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{{Short description|British revolver}}
{{Infobox weapon
{{Infobox weapon
| name = Webley Royal Irish Constabulary revolver
| name = Webley Royal Irish Constabulary revolver
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<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged = yes
<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged = yes
| is_UK = yes
| is_UK = yes
<!-- Service history -->| service = 1867-1918
<!-- Service history -->| service = 1867–1918
| used_by = [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|United Kingdom]] & [[British Empire|Colonies]]
| used_by = [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|United Kingdom]] & [[British Empire|Colonies]]
| wars = [[Anglo-Zulu War]]<br />[[Second Afghan War]]
| wars = [[Anglo-Zulu War]]<br />[[Second Afghan War]]
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| image_size = 300
| image_size = 300
}}
}}
⚫
'''Webley Royal Irish Constabulary revolver''', British [[Trigger (firearms)|double-action]], [[Centerfire ammunition|centerfire cartridge]] revolver designed in 1867. It was one of the earliest British [[Breechloader|breachloading]] revolvers and one of the most popular British revolvers of the 19th century.<ref name=":0" />


⚫
The '''Webley Royal Irish Constabulary revolver''' is a British [[Trigger (firearms)|double-action]], [[Centerfire ammunition|centerfire cartridge]] revolver designed in 1867. It was one of the earliest British [[Breechloader|breachloading]] revolvers and one of the most popular British revolvers of the 19th century.<ref name=":0" />
⚫
== History ==
⚫
British [[Arms industry|armsmaker]] [[Webley & Scott|Philip Webley and Son]] of [[Birmingham]] produced their first [[Percussion cap|caplock]] revolvers ([[Webley Longspur]]) in 1853 with limited sucess, due to the popularity of the already established [[Adams (revolver)|Adams revolvers]]. Taking lead in the new (at the time) [[Centerfire ammunition|centerfire]] [[Cartridge (firearms)|metal cartridge]] technology, they produced their first breachloading, centerfire cartridge revolvers in 1867. They immediately became popular with British army officers, who at the time were expected to purchase their own personal weapons (swords and pistols) on their own expense, as very robust, compact and reliable weapons. They were the first popular Webley product that made the firm famous. Due to their quality, they remained in production for more than 30 years.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Myatt |first=Major Frederick |title=An Illustrated Guide to Pistols and Revolvers |publisher=Salamander Books Limited |year=1981 |isbn=0861010973 |location=London |pages=72-75 |trans-title=}} </ref>


⚫
==History==
⚫
In 1868, the [[Royal Irish Constabulary]] was formed as a paramilitary force armed with carbines and revolvers. As the Webley revolver was adopted as their first service weapon, it was known after that as the Royal Irish Constabulary revolver.<ref name=":0"/><ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Kinard |first=Jeff |title=Pistols, An Illustrated History of Their Impact |publisher=ABC-CLIO, Inc. |year=2003 |isbn=1-85109-475-X |location=Santa Barbara, California |pages=140}}</ref>
⚫
British [[Arms industry|armsmaker]] [[Webley & Scott|Philip Webley and Son]] of [[Birmingham]] produced their first [[Percussion cap|caplock]] revolvers ([[Webley Longspur]]) in 1853 with limited success, due to the popularity of the already established [[Adams (revolver)|Adams revolvers]]. Taking lead in the new (at the time) [[Centerfire ammunition|centerfire]] [[Cartridge (firearms)|metal cartridge]] technology, they produced their first breachloading, centerfire cartridge revolvers in 1867. They immediately became popular with [[British Army]] officers, who at the time were expected to purchase their own personal weapons (swords and pistols) on their own expense, as very robust, compact and reliable weapons. They were the first popular Webley product that made the firm famous. Due to their quality, they remained in production for more than 30 years.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |last=Myatt |first=Major Frederick |title=An Illustrated Guide to Pistols and Revolvers |publisher=Salamander Books Limited |year=1981 |isbn=0861010973 |location=London |pages=72-75 |trans-title=}} </ref>


⚫
In 1868, the [[Royal Irish Constabulary]] was formed as a paramilitary force armed with carbines and revolvers. As the Webley revolver was adopted as their first service weapon, it was known after that as the Royal Irish Constabulary revolver.<ref name=":0"/><ref name=":1">{{cite book |last=Kinard |first=Jeff |title=Pistols, An Illustrated History of Their Impact |publisher=ABC-CLIO, Inc. |year=2003 |isbn=1-85109-475-X |location=Santa Barbara, California |pages=140}}</ref>
⚫
== Characteristics ==


⚫
==Characteristics==
⚫
=== Webley R.I.C. revolver No 1 ===

⚫
===Webley R.I.C. revolver No 1===
[[File:442 Webley cartridge.jpg|thumb|[[.442 Webley]] cartridge.]]
[[File:442 Webley cartridge.jpg|thumb|[[.442 Webley]] cartridge.]]

