Webley Model 1904

Published on February 24, 2015
Duration: 13:30

The Webley Model 1904 was a rare early 20th-century attempt by Webley to enter the automatic pistol market, designed by William Whiting. Originally chambered in .38 and later upscaled to .455 to meet British Army requirements, it featured a unique short-recoil operation with dual locking blocks and a V-shaped recoil spring in the grip. Despite its innovative design, it faced mixed results in British military trials and only a few dozen were produced.

Quick Summary

The Webley Model 1904 was a rare British automatic pistol designed by William Whiting. It featured a short-recoil operation with dual locking blocks and a unique V-shaped recoil spring in the grip. Originally in .38, it was upscaled to .455 caliber for military trials, though it faced reliability issues and required special ammunition.

Chapters

  1. 00:19Introduction to the Webley Model 1904
  2. 00:41Historical Context: Webley's Automatic Push
  3. 01:18Caliber and Design: .455 and Dual Locking Blocks
  4. 02:18Physical Features: Magazine and Safety
  5. 04:00Disassembly Process Explained
  6. 05:06Internal Mechanics: Cam-Operated Blocks
  7. 09:25Ammunition and Military Trials
  8. 11:10Unique Recoil Spring Mechanism
  9. 12:56Conclusion: Rarity and Legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Webley Model 1904 designed for?

The Webley Model 1904 was designed by William Whiting as a dedicated automatic pistol for British military service. It was an attempt by Webley to enter the growing market for semi-automatic handguns in the early 20th century.

What caliber was the Webley Model 1904 chambered in?

The Webley Model 1904 was originally designed in .38 caliber but was later upscaled to .455 caliber to meet the requirements of the British Army. It required a special rimless .455 cartridge to function correctly.

What are the unique mechanical features of the Webley Model 1904?

It features a short-recoil operation with dual vertical locking blocks. A distinctive element is its large V-shaped recoil spring located within the grip, rather than around the barrel or in the slide.

How was the Webley Model 1904 disassembled?

Disassembly involves rotating a special eccentric screw marked 'LOCKED' and 'OPEN', which can be turned with a cartridge rim. This action allows the slide and barrel assembly to slide forward and off the frame.

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