The Webley .455in service revolver is among the most powerful top-break
revolvers ever produced and has a claim to be the first 'tactical
fighting pistol'. 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.