Webley-Kaufman
P. Webley & Son · Pistol · Discontinued · 1880
Also known as: Webley-Kaufmann, Improved Government Pattern, Webley-Kaufman Model 1880
Overview
The Webley-Kaufman is a British .450-calibre, six-shot, top-break double-action revolver produced by P. Webley & Son from 1880. Marketed as the 'Improved Government Pattern', it incorporated the lockwork improvements of gunsmith Michael Kaufman and introduced the classic Webley stirrup-type barrel latch, along with automatic cartridge extraction on opening. It was the first Webley revolver made on the interchangeable-parts principle and directly foreshadowed the Webley .455 service revolvers adopted by the British military.
Specifications
| Barrel Length | 146 mm (5.75") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Effective Range | 45 m (49 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .450 Adams · primary — also known as .450 Boxer, .450 Revolver, .450 Centrefire
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Fixed Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Top Break Action, Stirrup Barrel Latch, Automatic Extraction, Bird Head Grip, Interchangeable Parts Manufacture
Service history
Operators
- Civilian and commercial market · adopted 1880
Production
Production years: 1880-1885
Made in limited numbers across three patterns; the final pattern in fewer than 100 examples
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: Michael Kaufman
Discontinued: 1885
Notes
Produced in small numbers (the later third pattern in fewer than 100 examples). Chambered variously in .450, .455 and .476 centrefire; the .450 Adams is treated here as the primary chambering.
Background
Michael Kaufman's redesign stripped five parts from the Webley lockwork and lightened the trigger press, earning him royalties marked 'MK' on the frames; his stirrup barrel latch went on to lock every Webley service revolver through both World Wars.