Hey Jonathan! I was the bloke who asked you that question when I got the chance to visit last month, it was a great day and meeting you was the highlight of it. I could tell you were in a bit of a rush so thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question and even post a follow up, and thanks again to you and the rest of the staff at the Royal Armouries for making the trip an incredible visit!
Aw that’s so awesome mate What a treat it must have been! Wish I could go to the UK and check out the museum but I’m stuck in Australia on the other side of the world =(?
Got to appreciate the dedication to take someone's question and consider the answer given at the time, using the platform to elaborate and give more context. Insightful and interesting as always! Also I like that TH-cam's subtitles keep calling them "Wobbly revolvers".
I think they can end up a bit wobbly if the hinge joint works loose or if the top strap wears or stretches in use. I do remember the latter happening to a Mk.V .455 that I used to shoot, after using a round of commercial ammunition that was probably overloaded at the factory.
He was really nice to talk to in person 😁 Unfortunately we didn’t get to speak long, I could tell he was in a bit of a rush but he still took the time to talk with me and answer my question! Seeing him post a video follow up has made my day
My father brought his .455 home after the war . He had a German pistol that he used and he put the .455 to one side as 9mm sten ammo was plentiful so he could practice with his captured pistol . I asked him if he'd ever used the .455 in anger. He said he'd let fly a few times but doubted he'd ever hit anyone . Although he did say he'd hit a German on the head with the butt once as he tried to climb up the side of Dad's armoured car . Dad said that as the chap wasn't wearing a helmet he might have killed that one. He handed in his German pistol and claimed the webley was lost in action .
@@chemistrykrang8065 officially yes ,they had to stop producing 4.55 ammo to get the soldier's to go to the 38 I think that was late WW2 ,the Australian army still had some 4.55s weblys in the early 50s the ammo had ran out by than .R
@@chemistrykrang8065 My understanding was the limited supply of handguns (along with much other ordnance) meant they needed to bring the old weapons back into use (as Reginald alludes, they had a lot of ammunition for it still, so they weren’t going to waste it).
@@maxwellbeer6757 sounds plausible. I suppose supply and logistics are less of an issue with pistols because they're not actually getting fired very often.
You’ve got two hands, so you’ve got to have two Webley revolvers so one hand doesn’t feel left out. They also need to be slightly different so you remember which goes in which hand. It’s not rocket science.
This isn't even a joke to me. In RDR2 I had one Schofield wgite with black inlays and one Black with white inlays. I called them Heaven and Hell because that's where Arthur Morgan is sending you if he draws them. 😅
@@JonathanFergusonRoyalArmouries Fantastic job imho - British firearms nomenclature is particularly confusing and any clearing up of confusion is always welcome!
I feel like if the British didn't keep/upgrade/vary their small arms so much their naming system would be pretty cut and dried. As it is there's designations for every little thing ie "No3 mkI **- the rifle formally known as" because something like the serrations on the safety being slightly different.
I feel another book coming on , Webley Pistols from 1790 to the 21st Century by JF would look great next to My copy of "From Thorneycroft to SA80 " Thanks Jonathan , I'm really enjoying the book and these episodes in equal measure . Stay Safe, Stay Well & keep on publishing .
Having a small collection of Webleys, including a Mk. IV carried by a RAF pilot, this is some great information to have and answers a question I've long been curious about.
Now that was fascinating - can't believe you actually did a whole video just to clear up a visitor's question satisfactorily, that is way above and beyond Jonathan! Kudos to you and your professionalism... Your video is engaging, interesting and informative and the explanation as to the model numbers is very clear, which, given the ... vagaries(?) of the British procurement system nomenclature is probably not far short of a miracle ;-) Thanks so much for sharing this, it is very much appreciated - keep up the great work!
Thanks for that. I learnt to shoot in 1967 using a Webley mkiv. There has been some confusion in my mind since then over the designation , which you have now cleared up for me. My pistol shooting tutor at the time carried one in a shoulder holster every day as an MOD doorman, and shot his own one at Bisley on the weekends.
The first gun I ever purchased was an Enfield No 2 Mk1* and, while it wasn't covered in this video, it was really neat to see why I mistook it for a Webley for such a long time.
Fortunately, Webley had the good taste _not_ to turn around and copy Enfield's No. 2 Mk I* version, possibly because they recognized that double-action-only revolvers are daft. :) I've long had a fondness for the Webley top-break revolvers. I have one of the .380 Mk IVs, but I don't shoot it any more, as it's pretty worn and doesn't quite keep proper time any longer. Would love to have one of the later marks in .455, but sadly I'm in the US, where virtually all of those that are to be found have been ruined.
Back in 1979 I was issued a Webley in 38 cal. as my sidearm when I became an armored truck driver in Johannesburg, South Africa. We called it a '38 short', which in the US is technically a 380 auto cartridge. But it was a rimmed cartidge. I think the correct caliber designation was 38 Smith & Wesson. Maybe someone can enlighten me? It has been many years. The gun functioned fine, and was my first experience with handguns.
Jonathan, thanks for bringing out those Webleys. I trust you have some of the other .380 pocket models in the Royal Armouries collection, such as ones with shorter barrels and small or even tiny grips. Back in the 1970's, when I got my first air rifle (also a Webley), Webley's Mk.IV .38 revolver was still listed in their catalogue, in its full sized and smaller pocket versions. There was also a .22 target version of the full sized one, that I quite fancied owning, but never did. I think i did get to shoot a borrowed one once though.
