Shooting the Webley-Fosbery Automatic Revolver - Including Safety PSA

Following up yesterday's look at the history and mechanics of the Webley-Fosbery self-cocking revolvers, today we are out at the range to do some shooting with one.
In terms of handling, it is a comfortable gun to shoot, albeit with some exaggerated recoil because of the very high bore axis relative to the hand. It has an interesting two-part recoil sensation, because the upper assembly takes quite a long time to return forward into battery.
Most importantly, we discovered that this particular Webley-Fosbery has a worn hammer engagement, which results in the firing pin coming into contact with cartridge primers even when it is in the safety notch. In other words, it can - and will - sometimes fire when the action is closed and without any manipulation of the trigger. This is a condition that could happen to any Fosbery revolver, so owners should handle them with this possibility in mind! This is also a great example of why gun safety rules are redundant - occasionally guns do have mechanical failures, so don't point them at anything you don't want to shoot!
Thanks to Mike Carrick of Arms Heritage magazine for providing this Webley-Fosbery for this video! See his regular column here: armsheritagemagazine.com
Cool Forgotten Weapons merchandise! shop.bbtv.com/collections/forg...
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If you enjoy Forgotten Weapons, check out its sister channel, InRangeTV! / inrangetvshow

[@GoreTorn16]

Gentlemen, he is shooting a $12,000-$30,000 Revolver. Let that sink in.

[@ForgottenWeapons]

This one's probably worth more because it is inscribed to a specific officer.

[@GoreTorn16]

Wow! Thats is just insane! I would love one but I'd have to sell my home, wife, car and dog. 3 times!

[@betaich]

GoreTorn16 the wife, car and home I could get behind, but the doggo really?

[@GoreTorn16]

haha sorry but Lassies gotta go T_T

[@GoreTorn16]

@War Zone Doh!!!

[@StAlchemyst]

This is why Ian gets the big bucks in firearms reviews. His initial reaction to shooting a Webley-Fosbery ... ... ... wait for it... ... ... AND I QUOTE "HUH-HUH!" Ahhhh... the thoughts of a scholar and the words of a poet. XD (seriously the perfect reaction!)

[@MrBandholm]

Ians presentation skills are among the sharpest out there... I am glad that he makes enough, that he can do this full time! And that he doesn't have to answer to anybody... But a part of me, really wants him to be included in these documentaries about guns, that are made from time to time. If discovery (or any other channel) remade the "top ten" firearms, Ian should be an auto-include among the experts!

[@Kolajer]

A gentleman, a scholar and high dollar

[@RealLifeZatoichi]

Right that goofy laugh every man does when we make big boom xD

[@mu99ins]

@@RealLifeZatoichi - I'm old...ancient. I've been seeing this "XD" in comments more and more, and I'm curious. What does it mean?.

[@Ashcrash82]

@@mu99ins It's to indicate a hearty belly laugh . The "X" is the eyes closed, the "D" is the open mouth.

[@abeherbert6603]

I've always found something pleasing about the utilitarian, no-frills appearance of the Webley revolvers. Plus those grooves on the cylinder look really cool.

[@donjones4719]

Even more utilitarian if it used half moon or full moon clips. Or was that what they called a speed loader back then, because Ian did mention that.

[@TheArgieH]

@@donjones4719 Prideaux?

[@donjones4719]

@@TheArgieH Came across Ian's vid covering the

[@lanceocana9059]

@@donjones4719 the what

[@kevin.malone]

Casiopea is legit!

[@sandmanhh67]

Splendid to see you adopting proper regulations approved British officer stance to shoot your pistol - side on, one handed and the other hand tucked smartly behind your back, upper lip stiffened and groomed mustache for'ard. spiffing performance old boy....we will make a Tommy of you yet my lad ;-)

[@jessesands4099]

sandmanhh67 😀💂🇬🇧

[@jasonirwin4631]

I have dreadful news for you good sir but Ian has gone to the French.

