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.
Handguns of The Great War: Webleys, Fosberys and Colts
** 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. **
Interests
New For 2025: Springfield Armory Saint Victor Pistols In 5.56 NATO & 9 mm Luger | An Official Journal Of The NRA
- New For 2025: Springfield Armory Saint Victor Pistols In 5.56 NATO & 9 mm Luger | An Official Journal Of The NRA
- Silencer Central Banish 12: A Hunter-Friendly Shotgun Suppressor | An Official Journal Of The NRA
- New For 2025: Christensen Arms Evoke In .375 H&H & .450 Bushmaster | An Official Journal Of The NRA