Webley-Pryse Revolver
Webley & Scott Ltd. · Revolver · Discontinued · 1877
Also known as: Webley-Pryse No. 4, Pryse Pattern Revolver
Overview
The Webley-Pryse Revolver is a British top-break, double-action centre-fire revolver introduced in 1877 after Webley acquired Charles Pryse's patents for a self-extracting hinged frame. Typically chambered in .455 Webley and the earlier .450 Adams, its twin opposing locking levers behind the cylinder and automatic ejection made it a fast-reloading service-pattern revolver that established the design lineage leading to the later Webley Mark series.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1080 g (38.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 286 mm (11.26") |
| Barrel Length | 152 mm (5.98") |
| Action Type | Double Action Revolver |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 198 m/s (650 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 407 J (300 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 45 m (49 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 180 m (197 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 Eley, .455 Enfield
- .450 Adams — also known as .450 Boxer, .450 Revolver
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Features: Top Break Action, Self Extracting, Twin Locking Levers, Fixed Sights
Service history
Operators
- British Army officers
Conflicts
- Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-1880)
Production
Production years: 1877-1895
Made by Webley and several other British and Continental gunmakers under the Pryse patent
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: Charles Pryse
Discontinued: 1895
Notes
The Webley-Pryse used twin locking bolts worked by opposing finger levers behind the cylinder. It was offered in many calibers and barrel lengths and was widely purchased privately by British officers.
Background
Webley bought Charles Pryse's hinged self-extracting frame patent in 1877 and rushed the design to market, creating the template from which every famous Webley service revolver that followed would be derived.