Webley & Scott Flare Pistol
Webley & Scott Ltd. · Pistol · Discontinued · 1911
Also known as: Webley & Scott No 1 Mk III, No 1 Mk III* Flare Pistol, Webley Signal Pistol, 1 inch Very Pistol
Overview
The Webley & Scott Flare Pistol is a single-shot, break-action signal pistol chambered for the 1 inch (26.5mm) Very signal cartridge. Introduced into British service around 1911 as the No 1 Mk III, it has a smoothbore bronze-alloy barrel and body with a hinged breech secured by a swivel lug, and a single-action trigger and striker mechanism. It was carried through World War I and beyond to fire signal and illumination flares, and the design was later revised as the Mk III* with a lengthened, flared muzzle.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1270 g (44.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Barrel Length | 144 mm (5.67") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Single Shot |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Frame Material | Bronze |
| Barrel Material | Bronze |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Bronze |
Calibers
- 1 inch Very signal cartridge (26.5mm) · primary — also known as 1 inch flare, Very light, 26.5mm signal
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot Breechloader
- Features: Break Open Action, Smoothbore Barrel, Single Shot, Hinged Breech
Service history
Operators
- British Army · adopted 1911 · as No 1 Mk III
- Royal Navy
Conflicts
- World War I (1914-1918)
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Production years: 1911-1940s
Produced by Webley & Scott and also by W. W. Greener for British and Commonwealth forces
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: Webley & Scott
Notes
In addition to the parent firm Webley & Scott, examples were also produced by W. W. Greener. The December 1916 Mk III* revision extended the barrel and expanded the muzzle to prevent the firer's hand from slipping in front of the barrel during loading.
Background
The 'Very' name comes from US Navy officer Edward Wilson Very, who developed the single-shot pistol-fired signal flare system that the Webley & Scott signal pistol was built around.