Variations of the .455 Webley Fosbery Automatic Revolver

Published on April 17, 2020
Duration: 12:00

This video details the variations of the .455 Webley-Fosbery Automatic Revolver, focusing on the Model 1901 and 1903. Key differences include cylinder fluting, barrel lengths, and internal spring mechanisms, with the 1903 model featuring a V-spring to address reliability issues found during British military trials. Late production models introduced a short frame for the .455 MkII cartridge and altered rifling.

Quick Summary

The Webley-Fosbery Model 1903 incorporated key improvements over the 1901, notably a heavier V-mainspring for enhanced cycling reliability and shallower cylinder fluting. These changes addressed issues like sand ingress that plagued the earlier model during British military trials.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Webley-Fosbery Variations
  2. 01:05Model 1901 Features and Variations
  3. 02:46Military Testing and Reliability Issues
  4. 04:01Model 1903 and Target Variations
  5. 04:32Technical Mechanical Changes in 1903
  6. 06:13Internal Spring Mechanism Evolution
  7. 07:31Late Production and the Short Frame
  8. 09:55Barrel Lug Variations

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main differences between the Webley-Fosbery Model 1901 and 1903?

The Model 1903 featured significant mechanical updates over the 1901, including a heavier V-mainspring to improve cycling reliability, shallower cylinder fluting, a lower hammer spur, and a top strap button for easier cylinder removal. These changes addressed issues found during military trials.

Why was the Webley-Fosbery Model 1901 susceptible to reliability issues?

During British military testing, the Model 1901 proved highly susceptible to sand and dirt entering its recoil mechanism. This contamination frequently caused cycling failures, hindering its operational reliability in field conditions.

What were the key variations in the Webley-Fosbery Model 1901's cylinder?

The Model 1901 exhibited variations in cylinder fluting. Early models had flutes front and back, serial numbers 100-300 featured deep rear flutes, and later models (post-400) were produced with unfluted cylinders.

What was the purpose of the 'short frame' and 'short cylinder' Webley-Fosbery models?

Introduced from 1912 to 1924, the short frame and cylinder versions were designed to specifically accommodate the shorter .455 MkII cartridge. This allowed for further weight reduction in the firearm.

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