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Webley-Kaufman: The Improved Government Pattern Revolver

Forgotten Weapons
Published on September 8, 2020
Category: Reviews
Duration: 11:14

This expert review delves into the Webley-Kaufman 3rd Pattern revolver, highlighting Michael Kaufman's innovative lock work improvements and the iconic stirrup latch. The examination of a rare cased example by E.M. Reilly & Co reveals unique markings, including royalty indicators and potential South African registration, alongside practical features like combat sights and optional nickel plating. The analysis underscores the revolver's significance in the evolutionary path toward the standard British military Webley.

Tags

Webley-Kaufman 3rd Pattern
E.M. Reilly & Co
Michael Kaufman
Enfield Mark I
Enfield Mark II
Webley Price
Model of 1886 Improved Government Pattern
Top-break revolver
Stirrup latch
Royalty markings
Nickel-plated finish
Combat sights
Historical Firearms
Collector's Revolver

Quick Summary

The Webley-Kaufman 3rd Pattern revolver featured Michael Kaufman's patent improvements to the lock work, reducing trigger mechanism parts for a better pull. Its iconic stirrup latch was a significant advancement, and combat sights were designed for quick target acquisition. The rare 3rd Pattern played a role in the evolution of the British military Webley.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Webley-Kaufman Revolver
  2. 00:56Kaufman's Patent Lock Work Improvements
  3. 02:25E.M. Reilly & Co Cased Example
  4. 03:12The Iconic Stirrup Latch
  5. 04:51Understanding Royalty Markings (MK Triangle)
  6. 05:36Cylinder Release Mechanism Evolution
  7. 07:07Registration and Optional Finishes
  8. 08:24Combat Sights for Quick Acquisition
  9. 09:35Production Rarity and Historical Significance

Frequently Asked Questions

What were Michael Kaufman's key improvements to the Webley-Kaufman revolver's lock work?

Michael Kaufman's patent improvements significantly refined the lock work by eliminating five parts from the trigger mechanism. This resulted in a smoother, more refined trigger pull, making the revolver more suitable for target shooting and precise aiming.

What is the significance of the 'MK' triangle mark on the Webley-Kaufman revolver?

The 'MK' triangle mark serves as an indicator of royalty payments made to Michael Kaufman for his patented improvements. It is a separate marking from the firearm's unique serial number and helps track intellectual property contributions.

What made the stirrup latch on the 3rd Pattern Webley-Kaufman a notable advancement?

The introduction of the iconic stirrup latch on the 3rd Pattern Webley-Kaufman represented a significant improvement over earlier locking systems, such as those found on the Webley-Price and initial Kaufman models. It offered a more robust and user-friendly mechanism for operating the top-break action.

What type of sights did the Webley-Kaufman revolver typically feature, and why?

The Webley-Kaufman often featured combat-style sights, characterized by a wide V-notch rear sight and a round blade front sight. This configuration was designed for rapid target acquisition in dynamic situations rather than for extreme precision shooting.

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