[@tomsoki5738]

🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@tomrl6674]

@@jasonirwin4631 lmao he actually did

[@El-Burrito]

I like how you wrote forward. I get so triggered (no pun intended) hearing a strong American accent pronouncing that hard W

[@schizoidboy]

I remember this gun on the show Tales of the Gun and how it was an automatic revolver which one of the presenters stated "The question no one asked." Apparently it was good for early fliers who needed a rapid fire handgun that wouldn't spread hot spent shells after firing which is actually quite important when flying a plane made of wood and canvas.

[@ramjb]

""The question no one asked." yeah, I guess that's the reason self-loading pistols pretty much replaced the revolver shortly after the introduction of this weapon. Because nobody was interested in semiautomatics... right?. True, semiautos do it better, but those didn't exist when this weapon was patented. It had a very legitimate reason to be the way it was, and it indeed "answered a question MANY were asking" (just go ask any nagant revolver shooter if he'd like a similar system to this one in his weapon). Whoever stated that in that show clearly has no clue about the period this weapon was introduced.

[@ianfinrir8724]

Tales Of The Gun was such an awesome show.

[@honkhonkler7732]

They weren't that worried about spent cartridges of all things starting fires in old planes, especially from a pistol. Nowhere near hot enough. Many aircraft mounted MGs of the era discarded their spent ammo all over the place.

[@garethfergusson9538]

​@@honkhonkler7732smokey bear says only you can prevent plane fires

[@TheYankeeMarshal]

I want to see a modern version of this made.

[@wlogan0204]

im thinking about trying to make a prototype for the military as a man shot 20mm rifle

[@charlie__kelly3690]

Mataba made something similiar in the 80's they are not easy to come by but if you watch gunbroker they sale once a month or so.

[@justincancelosa5773]

They have I believe if you've ever played Battlefield 4 they have an auto revolver called the Unica but I don't know much about them

[@Tipi_Dan]

I'd just like to see a reboot of the standard Webley Mk. VI--- and in stainless steel. If they can do the old Smith & Wessons they ought to be able to do the Webley. It is the superior design. Perhaps there are patent issues or something.

[@noomeron]

A firm in Pakistan called PHSADC has been developing a reproduction and trying to get it up for sale on the import market for a few years, hopefully something will eventually come of that effort.

[@penguasakucing8136]

Oh god, his little giggle at 0:45 is so adorable

[@jamesbulldogmiller]

Most interesting!! My great grandfather was a firefighter in London during the Blitz. He carried a Webley .455 revolver (not semi-auto), in case he encountered any downed German fliers.

[@johnturner8383]

Webley in one hand, fireaxe in the other. True hero, good man... 🇬🇧

[@herbderbler1585]

@@johnturner8383 imagine that coming toward you through the flames and rubble. Whether a downed kraut or a Londoner in need, that could be rather terrifying.

[@rubenskiii]

Very aesthetically pleasing gun, the Webley always had a special place in my heart but that zig-zagged cylindre... Damn beautiful.

[@erics3454]

Outside of any gun information, of which you communicate fantastically, you do an excellent job in presenting and demonstrating the weapons.

[@rotwang2000]

This had me thinking about other auto-revolvers such as the Mateba, who not only made a modern auto-revolver, but also had a whole series of quite unique handguns that would be worth exploring.

[@OlujaDoTokija]

I would like to see a series about those handguns as well

[@wowfreak195]

Ya I wanna see Ian go to Lifesizedpotato and do a series with him on the whole Mateba line.

[@eyeamstrongest]

"more autorevolvers" now that is a tantalizing prospect

[@ArcturusOTE]

Well Mateba's Unica was a thing, too bad they're expensive and now they're gone

[@KingHalbatorix]

@@ArcturusOTE I heard they're back

[@CowboybubPercussion]

@@KingHalbatorix your right, however not in the states sadly...

[@jacobmccandles1767]

It would be, but... 1) High bore axis. 2) Single Action makes liability lawyers break out in a rash.

[@Kitteh.B]

Break action Chiappa Rhino Fosbery. Only downside will be the cost.

[@LordRaa]

Thank you for the important safety information about the firing pin.

