic firearm developed for military and police use, featuring a short recoil operation with a unique dropping barrel mechanism. It was tested by the London Metropolitan Police but not adopted. This specific prototype is notable for lacking a grip safety, which was standard on most production models.

Chapters

  1. 00:19Introduction & Location
  2. 00:31Comparison to 1904 Webley
  3. 00:53Webley's Return to Pistol Design
  4. 01:07Caliber Considerations & International Interest
  5. 01:42Development of the 1910 Model
  6. 02:01Unusual Prototype Features
  7. 02:26London Metropolitan Police Testing
  8. 02:51Police Requirements for Heavy Pistols
  9. 03:12Police Adoption Decision
  10. 03:31Cartridge Performance
  11. 03:48Design Evolution
  12. 03:55Dropping Barrel Mechanism Explained
  13. 04:13Short Recoil Operation
  14. 04:28Extractor and Lock Open Feature
  15. 04:40Internal Frame and Slide Design
  16. 04:50Safety Lever Operation
  17. 05:20Grip Safety Omission
  18. 05:31Disassembly Limitations & Hammer Type
  19. 05:42Automatic Slide Drop Feature
  20. 05:58Ergonomics and Sights
  21. 06:10Potential as a Service Pistol
  22. 06:17Auction Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber was the prototype Webley 1910 pistol designed for?

The prototype Webley 1910 pistol was primarily designed for 9mm caliber. While the British military had a .455 caliber requirement, Webley targeted other international markets that were open to 9mm firearms for military and police use.

How did the Webley 1910 operate mechanically?

The Webley 1910 operated using a short recoil system. A distinctive feature was its dropping barrel mechanism, where the barrel would drop slightly during the recoil cycle to unlock the slide, allowing it to cycle.

Was the Webley 1910 adopted by any police forces?

The Webley 1910 was tested by the London Metropolitan Police Department for their heavy pistol requirement. However, they ultimately did not adopt it, opting instead for a smaller .32 caliber Webley and Scott pistol for their standard armed constables.

What made this specific prototype Webley 1910 unusual?

This particular prototype Webley 1910 is unusual because it lacks a grip safety. The vast majority of the production versions of the Model 1910 Webley were equipped with a grip safety as a standard feature.

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