Designed in 1867 for [[.442 Webley|.442]] [[Centerfire ammunition|centerfire]] cartridge, it was one of the earliest British breachloading revolvers. Solid frame revolver, with a round barrel screwed into the frame, and a one piece wooden grip held by two vertical screws. The foresight is sloted in, mostly semi-round, while the backsight is a long, V-shaped groove on the top strap above the cylinder. It has a loading gate hinged at the bottom that opens sideways, held by a flat spring. The six cambered cylinder is plain in the early models, while in later ones it was fluted to achieve a small reduction in weight. The ejector rod is mounted on a yoke (swivel) under the barrel and mostly housed in the hollow cylinder arbor, so it can be pulled out and swung to the right when needed. When the ejector rod is drawn out, the cylinder may be removed after drawing the arbor forward. The revolver has a double-action lock, with a half-cock position for loading.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
Designed in 1867 for [[.442 Webley|.442]] [[Centerfire ammunition|centerfire]] cartridge, it was one of the earliest British breachloading revolvers. Solid frame revolver, with a round barrel screwed into the frame, and a one piece wooden grip held by two vertical screws. The foresight is sloted in, mostly semi-round, while the backsight is a long, V-shaped groove on the top strap above the cylinder. It has a loading gate hinged at the bottom that opens sideways, held by a flat spring. The six cambered cylinder is plain in the early models, while in later ones it was fluted to achieve a small reduction in weight. The ejector rod is mounted on a yoke (swivel) under the barrel and mostly housed in the hollow cylinder arbor, so it can be pulled out and swung to the right when needed. When the ejector rod is drawn out, the cylinder may be removed after drawing the arbor forward. The revolver has a double-action lock, with a half-cock position for loading.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />


These revolvers were made in a variety of calibers, but no less than .410 in (10.4 mm). They were widely used all over the British Empire, and copied in various European countries. In 1872 a pocket model (.442 in) with a 2.5 in barrel was produced, which was the precursor of the famous [[British Bull Dog revolver|British Buldog]] revolvers.<ref name=":0" />
These revolvers were made in a variety of calibers, but no less than .410 in (10.4 mm). They were widely used all over the British Empire, and copied in various European countries. In 1872, a pocket model (.442 in) with a 2.5 in barrel was produced, which was the precursor of the famous [[British Bull Dog revolver|British Buldog]] revolvers.<ref name=":0" />

⚫
===Webley R.I.C. revolver No 2===
[[File:Chard's Webley RIC.jpg|thumb|Webley R.I.C. revolver No 2 that belonged to [[John Chard]], commander of the [[Battle of Rorke's Drift|Rorke's Drift]] in 1879.]]
[[File:Chard's Webley RIC.jpg|thumb|Webley R.I.C. revolver No 2 that belonged to [[John Chard]], commander of the [[Battle of Rorke's Drift|Rorke's Drift]] in 1879.]]


⚫
Produced from 1872, slightly smaller (8.25 in length, 3.5 in barrel) and lighter (0.76 kg) model, with the same overall characteristics.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> They were made in a variety of calibers, from .320 and .380 to .450. Service revolvers were six-shot, but smaller commercial 5-shot variants were also very popular.<ref>{{cite book |last=Zhuk |first=A. B. |title=The illustrated encyclopedia of HANDGUNS, pistols and revolvers of the world, 1870 to 1995. |publisher=Greenhill Books |year=1995 |isbn=1-85367-187-8 |editor-last=Walter |editor-first=John |location=London |pages=60-61 |translator-last=Bobrov |translator-first=N.N.}}</ref>
⚫
=== Webley R.I.C. revolver No 2 ===
⚫
Produced from 1872, slightly smaller (8.25 in length, 3.5 in barrel) and lighter (0.76 kg) model, with the same overal characteristics.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> They were made in wariety of calibers, from .320 and .380 to .450. Service revolvers were six-shot, but smaller commercial 5-shot variants vere also very popular.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Zhuk |first=A.B. |title=The illustrated encyclopedia of HANDGUNS, pistols and revolvers of the world, 1870 to 1995. |publisher=Greenhill Books |year=1995 |isbn=1-85367-187-8 |editor-last=Walter |editor-first=John |location=London |pages=60-61 |translator-last=Bobrov |translator-first=N.N.}}</ref>