So the full size/frame Webley is smaller than the pocket Webley which is bigger. Makes sense in a Monty Python-ish way. And the smaller full size/frame fires a larger caliber bullet whereas the bigger pocket pistol fires a smaller bullet. I guess the British really took to heart the adage: Confusion to the enemy.
Ahhhh that clears things up quite a bit for me The first pistol I ever purchased was a Webley MkIV in 38. And I was always confused as to the timeline to it’s adoption i.e where it fit into the nomenclature seeing as the MK VI had already been adopted and made before this one It was a commercial naming system that coincided by coincidence That solves a question for me Thanks and hello from The Australian commonwealth! P.s love the rack of SLRs behind you Very cool
It's one I have to keep reminding myself of every few years, which is why I gave a rubbish answer when asked :) Hopefully this is definitive and I can watch myself back next time I forget!
I used to shoot the .22 calibre version of the Webley Mk IV 'Pocket' revolver when an active member of the London Transport Rifle Club. This is a rare, seldom seen variant, and had a six inch barrel, with adjustable rear sight. It was a superb revolver , only sold when our section disbanded. I now own a deactivated example of exactly the same weapon.
The Webley Mk IV is easily the coolest revolver ever made. I used to own an airsoft replica which was beautiful but had to sell it on years ago, still miss having it and plinking with it
Jonathan, could you shed any light on what exactly the Mk I and Mk II pocket models are please? i had to do a bit of research on Webley revolvers whilst sorting out the IMFDB page into the sepatarate .38 and .455 marks and was not able to find any examples of what the Mk I and II .38s where. It seems like with the "pocket" models they just started at the Mk III.
I have an interesting Mk IV with 3 inch barrel and approx half-size grip frame (ex bank security gun) that has a strange rectangular cross-bolt safety ?button? on the frame. Was this the only revolver with this style of safety ?? (I am aware of revolvers with an actual safety LEVER on the frame)
I don’t know if Jonathan reads the comments himself, but seeing as this video is answering a technical question about Webley pistols, I will chance this one here. There seems to be a consensus that the ‘WG’ series stands for ‘Webley-Government’ but there is another view that is stands for ‘Webley-Green’. I see comments stating that the latter view is definitely incorrect (e.g. on IMFDB), and even Ian McCollum refers to it as the Government model. However Dowell in his book ‘The Webley Story’ states that the Webleys themselves called it the Webley Green (which is consistent with models where an important part was devised by a particular person e.g. the Webley-Kaufman). Additionally the WG was not a Government model (although this could have been a marketing strategy - and yes, I am aware that it was purchased privately by British officers who had to furnish their own sidearms, both pistols and swords). So which is correct (and based on what)? If the former- why was it called a government model when it was for the private market. If the latter, who was Green and why was it named after him?
That was really interesting. I especially enjoyed the part where I felt like I did the first time quantum mechanics was explained to me. But, that's not on you. Seriously, I think you did everything possible to explain it.
Jonathan, perhaps you could do a video about the HK USP series of hand guns? I heard rumors of the SAS using them in the 90’s and on to the 2000’s. Also their popularity in video games, would be great to have you explain their history and usage throughout various military units/hostage rescue units around the world. Thanks from a big fan!
Sure. The Garand was the Model 1 *rifle.* There was also the Model 1 *carbine,* and the Model 1 *submachine gun,* aka the Thompson. They're now at the Model 16 rifle, and Model 4 carbine.
Many years ago I had the enfield revolver in .38 caliber. Interestingly the hammer had been "bobbed" which is to say the hammer spur was not present. The ex serviceman from whom I bought it from said it was for tank issue to prevent catching on clothing in tight spaces. Its lack of weight made it hard on the hand to shoot.
I have both revolvers in my collection. I had always wondered why they both had the same designation. When I think of a British issued handgun, Webley's are the first that comes to mind. When holding the .455, I can see where a soldier would have confidence facing a German in a trench of the Great War.
Do you have any examples of county's capturing or purchasing a rifle from another country and reconfiguring or rechambering for their own use. Such as a enfeild in 7.62x54?
Russia purchased Winchester 1895 lever actions chambered for 7.62x54r. I believe there were some Colt 1911s bought by the UK chambered in 455 Eley (rimless version of the 455 webley rimmed revolver cartridge). Several countries rechambered captured arms for their own standard cartridges at various times. Mosin-Nagant rifles converted to 8mm Mauser, for one example.
I have a super weird Webley Mk 1 that is threaded and Navy marked. I bought it really cheap and I figured it was bubba'd but upon closer inspection it looks factory.. The finish all matches and it is really well done. I'm not sure why it's threaded? Possibly a flare/line device? I can't find anything on it online anywhere.
I doubt that any military engagement was decided by who had the superior handguns. Still, the jump to .38 is VERY strange. By the 20s, .38 special was pretty damn' standard, and stayed in use by US police for another 40-50 years. But the British reached back to the ancient, Smith and Wesson black powder .38 from 1877. Sure Colt had marketed a 'Super Police' version with a 200 gr bullet. But still...
The reduction in calibre was to make training easier on what was after all a secondary weapon. The original 380 Mk.1 service cartridge was essentially the same as the "Super Police" with a 200 grain unjacketed lead bullet. Then the lawyers got nervous about "expanding ammunition". So a Mk.2 cartridge was introduced before WW2, with a 178 grain jacketed bullet.
