Webley 1904
Webley & Scott Ltd · Pistol · Discontinued · 1904
Also known as: Webley & Scott Model 1904, Webley .455 Self-Loading Model 1904
Overview
The Webley 1904 is an early British recoil-operated, semi-automatic pistol chambered in the powerful .455 Webley Auto cartridge. Designed by William John Whiting for Webley & Scott, it was one of the first large-calibre self-loading pistols developed for British military service. Only around thirty examples were built, and the design was submitted to the Small Arms Committee trials of 1905. Testers found it unreliable, heavy in recoil and questionable in safety; the Army rejected it, though the Royal Navy was more favourable. The 1904 served as the developmental platform whose .455 self-loading cartridge later equipped the successful Webley Mark I self-loading pistol.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1134 g (40.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 216 mm (8.50") |
| Barrel Length | 127 mm (5.00") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 317 m/s (1040 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 400 J (295 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .455 Webley Auto · primary — also known as .455 Webley Self-Loading, .455 Webley Automatic, .455 SL, 11.43x23SR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Grip Safety
- Features: Recoil Operated, Exposed Hammer, Fixed Sights
Service history
Operators
- British Army (trials)
- Royal Navy (trials)
Production
Estimated total produced: 30 · Production years: 1904-1906
Only about thirty pistols were made for trials; the design was not adopted.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: William John Whiting
Discontinued: 1906
Notes
Roughly 30 examples manufactured. Rejected by the British Small Arms Committee after the 1905 trials. The cartridge it introduced was carried forward into the later Webley 1913/Mark I self-loading pistol.
Background
Often described as Britain's answer to the American self-loading pistols of the era, the Webley 1904's heavy .455 cartridge paralleled the .45 ACP that John Browning developed for the 1905 Colt automatic. Like that early Colt, the 1904 was disliked by military testers, yet the cartridge it pioneered went on to a long service life.