Webley Forsby

Caliber: 455 revolver

Action: Revolver Semi Auto

Cartridge: Modern

History:

The Webley–Fosbery Self-Cocking Automatic Revolver was an unusual, recoil-operated, automatic revolver designed by Lieutenant Colonel George Vincent Fosbery, VC and produced by the Webley & Scott company from 1901 to 1924. The revolver is easily recognisable by the zig-zag grooves on the cylinder.

 

Webley viewed this weapon as an ideal sidearm for cavalry troops, the Webley–Fosbery was never adopted as an official government sidearm. At over 11 inches long and weighing some 44 ounces (1239 grammes) unloaded, the Webley–Fosbery was a heavy and unwieldy sidearm even by the standards of the day. Several models of Webley–Fosbery revolvers were produced, and the type saw limited action in the Boer Wars as well as World War I, where some privately purchased examples were carried by British officers in the .455 service chambering. Reports from the field suggested that the Webley–Fosbery, with its precisely machined recoil surfaces, was more susceptible to jamming in wartime conditions of mud and rain than comparable sidearms of the period. It has been commonly alleged that the Webley–Fosbery required a tight hold in order for the cylinder to properly cycle and cock the weapon.[3] Another disadvantage was manual recocking. Unlike the simple technique used for ordinary revolvers, the Webley–Fosbery requires pulling the entire action-cylinder-barrel assembly back across the frame, a two-handed operation.

The Webley–Fosbery did not survive the First World War. Production ceased in 1924, with a total production of less than 5,000.[4] However, many revolvers remained unsold, and the model was carried in Webley's catalogues as late as 1939.

This gun came via a historical society.  Bad advice and even worse deactivation methods has seen a possibly highly valuable gun if restored made into an anchor.  Seek real advice on all old guns and never get them deactivated.

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