[@DerMannII]

I have been waiting for this video since your channel started. Thank you so much for finally putting out this video. This is the first time I've seen a Webley-Fosbery fired in any sort of quality since Garry James fired one on Tales of the Gun nearly two decades ago in what must've been 240p. I just wish there was better .455 Webley commercially available. The Fiocchi stuff seems underloaded and the small pistol primer (for whatever reason, the damned Italians thought it was a good idea to use such a small primer for a .45 caliber cartridge). Still, great video, and thanks again for all your work. When I get into a more financially stable situation, I will gladly support you on Patreon. Until then, I'll endlessly shill your channel to my friends and acquaintances and continue following you on here and Facebook.

[@ForgottenWeapons]

Thanks!

[@DerMannII]

No, Ian, thank you.

[@DerMannII]

Also, meant to ask: My first handgun was a Webley & Scott Mk.VI (unmolested in .455), so I'm fairly familiar with Webley revolvers. Could you compare shooting the Fosbery to a Mk.VI? I imagine the added weight and recoil-driven system only further ameliorates the already negligible recoil.

[@ForgottenWeapons]

I would say the Fosbery has a bit less felt recoil but a bit more muzzle climb. Both pretty subtle differences, though.

[@DerMannII]

Thank you, sir. As I mentioned above, this was the video I had been looking forward to the most since your channel started and I thoroughly enjoyed not only this video, but the previous one regarding the history of said handgun. The few friends I know intimately will all tell you that the Fosbery is my "unicorn" gun (specifically with a 7.5" target barrel - that is my fetish). I don't give a damn about wonder 9s, polymer miracles or ancient Tower flintlocks. For me, the Webley-Fosbery in .455 (Mk.II and up, of course, only cordite) is my ultimate handgun. I reside in Texas, so the subject of firearms comes up in conversation fairly regularly with friends an co-workers. I use the Thompson-LaGarde trials results as "evidence" to further my obsession for the .455 cartridge. This astounds many people because the layman often believes the .45 ACP to be the end-all cartridge in terms of """""stoppin' power""""", and when they hear that General John T. Thompson, of Tommy-Gun fame, had picked the .455 Webley (or was it the .476 Eley that had the "cupped" bullet?), their brain just melts and it's great. If you're ever in the Houston area, I'll gladly let you put as much Fiocchi .455 Mk.II through my Mk.VI as you'd like. Anyways, I'm rambling from sleep deprivation, so I'll just thank you again for your work and I'll have a drink on Lieutenant Colonel George Vincent Fosbery, VC, before I head off to bed tonight. Thanks again, Ian.

[@Foxpest]

Ian your videos are the best of the best. I have always find the attraction of guns, to be in the mechanics. And you never disappoint in this area. Precise, well worded and visual presentations are a constant credit to you. My thanks sir.

[@shadowblaster124]

You've got some of the best content on the tube, Ian. Keep it up!

[@thompsonjerry3412]

One of the coolest guns you have ever shown!

[@GR46404]

Thanks very much for illuminating the potential safety issue on worn examples of this gun. You have done the shooting/collecting community a real service.

[@GeorgeHeil-ch3ro]

I appreciate the way you present the information without undo assumptions or BS.

[@cecilbennett5403]

Ian, you continue to amaze and impress me with your knowledge and expertise. Good video!

[@anthonythomas1735]

I had absolutely no idea that they ever made an automatic revolver! This is completely amazing and also very, very cool! Especially given the time frame, once again I am reminded why this channel on KZbin is one of my favourites.

[@vzd963]

I'm writing a book about the making of the Sean Connery film "Zardoz" - he uses a Webley Fosbery on screen. Thank you for putting up this really well-thought-out video - I wanted to see the gun in action, and this is my only chance. The dramatist in me wants to dub in some nice big BANG!s, though...

[@pokehybridtrainer]

I was diving through the comments to see if someone else was aware of Zardoz with this gun. Was not disappointed. Best of luck for your writing.

[@lizboylee]

You are one of the best at bringing out the artform of firearms.