== Service history ==
==Service history==
These revolvers were massively used by British officers and horsemen in the [[Anglo-Zulu War]] (1879). Practical use in combat showed that they were mostly efective on the distance of less than 25 yards.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Laband |first=John |url=https://www.worldcat.org/title/276930370 |title=Historical dictionary of the Zulu wars |date=2009 |publisher=Scarecrow Press |isbn=978-0-8108-6078-0 |series=Historical dictionaries of war, revolution, and civil unrest |location=Lanham, Md |pages=237 |oclc=276930370}}</ref>
These revolvers were massively used by British officers and horsemen in the [[Anglo-Zulu War]] (1879). Practical use in combat showed that they were mostly effective on the distance of less than 25 yards.<ref>{{cite book |last=Laband |first=John |url=https://www.worldcat.org/title/276930370 |title=Historical dictionary of the Zulu wars |date=2009 |publisher=Scarecrow Press |isbn=978-0-8108-6078-0 |series=Historical dictionaries of war, revolution, and civil unrest |location=Lanham, Md |pages=237 |oclc=276930370}}</ref>


== References ==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== Literature ==
==Literature==
* {{Cite book |last=Myatt |first=Major Frederick |title=An Illustrated Guide to Pistols and Revolvers |publisher=Salamander Books Limited |year=1981 |isbn=0861010973 |location=London |trans-title=}}
* {{cite book |last=Myatt |first=Major Frederick |title=An Illustrated Guide to Pistols and Revolvers |publisher=Salamander Books Limited |year=1981 |isbn=0861010973 |location=London |trans-title=}}
* {{Cite book |last=Zhuk |first=A.B. |title=The illustrated encyclopedia of HANDGUNS, pistols and revolvers of the world, 1870 to 1995. |publisher=Greenhill Books |year=1995 |isbn=1-85367-187-8 |editor-last=Walter |editor-first=John |location=London |pages=60-61 |translator-last=Bobrov |translator-first=N.N.}}
* {{cite book |last=Zhuk |first=A.B. |title=The illustrated encyclopedia of HANDGUNS, pistols and revolvers of the world, 1870 to 1995. |publisher=Greenhill Books |year=1995 |isbn=1-85367-187-8 |editor-last=Walter |editor-first=John |location=London |pages=60-61 |translator-last=Bobrov |translator-first=N.N.}}
* {{Cite book |last=Kinard |first=Jeff |title=Pistols, An Illustrated History of Their Impact |publisher=ABC-CLIO, Inc. |year=2003 |isbn=1-85109-475-X |location=Santa Barbara, California}}
* {{cite book |last=Kinard |first=Jeff |title=Pistols, An Illustrated History of Their Impact |publisher=ABC-CLIO, Inc. |year=2003 |isbn=1-85109-475-X |location=Santa Barbara, California}}
* {{Cite book |last=Laband |first=John |url=https://www.worldcat.org/title/276930370 |title=Historical dictionary of the Zulu wars |date=2009 |publisher=Scarecrow Press |isbn=978-0-8108-6078-0 |series=Historical dictionaries of war, revolution, and civil unrest |location=Lanham, Md |oclc=276930370}}
* {{cite book |last=Laband |first=John |url=https://www.worldcat.org/title/276930370 |title=Historical dictionary of the Zulu wars |date=2009 |publisher=Scarecrow Press |isbn=978-0-8108-6078-0 |series=Historical dictionaries of war, revolution, and civil unrest |location=Lanham, Md |oclc=276930370}}

{{VictorianEraBritishWeapons}}
{{VictorianEraBritishWeapons}}

[[Category:Revolvers of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Revolvers of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Early revolvers]]
[[Category:Early revolvers]]
[[Category:Black-powder pistols]]
[[Category:Royal Irish Constabulary]]
[[Category:Sherlock Holmes]]
[[Category:Anglo-Zulu War]]
[[Category:Victorian-era weapons of the United Kingdom]]

Latest revision as of 18:59, 29 September 2024

Webley Royal Irish Constabulary revolver
Webley Royal Irish Constabulary revolver No 1
TypeRevolver
Place of originUnited Kingdom
Service history
In service1867–1918
Used byUnited Kingdom & Colonies
WarsAnglo-Zulu War
Second Afghan War
Production history
Designed1867
ManufacturerWebley & Scott, Birmingham
Produced1867-1898
VariantsNo 1 & No 2 Model
Specifications
Mass30 oz (0.85 kg), unloaded[1]
Length9.25 in. (235 mm)[1]
Barrel length4.5 in. (114 mm)[1]
Cartridge.442 Webley cartridge
ActionDouble-action
Muzzle velocityc650 ft/s (198 m/s)[1]
Effective firing range25 yd (23 m)
Maximum firing range100 yd (91 m)
Feed system6 shot cylinder
SightsFixed front post and rear notch

