The Webley Service Revolver

(Paperback)

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Description

The Webley .455in service revolver is among the most powerful top-break revolvers ever produced. First adopted in 1887, in various marques it was the standard-issue service pistol for British and Commonwealth armed forces for nearly fifty years; later versions in .38in calibre went on to see further service in World War II and beyond, as well as in a host of law-enforcement roles around the world into the 1970s. Developed to give British service personnel the ability to incapacitate their opponents in 'small wars' around the globe, the Webley used the formidable and controversial .455in cartridge, a variant of which was known as the 'manstopper'. Users found it offered good penetration and excellent stopping power with only mild recoil indeed, it was rated superior to the US .45 Colt in stopping power. Featuring specially commissioned full-colour artwork and close-up photographs, this is the compelling story of the Webley revolver, the powerful pistol that saw service across the British Empire and throughout two world wars.

Reviews

"Author Robert Maze tells us the sometimes convoluted story of the Webley Service Revolver from its inception to today's use. This includes all of the different variations and improvements made to the gun over its life time and has additional information on its use by the Irish Constabulary and the Shanghai Municipal Police. It all makes for another superb book and if you are interested in weapons, then this book is very much a must have. Highly recommended." --Scott Van Aken, Modeling Madness

"...this book provides a fine history that incorporates basic firearms design and the evolution of pistol use. A special pick for military or firearms collectors alike." --The Midwest Book Review (November 2012)

Author Bio

Dr Robert Maze, a lifelong collector of 19th and 20th-century British weaponry, has trained with US SWAT teams and has diplomas from defensive handgun courses. He is the author of Howdah to High Power: A Century of British Breechloading Service Pistols (18671967). He lives in Virginia and is vice president of a leading aquaculture company. This is his first book for Osprey.