Webley 1913 Semiauto Pistol: History and Disassembly

Published on May 25, 2017
Duration: 22:52

The Webley 1913 was the only semi-automatic pistol adopted by the British military during WWI, designed by William Whiting. It underwent rigorous testing, including endurance and environmental trials, proving highly reliable. The Royal Navy adopted it in 1912, with production numbers reaching over 8,000 military units.

Quick Summary

The Webley 1913 was the only semi-automatic pistol adopted by the British military during WWI. Designed by William Whiting, it passed rigorous torture tests, including extensive firing and environmental exposure, proving highly reliable. The Royal Navy adopted it in 1912, with over 8,000 military units produced.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Early History
  2. 01:26Military Trials & Development
  3. 03:10Torture Testing & Service Rivalry
  4. 06:06Adoption & Production Numbers
  5. 10:45Technical Features & Markings
  6. 15:31The .455 Webley Self-Loading Cartridge
  7. 18:03Disassembly & Internal Mechanics

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the Webley 1913 pistol unique among British military firearms of WWI?

The Webley 1913 was the only semi-automatic pistol officially adopted by the British military during World War I. It was designed by William Whiting and underwent extensive testing to prove its reliability and durability.

How did the Webley 1913 perform in military trials?

The Webley 1913 excelled in rigorous military trials, including firing over 1,200 rounds and enduring tests like submersion in water and drop tests. It demonstrated exceptional reliability and accuracy, outperforming competitors like the Colt 1905.

What cartridge did the Webley 1913 use, and how did it differ from revolver rounds?

The Webley 1913 used the .455 Webley Self-Loading cartridge, which was distinct from the .455 Webley Revolver round. The auto cartridge was significantly more powerful, featuring a smaller rim and an extractor groove, making it unsafe for use in revolvers.

What were the production numbers for the Webley 1913 pistol?

Total military production of the Webley 1913 reached 8,050 units. Of these, 7,611 were produced for the Royal Navy, and 439 were supplied to the Army. Commercial production continued until 1933.

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