Which model? Just do it! - Wesley Crusher The one thing, that guarantees our freedom and independence, is responsibility. We lost that somewhere between Vietnam and presidential blowjobs. - Wesley Snipes
I have a Wembley chambered in .38 S&W or least that is what I was told it was and it shoots fine using the very limited supply of ammunition I can find. I believe the serial number makes it a 1950s or so manufacture. Does that sound right? Were the military .38s chambered in the S&W cartridge. As another observation the trigger pull on the gun when fully cocked is dangerously light. With my pistol I would never ever pull the hammer fully back unless I was on the range already pointing at the target. Breathe heavily and it will go off. Best not to ask how I know that.
I've got a mk4 and a mk6. I'm amazed that these guns seem a bit flimsy compared to modern revolvers. Way more intricate machining on the webleys but tanks they are not.
Good expaination. I have a MKVI in 455 and a war finish MKIV in 38/200 and I knew there was a MKIV in 455. The USA produced two revolvers in WWI that had the same designation. The Model 1917 Revolvers were two different Revolvers chambered in 45ACP made by Colt and Smith and Wesson. I own a Colt 1917. These two revolvers were made because not enough 1911 pistols could be produced. Even more confusing there was a model 1917 Rifle being made at the same time.
I have forgotten so much about Weblyeys. But I shot a lot 380 455 RIC 38 eyleys black powder stuff reliads. The mk IV. The short MKIV used to get sold as Webley Greener I think. Ive had one in 36cal centerfire with arabic writing. Never got my hand on a Fosberrry, to shoot but looked them over. Or the auto Webley
@james baker Never a truer sentence spoken Sir... Our "Government" doesn't think we're grown-up enough to be trusted with firearms. Or maybe they saw your Constitution and realised that their tyrannical bullsh!t wouldn't have survived the 20th Century if we were all allowed to be armed like you Free Citizens -memories of Guy Fawkes and his friends perhaps? And, just like in the U.S., the gun laws we have only apply to law-abiding citizens in the same way that locks on doors only keep law-abiding citizens out of your property...
@@therogers4432 Yes sir, it's the difference between "citizen" and "subject". I might step out on my porch and fire a few rounds to celebrate. I'm not because then I would have to clean, but I absolutely could! Nobody would notice.
Quick question, can one support the royal armouries if we are not a citizen of the UK? I'd love to make a donation but I'm in Canada and I'm not sure if it makes a difference or not. I do know I can't claim it on my taxes though. Thank you guys as always for brightening up my day.
Jonathan you mentioned the civilian one was part of the pocket series. Surely that should have been designed with a shorter barrel? A longer barrel would snag when drawn surely? Also the foresight on the military one looks smoother for drawing.
The pocket models had shorter barrels (2½", 3" or 4"). And usually short grips. The .380 Mk.IV had all those options, plus on the service version a 5" barrel and full size grips.
Happens in the electronics world, too. RCA (Radio Corporation of America), when it was the dominate force in American, if not world, electronics, made some unique memory tubes, for early computers, and called them "Selectrons". These are very rare tubes and used in only one computer (Johnniac) for the Rand Corporation. Years later, RCA reused that name, as a brand, for common vacuum tubes (used in radios & TVs), that didn't quite meet the quality specs of RCA branded tubes. Of course, there's always GM, which in the early 1980s, went into a deal with Toyota, and resold Corollas, as Chevy Novas, while Chevy Novas, of earlier years, was a substantially more beefy road machine !
So, just to simplify matters, there are THREE designations "Mk. IV" applying to Webley revolvers. Webley's Mk IV in the service revolver series; the gun is adopted, and happens to be Mk IV in the quite separate Army sequence. Then there is Webley's Mk IV pocket revolver (they having two different lines, which seem never to get mentioned in the naming of parts), which gets adopted with the manufacturer's name, not a separate military designation. That military naming is, by then, completely out of line with the standard designation for Army revolvers, but it would, I guess, have been far too easy to call it Revolver No. 3. Of course, they couldn't have called it Revolver No. 2 Mk 1, because that would have been to admit that the Enfield was a knock-off. Glad to be able to clear that up for everyone.
My question is if got a 380 that looks like webley but you can not cock the hammer my dad bought it from defence auction years ago I got from him on his license it was classed as a webley, when I got a license they changed the make to engfield can you help
Hi, please help! I have a Webley revolver chambered in 455 with rounded butt and 6 inch barrel.. lower is marked Webley MKIV patent and the upper is marked MKVI. All parts have matching serials (5 digit starting with 8). What do I have??
This reminds me of somewhat of cars - Mazda's for example - or even something as mundane as a Ford Escort - look very very different even with a similar or even identical label attached & the only identifier is the model year or the series number - which isn't even really attached to the Car's ID accept in the user manual and on the engine VIN plate,. Not quite the same but is what sprung to mind as I had trouble finding the proper year image of an old Mazda recently due to confusing naming.
Thanks for a bit of clarification on these guns and their baffling designations. I would love to own any of these but here on the USA they go for way crazy prices. Well maybe not actually "way crazy" but in comparison to my discretionary income ....yup.
