This Old Gun: Webley Mark VI Revolver

by
posted on May 22, 2012
201252110327-webleymarkvi_f.jpg

To most arms enthusiasts the stirrup-latch Webley is the quintessential British revolver, and they’re not wrong. It is also assumed it was the first repeating handgun to be accepted by Her Majesty’s forces, but actually the Webley was not accepted into service until the military had run through a succession of percussion and solid-frame Adams and a couple of ungainly, hinged-frame Enfield revolvers.

The Mark I Webley was accepted into British service in late 1887. Designated “Pistol Webley (Mark I) B.L. Revolver,” the caliber was .442. The six-shooter featured the famed stirrup latch devised by Edwinson Green, had a 4-inch barrel and “parrot’s beak” grip. It was loaded by pushing forward on the latch, and dropping the barrel to expose the chambers. The gun was then snapped shut and after rounds had been expended it was again broken open where a spring-loaded star extractor ejected the empties. Soon thereafter the caliber was increased to .455, with both the cartridge and the gun going through several changes prior to the introduction of the Mark VI in 1915.

Basically the gun was a variant of the Mark V, which had appeared two years earlier, with the some of the main differences being that the Mark VI had a 6-inch barrel (though there were some 6-inch Mark Vs, and 4-inch and 7 1/2-inch Mark VIs as well), square butt and removable blade front sight, along with a number of minor alterations in frame, screws, pins, etc. The gun was rugged, reliable and popular with the troops. Chambered for a formidable smokeless-powder .455 cartridge the Mark VI was standard until 1936, when it was replaced by the less-powerful 380 No. 2 Mark I “Enfield” revolver. Still, the Mark VI remained in service through World War II and as reserve standard until 1948.

Disassembly Instructions
To fieldstrip the Mark VI, first push in on the stirrup barrel latch (2), break open the gun and ensure it is unloaded. Now, remove the cam lever lock screw (7) with a screwdriver or coin. Move the cam lever (6) upward. Remove the cylinder (5) from its axle. Unscrew the stock screw (25) pull it out and take off both stocks (22, 24.) Insert two empty cartridge cases in opposing chambers in the cylinder (5). Insert a pin punch or similar instrument through the hole in the extractor rod retainer (15) and unscrew it. Remove the extractor and extractor spring (16). Take out extractor/ratchet (17) from the rear.

Remove the cylinder cam lever screw (8) and take off the cylinder cam lever (6) from the left side. Unscrew the hinge pin screw (36) on the right side and push the hinge pin (35) out of the frame to the left. Remove the barrel (1), being careful not to lose the extractor lever (11) sited in the barrel pivot flange. Remove the extractor lever by drifting out the cam pin (13) releasing the cam (12) and cam spring (14). Take out right and left cylinder cam screws (10) and separate the cylinder cam (9) from the barrel.

The mainspring (38) is removed by cocking the hammer to full-cock to compress it. Secure the mainspring with a spring vise or padded locking pliers. Pull the trigger and lower the hammer. The spring’s hooks may now be carefully unhitched from the hammer stirrup (33). Remove the mainspring by lifting it and freeing the spur from the frame on the lower side. Grasp the mainspring auxiliary lever (39) and remove it to the rear.

Remove the trigger guard (47) and screws (48). Unscrew the hammer pivot screw (32), depress the trigger and lift the hammer assembly (28) from its slot. Remove the barrel latch (2) by depressing the latch spring (4), relieving the pressure while unscrewing the latch screw. Slip the latch down and to the rear, clearing the recesses in the sides of the frame. Pry the latch spring carefully from the hole in the recoil plate. Remove the recoil plate screw (42) and drift out the recoil plate sideways. Reassembly of the revolver is in the reverse order.

Latest

John Parker flowing piece flintlock muzzleloader right-side view on white background
John Parker flowing piece flintlock muzzleloader right-side view on white background

Captain John Parker's Fowler: Witness To History

While thousands of firearms were used in and around the Massachusetts towns of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, few survive today. One survivor is the flintlock fowler used by Capt. John Parker of the Lexington militia.

New For 2025: Mossberg 590M Standoff & 500 Slugster Pump Shotguns

The Mossberg 500 is one of the most popular pump-action shotguns ever made. That doesn’t keep the company from making updates and improvements, as evidenced in the new-for-2025 590M Standoff and 500 Slugster series.

Preview: Warthog Sharpeners V-Sharp Elite A4

Warthog USA’s V-Sharp Elite A4 pairs the company’s most feature-packed portable blade-sharpening unit with a detachable wooden base for added stability.

The Men & Guns Of Lexington Green

On April 19, 1775, 250 years ago, approximately 80 armed militiamen from Lexington gathered on their village green to confront several hundred British infantrymen. The events of that morning began a conflict that would ultimately establish the United States of America.

"Battle Road" & The British Retreat To Boston: 250 Years Later

After the fights at Lexington and Concord's North Bridge, the British column had to return to Boston. On its way, the regulars were set upon by hundreds, then thousands, of armed militiamen hell bent on revenge.

Preview: Hawke Airmax 2-7X 32 mm AO

Shooters looking to add optics to their air rifles should choose airgun-specific scopes such as those in Hawke’s Airmax line—which offers four models.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.