[@slaughterhound8793]

Thanks for delving into that potential safety issue at the end there; it's a good reminder that, although still eminently shootable, there can often be enough wear on these antiques to bring about issues that the original user in World War I never had to deal with. When I first read about the Webley-Fosbery a number of years ago, I would have really liked to have had one. Since then, I had to "rationalize" my wish list a little, & don't really want one anymore. Not that I would turn one down if I could get one at a great price, just that there are too many other great pistols out there that I would like to have more than the Fosbery. They are still interesting & great handguns though; good to see one being put through its paces.

[@Claire-xk5bb]

ive been waiting a while for a revisit on the Webley-Fosbery. awesome. thanks!

[@kevlarandchrome]

Thanks, I really enjoyed both videos about this beautiful weapon.

[@three-stripes]

His little giggle there made me laugh..

[@Rumblestrip]

That is truly an amazing idea. Interesting seeing how people approach problems in different ways, even in the failed ideas. I don't think quiet qualifies as a failure even if it wasn't popular, it's still no less, an amazing idea. Thank you Ian.

[@mannyfreeesh5256]

Fascinating, of all the decades I've been shooting and being a fan of this page for years, this the first time I've ever heard of a semi-auto revolver... I'm a dummy!

[@99wolfspider]

Ian, just letting you know that you linked this video in the end of your History and Mechanics video. I (as someone not paying on patreon) am not complaining about being able to see the video early, but I still thought you should know.

[@ForgottenWeapons]

That one posts tomorrow, so I'm not concerned about it. Thanks though!

[@davidtong2776]

Another great video, and very informative for old gun lovers.

[@petere7197]

Very interesting Forgotten Weapon. You really do do excellent presentations. Thanks!

[@tonyloechte9994]

A weapon well ahead of its time Top job Ian.

[@cybercat1531]

A friend of my grandpa's had a Fosbery revolver, I recall him reloading it exactly as you described to avoid accidental discharge. Later he modified the mechanism to avoid that issue.

[@thecrobrony]

Made me wonder, how interesting would it be to combine the self-cocking mechanism on the Webley-Fosbery with a gas seal like on the Nagant revolver? It is redundant, I know, but still sounds interesting to see how would it work.

[@christopherdean1326]

I can't remember the name of them at the moment, but there was/is a range of revolvers that fired from the bottom chamber. If you combined the two ideas, it would negate one of the issues that he raised.

[@theloseph]

@@christopherdean1326 The Mataeba revolvers designed by Emilio Ghisoni. I believe he also worked on the Chiappa Rhino revolver

[@christopherdean1326]

@@theloseph That was the one I was thinking of, thx.

[@mkshffr4936]

That would be outstanding since the real down side of the Nagant is the horrible double action pull. The auto cock would fix that.

[@n00btotale]

crap who let the germans in?

[@redrackham6812]

I love this design, because it's so clever in an off-the-wall way and because it's clearly a technological dead-end.

[@redrackham6812]

@RattusRattus 903 Well, generally, yes, it is bad to be a technological dead-end, but what can I say? There's a place in my heart for interesting technological dead-ends.

[@redrackham6812]

@RattusRattus 903 I don't mind at all. What I meant was that it was quickly overtaken by magazine-fed semiautomatic pistols, and the whole concept of a semiautomatic revolver went nowhere. Magazine-fed semiautomatic pistols quickly became the norm in handguns, and they have continued to develop and improve, and remain the norm, but a semiautomatic revolver is pretty much just an historical curiosity.

[@redrackham6812]

@RattusRattus 903 I agree completely. That was exactly what I meant.

[@jeffcaldwell2991]

In addition to the Broomhandle pistol design (all of them) I am also a big fan of the various Webley revolvers. Thanks for covering the Webley-Fosbery.

[@kurushdalal]

An absolutely fascinating gun, thank you

[@christianroberts8134]

Great work and follow-up!

[@LeDibeau]

What a beutifu, fine piece of machinery. Saw a picture of this revolver centuries ago in a book and wanted it on the spot or at least shoot it on day. Fantastic slowmo footage !

[@820hurleyj]

Very cool video! I'm somewhat knowledgeable about guns but I read about this one in a Clive Cussler novel and hadn't heard of it before. However I was now intrigued and was glad I was able to find this video.

