Webley RIC No.1

P. Webley & Son · Revolver · Out Of Production · 1868

Also known as: Webley RIC Model 1, Webley RIC First Model

Overview

The Webley RIC No.1 was the original 1868 pattern of Webley's Royal Irish Constabulary revolver, the firm's first solid-frame, double-action revolver. Chambered for the .442 Webley centrefire cartridge with a six-shot cylinder, it was the first successful British centrefire-cartridge revolver to gain widespread acceptance and launched Webley's solid-frame double-action line.

Specifications

Barrel Length114 mm (4.49")
Action TypeDouble Action
Firing MechanismDouble Action
Trigger TypeDouble Action
Magazine Capacity6 rounds
Magazine TypeCylinder
Muzzle Velocity198 m/s (650 fps)
Effective Range25 m (27 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWood
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Service history

Operators

Production

Production years: 1868-1900s

Most popular Webley model of its era, with a roughly 30-year production run

Origin

Country of origin: United Kingdom

Designer: Philip Webley

Notes

The No.1 / First Model is distinguished by forward locking notches on the cylinder. The RIC contract of January 1868 secured Webley's commercial success. The short-barrelled British Bulldog was derived from the RIC. The RIC family was later offered in many chamberings, but .442 Webley is the original.

Background

General George Armstrong Custer is reputed to have owned a pair of .442 Webley RIC revolvers, gifted by Lord Berkeley Paget in 1869, and is sometimes associated with carrying one at the Little Bighorn in 1876.