Handguns of The Great War: Webleys, Fosberys and Colts

by
posted on August 12, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

The workhouse handgun of the British army at the start of World War I in 1914 was the Webley, big, ugly top-breaks chambered in .455. While not likely to win a beauty contest, Webley’s revolvers—from the Mk I through the Mk VI—were chambered for a man-stopping cartridge and were extremely reliable. Not so reliable was the Webley-Fosbery Automatic Revolver (not to be confused with Cruncberries)—that’s right a semi-automatic revolver. Additionally, the British and their Commonwealth allies bought Colts and Smith & Wessons, including the ubiquitous Government Model chambered in .455.

For more American Rifleman TV segments, go to americanrifleman.org/artv.

Latest

Yhm Victra 12 Suppressor Review 1
Yhm Victra 12 Suppressor Review 1

Review: Yankee Hill Machine Victra-12 Shotgun Suppressor

Yankee Hill Machine has recently released its Victra-12 shotgun suppressor, which promises to quiet the report of a 12-gauge shotgun while adding less weight than ever before.

A Clear Advantage: The Shield Sights OSMx Competition Red-Dot

Based on its OMSsc red-dot optic introduced last year, Shield Sights has launched the larger, competition-oriented OSMx red-dot for 2026.

Gun of the Week: Taurus 66 Combat Revolver

Taurus USA recently expanded its revolver line with the 66 Combat, a larger, all-steel revolver chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge. Watch our "Gun of the Week" video to see the 66 Combat in use on the range.

The Armed Citizen® March 6, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Armed Citizens Outperform the Police in Stopping Mass Murderers

A recent crime study indicates that armed citizens are better at stopping mass killers than the police.

Building A Legacy: One Hunter's Journey Toward a 338 ARC Bolt-Action

Hornady's 338 ARC cartridge was designed to pack plenty of subsonic power into an AR-sized platform. But how does it perform if you're looking to build something a bit more traditional?

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.