Webley Question

[Geronimo45]

This is a Webley Mark VI
http://www.oryansroughnecks.org/weapons/webley2.jpg
A lot of folks think it's ugly... but if so, I'd say it's ugly in a classic way.

Anyways. I understand now that the latch-a-majig on the backside of the cylinder area can be manipulated by the thumb to break the top open. This was a bit of a revelation for me - but then again, I know nothing about revolvers except what Hollywood has to say. I had no idea that the cylinder release gadget on S&W revolvers was anything more than a thumbrest until recently.

My question is this: what the devil is the triangular gadget in front of the cylinder? Thought it broke down the barrel, but the latch behind it does that. Seems to be a piece of metal with a very definite purpose - but I can't figure that purpose out for the life of me.

 

[Jim Watson]

It is the holster guide, so you can holster the gun without snagging the front edge of the cylinder on the usual cheap flabby leather or canvas military holster.

 

[Geronimo45]

I see. Thanks!

 

[Eightball]

Thank you for forever ruining the mystery of the strange piece of metal on Webleys for the rest of us, Jim.

I didn't know any revolvers even had that feature. Do any others exist that have that little device on the side?

 

[Jim Watson]

Not that I know of offhand, I guess I could go look for some more.

That is what the "black powder chamfer" on the front edge of a SAA cylinder is for, though.

 

[floridaboy]

Didn't they make an automatic revolver? And might that be one?

 

[Geronimo45]

Yep, the Webley-Fosbery. Mentioned in the Maltese Falcon, IIRC.
Here's an article on it:
http://www.thegunzone.com/webley-fosbery.html