Manual / Guide
A wartime Gale & Polden (Aldershot) handbook for unit armourers and inspecting officers. Opens with the STEN Mk II (and an illustration of the Mk III): detailed stripping, examination and what-to-look-for notes, followed by the Thompson, the Lanchester and the No. 1 and No. 2 pistols.
. e-. I • THE Publisher's Announcement THE ARMOURER'S HANDBOOK Published in Three Parts PART 1.-'l'HE RIFLE THE No. 1 R IFLE (S .M .L.E.) MARK III. THE No. 2 RIFLE (MINIATURE RANGE). ARMOURER'S HANDBOOK Part II MACHINE CARBINES AND PISTOLS THE No. 3 R IFLE (p.'14) .303-INCH. THE No. 4 R IFLE MARK 1*. THE Ross RIFLE MARK III. BY THE BROWNING A UTOMATIC RIFLE .300-INCH. LABORE PART n.-MACIDNE CARBINES AND PISTOLS THE STEN MACHINE CARBINE. . THE THOMIlSON MACHINE CARBINE. THE LANCHESTER MACHINE CARBINE. THE No. THE No. 1 PISTOL (W EBLEY MARK VI .45). 2 P ISTOL (.38). PART III.- LJGHT MACHINE GUNS THE B REN MARKS I AND II. THE VICKERS B ERTHIER. THE LEWIS (ENGLISH AND AMERICAN). THE HOTCHKISS. GALE & ALDERSHOT POLDEN LIMITED Price Two Shillings net (By pOST 2/2) .1 CONTENTS PAGE FOREWO RD FORE WORD THIS book has been compile d on the same lines as the one dealing with rifles. The object is to assist armoure rs, assistan t armoure rs, and qualifie d personn el in the strippin g of the various weapon s, and in addition to help inspecti ng officers and others by showing them what to look for. Owing to the comp;ex ity of pistols, further informa tion and hints have been included . . II THE STEN MACHIN E CARBINE MARK II 5 THE THOMPS ON MACHINE CARBINE 11 THE LANCHES TER MACHIN E CARBINE . No.2 PISTOL (.38) 15 19 23 THE Nos. I AND 2 PISTOLS 25 No.1 PISTOL (WEBLEY MARK VI .45) . ILLUST RATION S THE STEN MACHIN E CARBINE MARK II 4 THE STEN MACHIN E CARBINE MARK III THE No. 1 PISTOL (WEBLEY MARK VI .45) 8 10 14 18 THE No.2 PISTOL (.38) 22 THE THOMPS ON MACHIN E CARBINE Only qualified personn el must attempt to strip these weapon s, whether to repair damage or for instruct ional purpose s. Should the thoroug h examin ation shown be 'carried out periodic ally by inspecti ng officers and non-com mission ed officers the weapon s will be maintai ned to a high degree of efficiency, and breakag es, etc., will be the exceptio n rather than the rule. LABORE . . THE LANCHES TER MACHIN E CARBINE . . PLATES FACING PAGE THE STEN MACHINE CARB INE MARK II THE STEN MACHINE CARB IN E MARK III THE THOMPS ON MACHrN E CARBINE . THE LANCHES TER MACHIN E CARBINE . THE No.1 PISTOL (WE BLEY MARK VI .45) THE No.2 PISTOL (.38) . 6 8 12 16 30 30 THE STEN MACHINE CARBIN'E MARK II EXAMINATION Standing View J. Pull back the cocking-hand le and place it in the safety position. 2. Examine the chamber and ensure that there is no live round present. 3. Place a piece of white paper in the breech and look through the barrel from the muzzle end. tei ensure that there is no obstruction. 4. Check the foresight for distortion. 5. Test the magazine housing catch and spring by pulling out the catch and slightly rotating the housing. 6. Test tbe functioning of the magazine catch spring by pressing down with the thumb. 7. See tbat the magazine catch plate screw is tight. 8. Examine the aperture backsight for distortion and damage. Turn the carbine on its LEFT side 9. Examine the ejection opening and cocking-handle slots fo r burrs . JO. See tbat the trigger housing screw is tight. 1 I. Test the functioning of the change lever. 12. See that the trigger axis pin is not broken. Turn the carbine on its RIGHT side 13. See tbat the trigger ho :!s ing screw is tight. 14. See that the trigger pin protrudes. Turn the carbine UPSIDE DOWN 15. Test the trigger mechanism housing for distortion . DIFFERENCES APPLICABLE TO THE STEN MACHINE CARBINE MARK III I. See that the finger guard rivets are not loose . 2. Examine outer casing rivets to ensure that they are not loose. S :-...- -- - - • STRIPPING J. Hold the machine carbine in the right hand at the small of the butt and press the stud showing in the circular opening at the rear of the body. \ 2. Maintaining pressure, slide the butt vertically downwards until it is clear .of the rear face of the body. . 3. Press the cap on the rear of the body inwards and turn counter-clockwi~e, thus releasing it from its engagement. 