The British Hand Cannon (The Webley Mk VI .455 Revolver)

Published on February 10, 2025
Duration: 16:09

This video provides an expert review of the Webley Mk VI .455 Revolver, dubbed the 'British Hand Cannon,' by firearms instructor Scott from Kentucky Ballistics. It covers the revolver's historical service, technical features like its top-break action and six-round capacity, and demonstrates its ballistics performance with heavy lead projectiles against various targets. The review also includes a comparative energy transfer test against a 1911 pistol.

Quick Summary

The Webley Mk VI is a British top-break action revolver, often called the 'British Hand Cannon,' famous for its service in WWI and WWII. It holds six rounds and fires .455 Webley, known for its heavy, slow projectiles that demonstrate substantial terminal performance.

Chapters

  1. 00:42Introducing the Webley Mk VI 'British Hand Cannon'
  2. 01:22Webley Mk VI Technical Features: Top-Break Action
  3. 03:53Caliber Discussion: .455 Webley vs .45 ACP
  4. 07:06Ballistics Testing: Terminal Performance Demonstration
  5. 11:35Webley Mk VI vs 1911: Energy Transfer Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Webley Mk VI .455 Revolver?

The Webley Mk VI is a British top-break action revolver known as the 'British Hand Cannon.' It served extensively in WWI, WWII, and remained in service until around 1960, featuring a six-round capacity and single/double-action firing modes.

How does the Webley Mk VI's top-break action work?

The top-break action allows the revolver to hinge open near the barrel. When opened, an integrated extractor automatically ejects all spent cartridges from the cylinder simultaneously, simplifying and speeding up the reloading process.

What caliber is the Webley Mk VI typically chambered in?

The Webley Mk VI is most commonly chambered in .455 Webley. While some were modified to accept .45 ACP, the original chambering is known for its heavy, slow-moving projectiles.

How does the .455 Webley compare to the .45 ACP in terms of performance?

In tests comparing the .455 Webley's heavy lead rounds against a .45 ACP from a 1911, the .455 demonstrated significant terminal performance and energy transfer, performing comparably against targets like canned goods and jars.

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Kentucky Ballistics

View all →