Webley & Scott Mark I Navy Self-Loading Pistol
Webley & Scott Ltd. · Pistol · Discontinued · 1913
Also known as: Webley & Scott Self-Loading Pistol Mark I N, Webley .455 Self-Loading
Overview
The Webley & Scott Mark I Navy was a short-recoil, locked-breech self-loading pistol designed by William John Whiting and adopted by the Royal Navy in 1913. Chambered for the powerful .455 Webley Auto semi-rimmed cartridge, it featured a distinctive slab-sided, angular profile with a vertically fluted slide rear and an exposed hammer. On firing, side lugs cam the barrel down to unlock the breech before the slide recoils. It was the largest production Webley automatic and saw service through both World Wars in limited numbers.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1131 g (39.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 216 mm (8.50") |
| Barrel Length | 127 mm (5.00") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 235 m/s (771 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 400 J (295 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 45 m (49 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .455 Webley Auto · primary — also known as .455 Webley Self-Loading, .455 Webley Automatic, 11.43x23SR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Grip Safety
- Features: Exposed Hammer, Fluted Slide Rear, Lanyard Loop, Slab Sided Profile, Camming Barrel Lockup
Variants
- Webley & Scott Mark I No. 2 (RHA) — Adjustable Sight With Stock
Service history
Operators
- Royal Navy · adopted 1913 · as Pistol Self-Loading .455 Mark I N
- Royal Marines · adopted 1913
- Royal Horse Artillery · as Mark I No. 2
Conflicts
- World War I (1914-1918)
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Production years: 1912-1932
Around 8,000 purchased by the Royal Navy during WWI; total self-loader production line ran c. 1910-1932.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: William John Whiting
Discontinued: 1932
Notes
Distinct from the Webley revolvers and the Webley-Fosbery automatic revolver. Muzzle energy calculated from bullet mass and velocity (~700-770 ft/s sources). A rare Mark I No. 2 (Royal Horse Artillery) variant added an adjustable rear sight and detachable shoulder stock.
Background
Designer William Whiting spent roughly a decade lobbying the British military before landing the 1913 Royal Navy contract. The Navy was enthusiastic, but the army stuck with its trusted Webley revolvers, so the powerful self-loader never achieved widespread land service.