The riot gun used by a Star Wars assassin, with firearms and weapon expert, Jonathan Ferguson

Published on March 22, 2023
Duration: 19:05

Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries details the Webley Shermley anti-riot gun, a less-lethal weapon used by British security forces, particularly in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. He discusses its history, technical specifications including smoothbore and rifled variants, and its surprising pop culture relevance as a prop in the Star Wars franchise and The Mandalorian. The video also touches on the evolution of less-lethal projectiles and the weapon's construction.

Quick Summary

The Webley Shermley is an anti-riot gun, primarily used by the Royal Ulster Constabulary in Northern Ireland from the 1970s. It fired baton rounds, evolving from soft rubber to harder plastic projectiles. While typically smoothbore, it gained pop culture relevance as a modified prop in Star Wars.

Chapters

  1. 00:02Introduction to the Webley Shermley
  2. 00:12Defining Anti-Riot Guns
  3. 00:24Webley Shermley Manufacturer Details
  4. 01:23Historical Context: Northern Ireland Troubles
  5. 02:11Early Riot Gun Use (Hong Kong, Federal)
  6. 02:27Baton Rounds Explained
  7. 03:09Other Riot Guns in Service (Federal, L48A1, L67A1)
  8. 03:55The Webley Shermley's Unique Role (RUC)
  9. 04:44Barrel Rifling: Smoothbore vs. Rifled
  10. 05:46Fatalities and Controversies with Riot Guns
  11. 06:03Pop Culture Relevance: Star Wars
  12. 06:35Boba Fett and Other Star Wars Props
  13. 07:13Star Wars Prop Modifications
  14. 08:26Scope Modifications for Star Wars Prop
  15. 09:09The Mandalorian Appearance
  16. 09:43Construction and Materials
  17. 10:45Steel Components and Their Function
  18. 11:32Ammunition: Rubber Bullet Mark 1
  19. 12:30Evolution to Harder Projectiles
  20. 13:01Cartridge Mechanics (Primer, Rim)
  21. 13:13Trigger Mechanism and Safety
  22. 14:19Stock and Sighting System
  23. 15:28Foregrip Feature
  24. 16:00Overall Assessment and Drawbacks
  25. 16:10Projectile Material and Rifling Interaction
  26. 16:54Markings: Webley Shermley Made in England
  27. 17:25Case Markings: Gas Gun Number Three
  28. 17:35Range and Aiming Notes (50 Yards, 4 Inches Low)
  29. 18:03Concluding Thoughts: History and Pop Culture

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Webley Shermley and what was its primary use?

The Webley Shermley is an anti-riot gun, also classified as a less-lethal weapon. It was primarily used by the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) in Northern Ireland during the period known as the Troubles, from around 1970 onwards.

What kind of ammunition did the Webley Shermley fire?

The Webley Shermley fired baton rounds, which were designed to cause pain compliance. Early ammunition consisted of soft rubber bullets, but this evolved to harder PVC 'plastic bullets' around 1973 to improve accuracy and performance.

Does the Webley Shermley have rifling?

The Webley Shermley is typically a smoothbore weapon. This contrasts with some other riot guns of the era, like the British Army's L67 series, which featured rifled barrels for increased accuracy.

What is the connection between the Webley Shermley and Star Wars?

The Webley Shermley served as a prop in the Star Wars franchise, notably used by a bounty hunter in 'The Empire Strikes Back.' It was modified with items like a radio control car cog and a birdcage-like flash hider to resemble a blaster.

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