The Webley Royal Irish Constabulary revolver is a British double-action, centerfire cartridge revolver designed in 1867. It was one of the earliest British breachloading revolvers and one of the most popular British revolvers of the 19th century.[1]

History

[edit]

British armsmaker Philip Webley and Son of Birmingham produced their first caplock revolvers (Webley Longspur) in 1853 with limited success, due to the popularity of the already established Adams revolvers. Taking lead in the new (at the time) centerfire metal cartridge technology, they produced their first breachloading, centerfire cartridge revolvers in 1867. They immediately became popular with British Army officers, who at the time were expected to purchase their own personal weapons (swords and pistols) on their own expense, as very robust, compact and reliable weapons. They were the first popular Webley product that made the firm famous. Due to their quality, they remained in production for more than 30 years.[1]

In 1868, the Royal Irish Constabulary was formed as a paramilitary force armed with carbines and revolvers. As the Webley revolver was adopted as their first service weapon, it was known after that as the Royal Irish Constabulary revolver.[1][2]

Characteristics

[edit]

Webley R.I.C. revolver No 1

[edit]
.442 Webley cartridge.

Designed in 1867 for .442 centerfire cartridge, it was one of the earliest British breachloading revolvers. Solid frame revolver, with a round barrel screwed into the frame, and a one piece wooden grip held by two vertical screws. The foresight is sloted in, mostly semi-round, while the backsight is a long, V-shaped groove on the top strap above the cylinder. It has a loading gate hinged at the bottom that opens sideways, held by a flat spring. The six cambered cylinder is plain in the early models, while in later ones it was fluted to achieve a small reduction in weight. The ejector rod is mounted on a yoke (swivel) under the barrel and mostly housed in the hollow cylinder arbor, so it can be pulled out and swung to the right when needed. When the ejector rod is drawn out, the cylinder may be removed after drawing the arbor forward. The revolver has a double-action lock, with a half-cock position for loading.[1][2]

These revolvers were made in a variety of calibers, but no less than .410 in (10.4 mm). They were widely used all over the British Empire, and copied in various European countries. In 1872, a pocket model (.442 in) with a 2.5 in barrel was produced, which was the precursor of the famous British Buldog revolvers.[1]

Webley R.I.C. revolver No 2

[edit]
Webley R.I.C. revolver No 2 that belonged to John Chard, commander of the Rorke's Drift in 1879.

Produced from 1872, slightly smaller (8.25 in length, 3.5 in barrel) and lighter (0.76 kg) model, with the same overall characteristics.[1][2] They were made in a variety of calibers, from .320 and .380 to .450. Service revolvers were six-shot, but smaller commercial 5-shot variants were also very popular.[3]

Service history

[edit]

These revolvers were massively used by British officers and horsemen in the Anglo-Zulu War (1879). Practical use in combat showed that they were mostly effective on the distance of less than 25 yards.[4]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Myatt, Major Frederick (1981). An Illustrated Guide to Pistols and Revolvers. London: Salamander Books Limited. pp. 72–75. ISBN 0861010973.
  2. ^ a b c Kinard, Jeff (2003). Pistols, An Illustrated History of Their Impact. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-CLIO, Inc. p. 140. ISBN 1-85109-475-X.
  3. ^ Zhuk, A. B. (1995). Walter, John (ed.). The illustrated encyclopedia of HANDGUNS, pistols and revolvers of the world, 1870 to 1995. Translated by Bobrov, N.N. London: Greenhill Books. pp. 60–61. ISBN 1-85367-187-8.
  4. ^ Laband, John (2009). Historical dictionary of the Zulu wars. Historical dictionaries of war, revolution, and civil unrest. Lanham, Md: Scarecrow Press. p. 237. ISBN 978-0-8108-6078-0. OCLC 276930370.

Literature

[edit]
  • Myatt, Major Frederick (1981). An Illustrated Guide to Pistols and Revolvers. London: Salamander Books Limited. ISBN 0861010973.
  • Zhuk, A.B. (1995). Walter, John (ed.). The illustrated encyclopedia of HANDGUNS, pistols and revolvers of the world, 1870 to 1995. Translated by Bobrov, N.N. London: Greenhill Books. pp. 60–61. ISBN 1-85367-187-8.
  • Kinard, Jeff (2003). Pistols, An Illustrated History of Their Impact. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-CLIO, Inc. ISBN 1-85109-475-X.
  • Laband, John (2009). Historical dictionary of the Zulu wars. Historical dictionaries of war, revolution, and civil unrest. Lanham, Md: Scarecrow Press. ISBN 978-0-8108-6078-0. OCLC 276930370.
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