Webley .38 Mk4?

Discussion in 'Weapons, Technology & Equipment' started by Dave55, Jul 29, 2020.

  1. ltdan

    ltdan Nietenzähler

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  2. ceolredmonger

    ceolredmonger Member

    I wasn't aware that wartime production Webley Mk.IV were double action only. There are issues with the British military at all levels using sloppy terminology - I could well believe an old 1WW soldier referring to any revolver as a 'Webley'.
    In post-war police service there were many controversial incidents involving discharge of cocked revolvers and calls for Police to have SA weapons. I can believe there being a commercial offer. Anyone have access to a copy of W C Dowell's excellent book?

    Edit. I originally used the term 'Single action' meaning double action only. I have no excuse but old age!
     
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2020
  3. TTH

    TTH Senior Member

    I don't think it's a question of the Mark IV being single-action. I think it's more "was it DA only." It was a double-action revolver but could of course be used SA, as could the No. 2 Enfield Mk I. The No. 2 Enfield Mk I*, as mentioned, was indeed DA only.

    A good discussion of the Webley Mk IV, the No. 2 Enfield, and the differences between the two is at Webley Mk. IV compared to Enfield No.2 MK. 1. Grant R, who provides the most information there, is one of the most knowledgeable people on britishmilitariaforums. That site concentrates mainly on 19th century stuff, but is useful for 20th century as well.

    When I was writing my book I saw a very interesting survey of infantry weapons which was circulated among units of 1st and 8th Armies after the end of the Tunisia campaign. None of the units concerned had anything really negative to say about the .380 revolver, which suggests that they considered it satisfactory in its limited role.
     
    Last edited: Aug 1, 2020
  4. TTH

    TTH Senior Member

    The C96 is without a doubt the sexiest automatic pistol ever, the Luger being No. 2. However, they were invented by Hugo Borchardt, who spent 23 years in the United States. I should add that I am writing some trashy detective fiction featuring a female private eye in New York City in the 1950s. She has two C96's, a Stoeger Model 1930 in 7.63mm and a post-WWI Bolo police rework in 9mm. She's German-American, like Herr Borchardt.
     
  5. Dave55

    Dave55 Atlanta, USA

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  6. TTH

    TTH Senior Member

    Attached Files:

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  7. ltdan

    ltdan Nietenzähler

  8. ltdan

    ltdan Nietenzähler

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  9. ceolredmonger

    ceolredmonger Member

    I am sorry, and appalled, at my stupid error (when tired!). I meant Double Action only. All pre-war and wartime Webley Mk.IV were dual action. I have not seen any evidence for spurless versions like the modification made to the Enfields. I wouldn't be surprised to find post-war police modifications due to the various controversies over premature discharge due to carrying a cocked pistol - as these were different circumstances to the military grinding off the thumb piece wouldn't be necessary.
     
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