Easy enough Mark IV came after the mark 1, which came after the mark IV, of course there were marks 1,2 and 3 before that. All basically the same pistol. Just varying sizes and calibers. They were used in at least 3 wars. The mark IV in the Boer and second world war. Easy. Just don't think.
@ttaibe -You've made my poor little brane hurt even more than the video, and now I feel confused, angry and very frustrated... I think I'd better have the maid make me a splendid pot of tea, and sit quietly in my cool, dark, book-lined study full of hunting trophies and fossils drinking it until I calm down a bit, because it isn't easy being an Englishman don't you know?
You think that's confusing? Try working in ISP Tech Support back when there were /five/ versions of Windows 95.. 95, 95A, 95B, 95B [yep same name but with rudimentary USB support], 95C. And no they didn't play nicely together..
trust me Jonathon that was easier to figure out than the Enfield designations will ever be!! all those marks and stars will drive a person insane!! .380 is what in civilian 38 S+W 28 Colt or what?
@@Ni999 he could have been a little more precise there's 4 revolver loads in 38 available back then that i can think of right off the 38 S+W 38 Colt 38-40 and 38/200
@@keithmoore5306 We didn't do much better. Marlin wouldn't market for Winchester so the .30 WCF became the .30-30 and we could probably start remembering more examples between us. Looking at the Webley naming clearly indicates that it was a time of manly men who knew better than to waste their time making sense of their gun-related naming conventions.
@@Ni999 no i meant in describing these guns like here! it's always a half caliber name when it's from a Brit! they forget some viewers are where they can have them!
I have an 1899 Webly MK IV that has been converted to shoot .45 ACP by shaving the back of cylinder Has to use moon clips Traded an old shotgun for it. I’ve shot it some , no hot loads, shoots well I used to breed horses and have shot lots of horses with it using bird shot lifeboat survival cartridges. Drops them dead instantly
It's actually pretty small and light. The chonky grips and long barrel make it seem larger. But yes, the Brits technically adopted a pocket revolver as a service revolver...
Look up Queen Elizabeth's Pocket Pistol. That's QE I not QE II. Built at Utrecht, it now lives at Dover Castle. The piece in question has a barrel 24 ft long and throws a 4.75" ball. Big enough for you? Might account for the bulged trunks worn by Elizabethan gentlemen.
Hi Jonathan..I'm from Philippines and I have in my position right now a Webley & Scotllin mark 4 .38 "767" and had a serial no.152726..im planning to sell it..but I don't know how much?...can you help me with it pls?..
Hey Jonathan! I was the bloke who asked you that question when I got the chance to visit last month, it was a great day and meeting you was the highlight of it. I could tell you were in a bit of a rush so thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question and even post a follow up, and thanks again to you and the rest of the staff at the Royal Armouries for making the trip an incredible visit!
Aw that’s so awesome mate
What a treat it must have been!
Wish I could go to the UK and check out the museum but I’m stuck in Australia on the other side of the world =(?
I’d just like to congratulate you on having the best username i think i’ve ever seen
I suck cordite
I live about 30 minutes away from there
Got to appreciate the dedication to take someone's question and consider the answer given at the time, using the platform to elaborate and give more context. Insightful and interesting as always!
Also I like that TH-cam's subtitles keep calling them "Wobbly revolvers".
Funny as that’s what those old revolvers used to be called 😂 the old wobbly Webleys
I think they can end up a bit wobbly if the hinge joint works loose or if the top strap wears or stretches in use. I do remember the latter happening to a Mk.V .455 that I used to shoot, after using a round of commercial ammunition that was probably overloaded at the factory.
Could be why there's no litter at Wombley Stadium . . .
He was really nice to talk to in person 😁
Unfortunately we didn’t get to speak long, I could tell he was in a bit of a rush but he still took the time to talk with me and answer my question! Seeing him post a video follow up has made my day
Absolutely! The man went way above and beyond there...
My father brought his .455 home after the war . He had a German pistol that he used and he put the .455 to one side as 9mm sten ammo was plentiful so he could practice with his captured pistol . I asked him if he'd ever used the .455 in anger. He said he'd let fly a few times but doubted he'd ever hit anyone . Although he did say he'd hit a German on the head with the butt once as he tried to climb up the side of Dad's armoured car . Dad said that as the chap wasn't wearing a helmet he might have killed that one.
He handed in his German pistol and claimed the webley was lost in action .
How come he had a .455 in WW2? I thought they'd all gone over to .380 by then?
@@chemistrykrang8065 officially yes ,they had to stop producing 4.55 ammo to get the soldier's to go to the 38 I think that was late WW2 ,the Australian army still had some 4.55s weblys in the early 50s the ammo had ran out by than .R
@@chemistrykrang8065 My understanding was the limited supply of handguns (along with much other ordnance) meant they needed to bring the old weapons back into use (as Reginald alludes, they had a lot of ammunition for it still, so they weren’t going to waste it).
@@maxwellbeer6757 sounds plausible. I suppose supply and logistics are less of an issue with pistols because they're not actually getting fired very often.
@@chemistrykrang8065 Indeed but there was enough of a need for millions still to be imported from the US (the S&W Victory model for example).
You’ve got two hands, so you’ve got to have two Webley revolvers so one hand doesn’t feel left out. They also need to be slightly different so you remember which goes in which hand. It’s not rocket science.
