Webley Mk I
Webley & Scott Ltd. · Revolver · Discontinued · 1887
Also known as: Webley Model 1887, Pistol Revolver Webley Mk I
Overview
The Webley Mk I was the first of the famous Webley top-break service revolvers, officially adopted by the British armed forces on 8 November 1887. Firing the large .455 Webley cartridge from a six-shot cylinder, it introduced the hinged top-break frame with automatic stirrup-latch extraction that ejected all spent cases simultaneously when the revolver was opened. Fitted with a 4-inch barrel and distinctive 'bird's beak' grip, it established the pattern for the entire Webley service revolver lineage that would serve through both World Wars.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1100 g (38.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 286 mm (11.26") |
| Barrel Length | 102 mm (4.02") |
| Action Type | Recoil Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 189 m/s (620 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 307 J (226 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 7 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .455 Webley · primary — also known as .455 Webley Mk I, .455 Eley, .455 Colt
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Six Shot Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Rebounding Hammer
- Features: Top Break Frame, Automatic Extraction, Stirrup Latch, Birds Beak Grip, Lanyard Ring
Variants
- Webley Mk IV — Service Revolver
- Webley Mk VI — Service Revolver
Service history
Operators
- British Armed Forces · adopted 1887 · as Pistol, Revolver, Webley, Mk I
- Royal Irish Constabulary
Conflicts
- Mahdist War (1881-1899)
- Second Boer War (1899-1902)
Production
Production years: 1887-1894
First of the Webley service revolver series; replaced by the Mk II in 1894
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Discontinued: 1894
Notes
Produced from 1887 to 1894, when it was superseded by the Mk II. Among the most powerful top-break revolvers ever fielded thanks to the heavy, low-velocity .455 Webley round.
Background
The Webley's top-break action let a trained soldier dump all six spent cases and reload far faster than the swing-out or loading-gate revolvers of the day - a speed advantage that kept the basic design in British service for some 75 years.