In my previous post "Thoughts on the Top-Breal revolver......." of about a month ago, we had some discussion on the relative strength of the stirrup latch.
Steve M1911A1 wrote:
"The stirrup latch is joined to the frame of either gun by means of two fairly small screws, one at each side of the stirrup. Thus, these relatively small screws absorb all of the discharge force received by the stirrup latch."
I had no practical knowledge of the Webley other than the occassional firing of other folk's guns. However, in the current (June 2012) "American Rifleman" there is an exploded view of the Webley MK VI revolver. First time I had examined such information. The stirrup latch has two bosses around the screw hole, on the inside of the "legs" of the latch. These slide into recesses in the sides of the standing breech of the revolver. the effect is that these must be sheared off for the latch to fail. In addition, the screw is not two, but rather one through screw. If I remember correctly, this places that screw in double shear, thereby doubling the shear strength of that screw.
I must admit that I am on the edge of going beyond knowing what I'm talking about, but it does seem to me the latch is much stronger than Steve M1911A1 gave it credit for.
Steve, you stated, I believe, that you were a retired mechanical engineer. Does what I've said here make sense?
Bob Wright
Steve M1911A1 wrote:
"The stirrup latch is joined to the frame of either gun by means of two fairly small screws, one at each side of the stirrup. Thus, these relatively small screws absorb all of the discharge force received by the stirrup latch."
I had no practical knowledge of the Webley other than the occassional firing of other folk's guns. However, in the current (June 2012) "American Rifleman" there is an exploded view of the Webley MK VI revolver. First time I had examined such information. The stirrup latch has two bosses around the screw hole, on the inside of the "legs" of the latch. These slide into recesses in the sides of the standing breech of the revolver. the effect is that these must be sheared off for the latch to fail. In addition, the screw is not two, but rather one through screw. If I remember correctly, this places that screw in double shear, thereby doubling the shear strength of that screw.
I must admit that I am on the edge of going beyond knowing what I'm talking about, but it does seem to me the latch is much stronger than Steve M1911A1 gave it credit for.
Steve, you stated, I believe, that you were a retired mechanical engineer. Does what I've said here make sense?
Bob Wright