This isn't even a joke to me. In RDR2 I had one Schofield wgite with black inlays and one Black with white inlays. I called them Heaven and Hell because that's where Arthur Morgan is sending you if he draws them. 😅
Absolutely brilliant video. British naming systems really are subject all by themselves. So we'll explained by Jonathan
Phew, thank you! I wasn't sure if I'd made it as clear as I could. I only have limited time for these :)
Couldn't agree more!
@@JonathanFergusonRoyalArmouries Fantastic job imho - British firearms nomenclature is particularly confusing and any clearing up of confusion is always welcome!
I feel like if the British didn't keep/upgrade/vary their small arms so much their naming system would be pretty cut and dried. As it is there's designations for every little thing ie "No3 mkI **- the rifle formally known as" because something like the serrations on the safety being slightly different.
I feel another book coming on , Webley Pistols from 1790 to the 21st Century by JF would look great next to My copy of "From Thorneycroft to SA80 " Thanks Jonathan , I'm really enjoying the book and these episodes in equal measure . Stay Safe, Stay Well & keep on publishing .
Having a small collection of Webleys, including a Mk. IV carried by a RAF pilot, this is some great information to have and answers a question I've long been curious about.
The naming designations for firearms always fascinate me! Great video as always!
Thank you Jonathan for your clear and eloquent explanation. Much appreciated
Always learn so much on these videos, thankyou Jonathan and Royal Armouries
Now that was fascinating - can't believe you actually did a whole video just to clear up a visitor's question satisfactorily, that is way above and beyond Jonathan! Kudos to you and your professionalism...
Your video is engaging, interesting and informative and the explanation as to the model numbers is very clear, which, given the ... vagaries(?) of the British procurement system nomenclature is probably not far short of a miracle ;-)
Thanks so much for sharing this, it is very much appreciated - keep up the great work!
Thanks for that. I learnt to shoot in 1967 using a Webley mkiv. There has been some confusion in my mind since then over the designation , which you have now cleared up for me. My pistol shooting tutor at the time carried one in a shoulder holster every day as an MOD doorman, and shot his own one at Bisley on the weekends.
Thanks for the video mate. You are appreciated as is your work and videos.
Got to love the John Woo screen cap look like you are ready to do action film
The first gun I ever purchased was an Enfield No 2 Mk1* and, while it wasn't covered in this video, it was really neat to see why I mistook it for a Webley for such a long time.
Fortunately, Webley had the good taste _not_ to turn around and copy Enfield's No. 2 Mk I* version, possibly because they recognized that double-action-only revolvers are daft. :)
I've long had a fondness for the Webley top-break revolvers. I have one of the .380 Mk IVs, but I don't shoot it any more, as it's pretty worn and doesn't quite keep proper time any longer. Would love to have one of the later marks in .455, but sadly I'm in the US, where virtually all of those that are to be found have been ruined.
You can modify moon clips to use with .455 ammo. It's a shame that some many good revolvers have been shaved for the higher pressure .45 ACP.
I have a mk4 and a mk6 unshaven. Tennessee usa
Back in 1979 I was issued a Webley in 38 cal. as my sidearm when I became an armored truck driver in Johannesburg, South Africa. We called it a '38 short', which in the US is technically a 380 auto cartridge. But it was a rimmed cartidge. I think the correct caliber designation was 38 Smith & Wesson. Maybe someone can enlighten me? It has been many years. The gun functioned fine, and was my first experience with handguns.
Jonathan, thanks for bringing out those Webleys. I trust you have some of the other .380 pocket models in the Royal Armouries collection, such as ones with shorter barrels and small or even tiny grips.
Back in the 1970's, when I got my first air rifle (also a Webley), Webley's Mk.IV .38 revolver was still listed in their catalogue, in its full sized and smaller pocket versions. There was also a .22 target version of the full sized one, that I quite fancied owning, but never did. I think i did get to shoot a borrowed one once though.
Always makes my Wednesday :)
Thanks guys, keep up the good work.
Thank you, very interesting short history of Webley and Enfield revolvers.
Wembley mk4 often stamped “war finish”as not up to usual finish standard.
Thank you for the information, clears up the question.
So the full size/frame Webley is smaller than the pocket Webley which is bigger. Makes sense in a Monty Python-ish way. And the smaller full size/frame fires a larger caliber bullet whereas the bigger pocket pistol fires a smaller bullet. I guess the British really took to heart the adage: Confusion to the enemy.
Ahhhh that clears things up quite a bit for me
The first pistol I ever purchased was a Webley MkIV in 38. And I was always confused as to the timeline to it’s adoption i.e where it fit into the nomenclature seeing as the MK VI had already been adopted and made before this one
It was a commercial naming system that coincided by coincidence
That solves a question for me
Thanks and hello from The Australian commonwealth!
P.s love the rack of SLRs behind you
Very cool
It's one I have to keep reminding myself of every few years, which is why I gave a rubbish answer when asked :) Hopefully this is definitive and I can watch myself back next time I forget!
It’s a nice problem to have
Knowing so much you forget some of the stuff you’ve learnt 😉
You’re services are appreciated and enjoyed =)
Would love a side by side/takedown of the Enfield #2 and the Mk IV .38!
That was an exceptional explanation.
The General Post Office Museum in Dublin has the WWII model in .38 listed for the MKIV in its 1916 Uprising display.
haven't clicked so fast for a long time! hello there, jonathan :D
Fascinating stuff.