4. Take out the cap and return spring. S. Pull the cocking-handle to the rear and rotate half-way into the safety catch slot. 6. Withdraw the cocking-handle. 7. Slide out the breech block from the body. 8. Pull out the barrel catch. 9. Slightly rotate the magazine housing. 10. Unscrew the barrel. (As the barrel will sometimes stick, any type of tool that will engage in one of the holes in the barrel nut may have to be used to loosen it.) I J. Remove the split pin barrel protector, using pliers. 12. Take off the protector from the barrel. 13. Push out the cross pin ~nd remove the extractor. 14. The ejector is welded in and DO attempt must be made tu remove it. 15. Press the magazine catch downwards and rearwards. 16. Remove the split pin barrel catch with pliers. J7. Take out the barrel catch pin and spring. 18. Remove the two trigger guard mechanism screws. J 9. Unhook the trigger spring first from the tripping lever pawl and then from the hook on the trigger. 20. Remove the tripping lever pawl. 2 1. Pull out the trigger axis pin . 22. Remove the sear. . 23. The tripping lever and trigger can now be pulled forwards and outwards !hrough the front of the trigger guard. 24. Remove the split pin and withdraw the change lever from the right-hand side. 6 THE STEN MACHINE CARBINE MARK II !1agazil7e Catch ~ / al7d5prll7g roreslght /VutLJarrel \ Barrel I (_ I_----\(::: Apertur e Backs/gilt Rear dead Casil7g ,Pin Extractorliole ~'/ lfetail7er Plate __ Rf?(ainer Plate Wasl7(>r lJJ) © co:() fiThl and Screw CASE ! - COc/(ll7g lial7dle g Breech Block Return 5prll7!J !/ousmg Cocking !lal7d/e lIole ((Ceo I l1agazme Housing / @3 Barrel Nut Catch / . TriJj)ing Leyer fJaw/ "" I TrIgger spril7g === Trigger ----- Trigger (iuard ~ Na9azmeHOU5Ing~~1 Plunger 5P rlY Plunger Pin / ~ Returl7 5prll79 Hou51f7g cap The5tud _.I Trigger Hechal7lsm Coyer 0..../ V l1agazine lIou5/179 Plunger U 5crews & Washers Trigger Hechal7lsm Coyer -l1agazlne Plate from "The Armourer's Handbook, Part II, Machine Carbines and Pistols," PUblished. b:Y Gale & Polden Ltd., Aldershot T o face page 6. . Return 5prmg .. TESTS (These tests are applicable to both the Sten Marks II and III) 1. Ensure that there is no magazine in position and that there is no live round in the chamber. Then pull back the cocking-handle and bang the butt on the ground. Should the cocking-handle fly forward , then either (a) The trigger spring is weak. (b) The sear is worn or broken . . (c) The bent of the breech block is badly worn. \ 2. Put in the magazine a nd attempt to withdraw. Shoqld it come out, then the magazine catch is either broken or damaged. 3. Load the magazine with dummy cartridges. Should it be possible to lift out the top round, then the tension on the lips of the magazine is weak. 4. Not functioning when firing at single shots is caused by : (a) Short recoil , due to friction , a shallow chamber, lowvelocity ammunition, heavy spring or dirty chamber. (b) The bent jumping the sear. This is due to either low protrusion of the sear into the body or defective mechanism. High-velocity a mmunition and a deep chamber will cause a violent recoil, which may result in the above " happening. This may also be caused by a light return spring. Note.-Do not bang the butt of the carbine on the ground when the cocking-handle is forward and it is loaded. There is a rebound action "which will cause the round to be fired. A Mark IV cocking-ha ndle is being fitted to prevent th is. It acts as an additional safety device. 7 ' • THE STEN MACIlINE CARBINE MARK III Aperture /Jacksigllt Pin Extractor Hole tJreecll Plock _ Cocking /land/e flole _ Foresight 1- /3arre/ \ CA5E I !return 5pnng !fousing 0 0 <:> Magazine /fousing Change Leyer Retdr~5pr;ng 6~! / I?eturn Spring lIousll7g Cap -.1 Ma.9azine- Plate from "The Armourer's Handbook, Part II, Machine Carbines and Pistols," published fry Gale & Polden Ltd., Aldershot To fa ce page 8. r The5tud DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MARKS 1 AND 2 STEN MACHINE CARBINES 1. T he Mark I is fitted with a flash eliminator. 2. The barrel is held in position by a collar. 3. A sling swivel is attached to the flash eliminator. 4. The sight radius is 1's inches, whereas on the Mark II it is lIt inches. 5. There are foresight protectors and the foresight is a piece turned up in the centre. 