[@armadagunshow]

Another great video on another great gun, really want one of these

[@nerome619]

excellent sound Ian, much better than past vids

[@yamahonkawazuki]

this sir has made me sub. was always wanting one of these revolvers, one day perhaps lol. but this was at the top of the search results. so im subbed :)

[@MasterOfHelium]

6:43 fired in just right moment for camera to capture the bullet leaving the barrel!

[@mohannadali9662]

Sharp eye

[@mu99ins]

@@mohannadali9662 - Kudos for the slow motion shots, too. Excellent video work.

[@ivyssauro123]

I actually paused right on it and printed, pretty amazing! Low velocity rounds are cool

[@Nooziterp1]

@@ivyssauro123 It was low velocity because that was British doctrine with handguns at the time. That a heavy slow-moving bullet was better than a light fast-moving one.

[@ivyssauro123]

@@Nooziterp1 yeah, for some purposes they were right

[@wyattloftin106]

Probably one of the coolest, and most unique revolvers ever made.

[@TrikeRoadPoet]

Fun video, and the psa was a timely reminder that gun safety is always number one!!!

[@wesleykish3297]

Need to put them back in production. Looks like a fun gun to shoot. Thanks for the video

[@MrJamesjustin]

Great gun. Awesome video. Critically important observations. (As usual.)

[@hansweisheit5477]

Wow! This revolver is amazing!

[@MrFiremagnet]

I was looking for any info about this exact revolver for who knows how long now. KZbin algorithm is a harsh mistress indeed. Didn't know it's an automatic revolver. This concept is so cool. Wish I could shot this model some time.

[@swytchblayd]

Keep making gun videos. Screw KZbin's latest stupidity; your in-depth analysises are a joy to watch :D

[@jeremy67A]

An elegant weapon for a more civilized time.

[@paulkeys175]

Nothing like slaughtering your foe in a civilised manner chaps!

[@envrnmntlsm]

age*

[@mohammadwaled409]

Is that an ahoy reference,yes I know it has been two years

[@dancooper455]

@@mohammadwaled409 it is a star wars reference

[@gcart7675]

@mohammad waled its star wars obi wan kenobi said it about lightsabers

[@MagnificoGiganticus]

Always interesting, Ian.

[@luisantolafrancis519]

Ian just cant help himself from giggling when he fires that gun !! Most certainly a strange transitional handgun from the late 19 century .y would love ❤ to have one.

[@darwinsmonkeybutler2113]

Well, that was very interesting and informative. Thanks

[@35southkiwi16]

Thoroughly interesting piece of engineering.

[@jamesranger6283]

Very nice revolver. Great vid.

[@NoosaHeads]

I have found very little muzzle flip with the Fosberry. I do believe it's different for each shooter. The 455 is a heavy, lumbering bullet but devastatingly effective. I really love shooting the Fosberry. To me, it has the perfect feel.

[@danielmorris9803]

That's Why You Get Training For Each Type Of Weapon.. Loved Your Video

[@aries_9130]

Wonderful gun. Thank you!

[@jakeg5251]

I rewinded so many times to listen to that chuckle

[@VaronPlateando]

... my first getting to 'know' (encyclopedically, that is) about these handguns was in context of reading 'against the day' by thomas pynchon, where one of the main (rather particular) characters in special service ops happens to carry one around, not overly enthusiastically with regard to related firepower, though. but I guess (from quite some of his literary dealing with firearms) mr pynchon might also have appreciated ian's two related videos here... as I do. great stuff, as always.

[@victoriaevelyn3953]

i see why some officers chose this its very quiet im assuming that the camera microphone doesn't do the firing sound any justice

[@SgtKOnyx]

Vector Corbin yeah

[@Arthurzeiro]

The ammo is subsonic, it's quieter than most.

[@normang3668]

Definitely seems to be low velocity, you can actually see the bullet exiting the barrel on a couple of those shots.

[@bad2theboneT600]

A PM 63 would be nice to see on this amazing channel.

[@pmotley]

Great video. Love your range. Keep looking at the cacti.