I used to shoot the .22 calibre version of the Webley Mk IV 'Pocket' revolver when an active member of the London Transport Rifle Club. This is a rare, seldom seen variant, and had a six inch barrel, with adjustable rear sight. It was a superb revolver , only sold when our section disbanded. I now own a deactivated example of exactly the same weapon.
Video about Webley revolvers posted on Webley Wednesday
thank you.
Best job ever!
Nomentclature reminds me of the old army joke,"bedpacks should be made up as laid down in standing orders."
Nice presentation. I own both, and being in America can use them. Lovely guns.
You mention a Webley catalog with a date that should render it public domain in all countries. Are these digitized anywhere?
Used the Enfield. 38 in N Ireland in the 1960s
I thought the browning high power had become the norm in the late 50s. Possibly the police kept the .38s longer.
These are both pistols I'd like to add to my collection. I actually have an Enfield no2 mk1* so I feel like these would go perfectly
The Webley Mk IV is easily the coolest revolver ever made. I used to own an airsoft replica which was beautiful but had to sell it on years ago, still miss having it and plinking with it
Jonathan, could you shed any light on what exactly the Mk I and Mk II pocket models are please? i had to do a bit of research on Webley revolvers whilst sorting out the IMFDB page into the sepatarate .38 and .455 marks and was not able to find any examples of what the Mk I and II .38s where. It seems like with the "pocket" models they just started at the Mk III.
What a cool dude
I have an interesting Mk IV with 3 inch barrel and approx half-size grip frame (ex bank security gun) that has a strange rectangular cross-bolt safety ?button? on the frame. Was this the only revolver with this style of safety ?? (I am aware of revolvers with an actual safety LEVER on the frame)
I don’t know if Jonathan reads the comments himself, but seeing as this video is answering a technical question about Webley pistols, I will chance this one here.
There seems to be a consensus that the ‘WG’ series stands for ‘Webley-Government’ but there is another view that is stands for ‘Webley-Green’. I see comments stating that the latter view is definitely incorrect (e.g. on IMFDB), and even Ian McCollum refers to it as the Government model. However Dowell in his book ‘The Webley Story’ states that the Webleys themselves called it the Webley Green (which is consistent with models where an important part was devised by a particular person e.g. the Webley-Kaufman). Additionally the WG was not a Government model (although this could have been a marketing strategy - and yes, I am aware that it was purchased privately by British officers who had to furnish their own sidearms, both pistols and swords).
So which is correct (and based on what)? If the former- why was it called a government model when it was for the private market. If the latter, who was Green and why was it named after him?
My dad has a webkey mk iv chamber in .38 S&W with the war finish stamp.
That was really interesting. I especially enjoyed the part where I felt like I did the first time quantum mechanics was explained to me. But, that's not on you. Seriously, I think you did everything possible to explain it.
Jonathan, perhaps you could do a video about the HK USP series of hand guns? I heard rumors of the SAS using them in the 90’s and on to the 2000’s. Also their popularity in video games, would be great to have you explain their history and usage throughout various military units/hostage rescue units around the world.
Thanks from a big fan!
Americans naming their guns: "You'll be a M1"
Maybe were George Foreman got the idea of naming all of his sons "George".
Tanks: m1
"....and you, will be an M1 A1...there, that works just fine!"
And all the different M3 American tanks…
Sure. The Garand was the Model 1 *rifle.* There was also the Model 1 *carbine,* and the Model 1 *submachine gun,* aka the Thompson.
They're now at the Model 16 rifle, and Model 4 carbine.
Many years ago I had the enfield revolver in .38 caliber. Interestingly the hammer had been "bobbed" which is to say the hammer spur was not present. The ex serviceman from whom I bought it from said it was for tank issue to prevent catching on clothing in tight spaces. Its lack of weight made it hard on the hand to shoot.
I've got an ex-Singapore Police Mk.IV .38/200.
I have both revolvers in my collection. I had always wondered why they both had the same designation.
When I think of a British issued handgun, Webley's are the first that comes to mind.
When holding the .455, I can see where a soldier would have confidence facing a German in a trench of the Great War.
The U.S.A. loves to reuse designations as well.
M1 GARAND RIFLE
M1 CARBINE
M1 THOMPSON SMG
M1 ABRAMS TANK
.....
M2 BROWNING MACHINEGUN
M2 CARBINE
M2 REISING SMG
M2 BRADLEY FIGHTING VEHICLE
I should buy both.
Do you have any examples of county's capturing or purchasing a rifle from another country and reconfiguring or rechambering for their own use. Such as a enfeild in 7.62x54?
Russia purchased Winchester 1895 lever actions chambered for 7.62x54r. I believe there were some Colt 1911s bought by the UK chambered in 455 Eley (rimless version of the 455 webley rimmed revolver cartridge). Several countries rechambered captured arms for their own standard cartridges at various times. Mosin-Nagant rifles converted to 8mm Mauser, for one example.
So like m1 in the USA
I was about to comment this as well
You mean the rifle, the tank, the knife, the radio or...?
@@Finwolven exactly
I have a super weird Webley Mk 1 that is threaded and Navy marked. I bought it really cheap and I figured it was bubba'd but upon closer inspection it looks factory.. The finish all matches and it is really well done. I'm not sure why it's threaded? Possibly a flare/line device? I can't find anything on it online anywhere.