[@FenellaBeach]

I understand the break open eject (on any Mk VI) will only eject spent cases - the weight of a live service round is sufficient to overcome the ejector and drop back into the chamber, so enabling top up loading in the heat of battle. Thanks Ian for another fascinating and entertaining video, I just can't get enough of them. Sadly they're mostly like a fantasy world now for those of us living in the U.K.

[@ForgottenWeapons]

No, Webleys will quite happily toss out live rounds.

[@FenellaBeach]

Forgotten Weapons Roger that - pity, it would have been a neat feature if it was true !

[@reeferman502]

Or, like an Enfield .38 will snap the centre ejector too quickly and casings slip underneath, causing a problem.Tip the cylinder over first so gravity assists and don't worry about a live round falling out(with 1000 bad guys coming at you).

[@Goatboysminion]

That was fascinating. I've never seen one of those before.

[@davidatchison9245]

Cool gun AND a safety tip!

[@jeffreyreardon7487]

Great video, mate

[@CM-di1oz]

Honestly a very interesting concept I can certainly see it as a predecessor to modern semi auto handguns. And honestly I could still see it being useful for bigger rimmed pistol caliber like 44 mag that can’t be put in a conventional mag

[@Q_7169]

I've always love Webleys. I've wanted a Fosbery for a while now, but I'm not sure I'll ever be able to find one of those beauties

[@TheGnewb]

Good information, thanks

[@robertsummers3386]

It's always so satisfying to me to see a Webley Revolver extract the rounds.

[@frankbaine3918]

Some more up close slowmo cycling of the action would've been good. Kudos to Ian for shooting this classic for us!

[@rogerwennstrom6677]

0:46 - 0:47 is the best part - very eloquently put ;)

[@andrewlancour1626]

sweet shooting!

[@d4rkhound388]

1:45 MY GOD IAN, you look glorious i can see it now, you standing over the trenches, Automatic fosbery in hand wearing an Officers uniform and shouting charge as you take a few shots.

[@brucerobert227]

Yo Ian, the wife & I LOVE the "Ian-chuckle" there at 46 seconds

[@NoosaHeads]

A wonderful revolver that is a delight to shoot. They are _very_ accurate. (provided, of course, that the rifling is in good condition).

[@chrisvalentine3017]

And if you use hollow based bullets.

[@AtheistOrphan]

Should have dressed as Sean Connery in 'Zardoz' to test it!

[@Regolith86]

No one needs to see that; not even Gun Jesus can pull that look off.

[@lovecraftcat]

You never know until you try.

[@christopherconard2831]

Atheist Orphan Get me a W-F and I'll do it. Of course, I'm keeping the gun.

[@phileas007]

most underrated film in history !!!!

[@peterthinks]

Wow... GJ as the Zardoz enforcer. How long till Halloween?

[@williamprince1114]

Nice work. You may have saved someone a lot of hurt with your work today.

[@ozzypascal7210]

great video

[@hughculliton3174]

Given that some of the poor things are closing on 130 years, a gentle treatment is a given. Always been fascinated by the action!

[@oftenwrong.]

Well done ol boy!

[@FeatheringitBrother]

Ian's chuckles are too good

[@aerofd]

Interesting gun. Thanks.

[@zanearmstrong6776]

0:45 yes i do believe i'd laugh exactly like that if i got my hands on one of these too

[@AtheistAnarchoCommie]

Ian giggling is the cutest sound in any firearms related video ever.

[@kyleg8928]

Thanks Ian. The slow mo shooting was exactly what I was waiting for. As the pistol returns to battery, It's interesting see how the momentum returns the bore very near back to zero. Would you say it's easy to double fire accidentally?

[@kinadafurry7353]

The the webley ping is so underrated!!

[@barcelona2170]

This is such a cool gun.

[@guzziguy1000]

That was interesting !

[@mikewilburn5884]

Outstanding

[@potatoradio]

That chuckle, ok I want one even more now.

[@einefreunde]

Had no idea such a gun was ever made...I like

[@coles201]

Very cool gun.

[@EATSFALCONPUNCH]

that chuckle before he ejects the first cylinder is the highlight of my life

[@The_Hi_Life]

Bucket list gun for sure...

[@mrwhite1510]

Awesome thanks, I want one of those TOO!