The same person who named these must have gone on to name all the Fast and Furious sequels.
I doubt that any military engagement was decided by who had the superior handguns. Still, the jump to .38 is VERY strange. By the 20s, .38 special was pretty damn' standard, and stayed in use by US police for another 40-50 years. But the British reached back to the ancient, Smith and Wesson black powder .38 from 1877. Sure Colt had marketed a 'Super Police' version with a 200 gr bullet. But still...
The reduction in calibre was to make training easier on what was after all a secondary weapon.
The original 380 Mk.1 service cartridge was essentially the same as the "Super Police" with a 200 grain unjacketed lead bullet.
Then the lawyers got nervous about "expanding ammunition". So a Mk.2 cartridge was introduced before WW2, with a 178 grain jacketed bullet.
Anytime some needs an iconically English revolver for a movie hero the Wesley is just there
Which model?
Just do it! - Wesley Crusher
The one thing, that guarantees our freedom and independence, is responsibility. We lost that somewhere between Vietnam and presidential blowjobs. - Wesley Snipes
I have a Wembley chambered in .38 S&W or least that is what I was told it was and it shoots fine using the very limited supply of ammunition I can find. I believe the serial number makes it a 1950s or so manufacture. Does that sound right? Were the military .38s chambered in the S&W cartridge. As another observation the trigger pull on the gun when fully cocked is dangerously light. With my pistol I would never ever pull the hammer fully back unless I was on the range already pointing at the target. Breathe heavily and it will go off. Best not to ask how I know that.
The .380 revolver cartridge was derived from the .38 S&W.
The later should work fine in the Webley Mk.IV
The miniature gatling in the background, what caliber? Who made it? When was it made?
I've got a mk4 and a mk6. I'm amazed that these guns seem a bit flimsy compared to modern revolvers. Way more intricate machining on the webleys but tanks they are not.
Have you got a genuine Webley “British Bulldog “ you can show us ?
Good expaination. I have a MKVI in 455 and a war finish MKIV in 38/200 and I knew there was a MKIV in 455. The USA produced two revolvers in WWI that had the same designation. The Model 1917 Revolvers were two different Revolvers chambered in 45ACP made by Colt and Smith and Wesson. I own a Colt 1917. These two revolvers were made because not enough 1911 pistols could be produced. Even more confusing there was a model 1917 Rifle being made at the same time.
I have forgotten so much about Weblyeys. But I shot a lot 380 455 RIC 38 eyleys black powder stuff reliads. The mk IV. The short MKIV used to get sold as Webley Greener I think. Ive had one in 36cal centerfire with arabic writing. Never got my hand on a Fosberrry, to shoot but looked them over. Or the auto Webley
Hood god how big were pockets in 1932? I can barely fit a lighter and keys in mine.
How frustrating it must be to be a firearms enthusiast in Britain. Hello from Texas.
@james baker Never a truer sentence spoken Sir...
Our "Government" doesn't think we're grown-up enough to be trusted with firearms.
Or maybe they saw your Constitution and realised that their tyrannical bullsh!t wouldn't have survived the 20th Century if we were all allowed to be armed like you Free Citizens -memories of Guy Fawkes and his friends perhaps?
And, just like in the U.S., the gun laws we have only apply to law-abiding citizens in the same way that locks on doors only keep law-abiding citizens out of your property...
@@therogers4432 Yes sir, it's the difference between "citizen" and "subject". I might step out on my porch and fire a few rounds to celebrate. I'm not because then I would have to clean, but I absolutely could! Nobody would notice.
My Grandfather pointed one of those at my Father once, for bringing his daughter back after 10.o'clock , he didn't do it again.
I have a mark IV chambered in .32 S&W Long can you tell me anything about it.
Quick question, can one support the royal armouries if we are not a citizen of the UK? I'd love to make a donation but I'm in Canada and I'm not sure if it makes a difference or not. I do know I can't claim it on my taxes though. Thank you guys as always for brightening up my day.
Now the intro music is a bit quiet. But other than that, aweseome as usual :)
Jonathan you mentioned the civilian one was part of the pocket series. Surely that should have been designed with a shorter barrel? A longer barrel would snag when drawn surely? Also the foresight on the military one looks smoother for drawing.
The pocket models had shorter barrels (2½", 3" or 4"). And usually short grips.
The .380 Mk.IV had all those options, plus on the service version a 5" barrel and full size grips.
Happens in the electronics world, too. RCA (Radio Corporation of America), when it was the dominate force in American, if not world, electronics, made some unique memory tubes, for early computers, and called them "Selectrons". These are very rare tubes and used in only one computer (Johnniac) for the Rand Corporation. Years later, RCA reused that name, as a brand, for common vacuum tubes (used in radios & TVs), that didn't quite meet the quality specs of RCA branded tubes.
Of course, there's always GM, which in the early 1980s, went into a deal with Toyota, and resold Corollas, as Chevy Novas, while Chevy Novas, of earlier years, was a substantially more beefy road machine !
So, just to simplify matters, there are THREE designations "Mk. IV" applying to Webley revolvers. Webley's Mk IV in the service revolver series; the gun is adopted, and happens to be Mk IV in the quite separate Army sequence. Then there is Webley's Mk IV pocket revolver (they having two different lines, which seem never to get mentioned in the naming of parts), which gets adopted with the manufacturer's name, not a separate military designation. That military naming is, by then, completely out of line with the standard designation for Army revolvers, but it would, I guess, have been far too easy to call it Revolver No. 3. Of course, they couldn't have called it Revolver No. 2 Mk 1, because that would have been to admit that the Enfield was a knock-off.
Glad to be able to clear that up for everyone.
My question is if got a 380 that looks like webley but you can not cock the hammer my dad bought it from defence auction years ago I got from him on his license it was classed as a webley, when I got a license they changed the make to engfield can you help
Hi, please help! I have a Webley revolver chambered in 455 with rounded butt and 6 inch barrel.. lower is marked Webley MKIV patent and the upper is marked MKVI. All parts have matching serials (5 digit starting with 8). What do I have??
I think I had the Enfield pistol that was double Acton only !
Hi.
It could be interesting to see you collaborate with other, similar TH-camrs. ^^
Thank you.
He has, there's several videos where he collaborates with Ian from Forgotten Weapons
This reminds me of somewhat of cars - Mazda's for example - or even something as mundane as a Ford Escort - look very very different even with a similar or even identical label attached & the only identifier is the model year or the series number - which isn't even really attached to the Car's ID accept in the user manual and on the engine VIN plate,.
Not quite the same but is what sprung to mind as I had trouble finding the proper year image of an old Mazda recently due to confusing naming.
So what was the MK3 of the 1930's then Jonathan? Thanks
Information on webley mark 4 revolver .32 caliber
I have one that is Mark IV .38 145/200. any idea the difference?
Jonathan do you know of any infantry gun where a electric engine is moving the bolt?
Airsoft lol
@@Piromanofeliz "Gun" not toy
@@azkrouzreimertz9784 true, true, that was a joke
Thanks for a bit of clarification on these guns and their baffling designations. I would love to own any of these but here on the USA they go for way crazy prices. Well maybe not actually "way crazy" but in comparison to my discretionary income ....yup.
Where are the Mars automatic I want all three to see
Hello, Jonathan.
Easy enough
Mark IV came after the mark 1, which came after the mark IV, of course there were marks 1,2 and 3 before that. All basically the same pistol. Just varying sizes and calibers. They were used in at least 3 wars. The mark IV in the Boer and second world war.
Easy. Just don't think.
@ttaibe -You've made my poor little brane hurt even more than the video, and now I feel confused, angry and very frustrated...
I think I'd better have the maid make me a splendid pot of tea, and sit quietly in my cool, dark, book-lined study full of hunting trophies and fossils drinking it until I calm down a bit, because it isn't easy being an Englishman don't you know?
You think that's confusing? Try working in ISP Tech Support back when there were /five/ versions of Windows 95.. 95, 95A, 95B, 95B [yep same name but with rudimentary USB support], 95C. And no they didn't play nicely together..
What was the Waverly Mach 4 380 38 worth
I just think we let's are absolutely gorgeous
What are those plaques on the background and why is one lower than the others?
interesting story :)
trust me Jonathon that was easier to figure out than the Enfield designations will ever be!! all those marks and stars will drive a person insane!! .380 is what in civilian 38 S+W 28 Colt or what?
Wikipedia identifies the 38/200 as .38 S&W and the .380 as the same thing with a lighter bullet, 180 grains.
@@Ni999 why can't the Brits just use the commercial caliber designation?
@@Ni999 he could have been a little more precise there's 4 revolver loads in 38 available back then that i can think of right off the 38 S+W 38 Colt 38-40 and 38/200
@@keithmoore5306 We didn't do much better. Marlin wouldn't market for Winchester so the .30 WCF became the .30-30 and we could probably start remembering more examples between us. Looking at the Webley naming clearly indicates that it was a time of manly men who knew better than to waste their time making sense of their gun-related naming conventions.
@@Ni999 no i meant in describing these guns like here! it's always a half caliber name when it's from a Brit! they forget some viewers are where they can have them!
I have an 1899 Webly MK IV that has been converted to shoot .45 ACP by shaving the back of cylinder
Has to use moon clips
Traded an old shotgun for it.
I’ve shot it some , no hot loads, shoots well
I used to breed horses and have shot lots of horses with it using bird shot lifeboat survival cartridges. Drops them dead instantly
that's a pocket revolver??? the British had pretty big pockets at that time.
It's actually pretty small and light. The chonky grips and long barrel make it seem larger. But yes, the Brits technically adopted a pocket revolver as a service revolver...
They had big long coats in those days.
At least it's smaller than the 1849 Colt 'pocket' percussion revolver. 😉
We get out man-servants or butlers to carry them so they don't ruin the line of our smoking jackets.
Look up Queen Elizabeth's Pocket Pistol. That's QE I not QE II. Built at Utrecht, it now lives at Dover Castle. The piece in question has a barrel 24 ft long and throws a 4.75" ball. Big enough for you? Might account for the bulged trunks worn by Elizabethan gentlemen.
Yes a "pocket revolver", but you have to wear the special trousers.
In that case, what was the Number 3?
Hi Jonathan..I'm from Philippines and I have in my position right now a Webley & Scotllin mark 4 .38 "767" and had a serial no.152726..im planning to sell it..but I don't know how much?...can you help me with it pls?..
Do halo 1,2,3,4 etc weapons if you can ? Thank you ?
Watching this for the 3498th to try understand it...
so they had 2 guns, with 3 identical designations.