6. There is no barrel nut. 7. There is no magazine housing catch , spring or plunger. The magazine housing is riveted to the body. S. The cocking-handle is a straight piece and protrudes farther. 9. The butt is tubular, made in two pieces 'arid held in the centre by a strengthening piece. . 10. It is fitted with a wooden grip and hand guard. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MARKS 3 AND 2 STEN MACIDNE CARBINES • 1. The stud on the butt passes through a recess in the trigger guard. 2. The trigger mechanism cover is pushed on and springs into position. There are two depressions engaging in the holes originally put there for the screws. 3. The body casing is continued to within an inch of the ~nd of the barrel. This cuts out the barrel nut, the plunger, spring, barrel nu t catch and split pin. 4. The magazine housing is rigid-welded to the casing. 5. The ejector is part of the magazine retaining catch plate, which is shaped to form one. 6. The rear head casing is a press tool job and now consists of rear head casing with side plates all in one. 7. The hand stop is riveted on to the casing immediately in front of the ejection opening. S. The foresight consists of a raised portion of the rib running the whole length of the casing. 9. The spring extractor is much lighter. 9 THE THOMPSON MACHINE CARBINE EXAMINATION . Standing View I. Pull back the cocking-handle and look in the breech to see that there is no live round present. 2. Check the number which is on the left side of the body. 3. Ensure that the compensator retaining pin is tight. 4. See that the compensator is not damaged. 5. Check the foresight for damage. 6. Place a piece of white paper in the breech and look down the barrel from the muzzle end and check for obstruction. 7. Test the cocking-handle for distortion. 8. See that there are no burrs in the cocking-handle slot. 9. Ensure that the backsight leaf pin is tight. 10. Raise the backsight leaf to test the spring. I J . Move the slide up and down for correct functioning. 12. Test U and aperture sights for damage. 13 . Test the butt catch spring by pressing plunger down and slightly removing the butt. 14. Ensure that the top butt plate screw is tight. Turn the carbine on its LEFT side J5. Examine the change lever spring. 16. See that the protrusions of the change lever, safety lever and magazine lever catch are not. damaged. Turn the carbine on its RIGHT side 17. Test the magazine catch . 18. Ensure that the magazine catch stud is present. 19. Test the change lever and safety lever. 20 . Examine the furniture for splits. Turn the carbine UPSIDE DOWN 21. Ensure that the following screws are tight : (a) The two front swivel bracket screws. (b) The handguard screw. (c) The pistol grip screw. 11 ._"_'C Cd) The two slide butt screws. (e) The two rear swivel screws. 22. Ensure that the screw on the bottom of the butt plate IS tight. 23. Test the butt trap. STRIPPING 1. Remove the magazin e by raising the magazin e catch lever and withdra wing the magazin e downwa rds. 2. Press down the slide butt plunger and withdra w the butt to the rear. 3. Press down the trigger guard plunger and withdra w the trigger guard . 4. Press the return spring guide rod forward until it is clear of the body. ' 5. Lift out the rod and return spring. 6. Take off the return spring and fibre washer. 7. Pull the cocking -handle to the rear and remove the bolt and the carrier. 8. Remove the H piece. 9. Take out the cocking -handle and retainin g slide. 10. T ake out the lubricat ing slides by easing forward after compressing inwards , using two screwdrivers. 11. Drive out the compen sator pin and remove the compen sator. 12. Unscrew the handgu ard screw and remove the handgu ard . 13. Unscrew the two swivel screws and take off the swivel. 14. D rive out the backsig ht leaf axis pin. 15. Remove the backsig ht leaf and slide. The sights must not . .. be stnpped unless ab16. The s.llde can be slId off the leaf of J solutely necessa ry . the backslg ht. 17. Remove the two butt slide screws. 18. Take out the butt slide. 19. Remove the plunger a nd spring and butt slide catch. 20. Drive out the catch pin . 21. Remove the catch and spring. 22. Unscrew the two butt plate screws and remove the butt plate. 23 . Unscrew the two rear swivel screws and remove the swivel. 24. Drive out the magazin e catch pin. 12 t ~ Actuator THE THOMPSON MACHINE CARBINE rores/ght I , ~n I Ie 8aclrs/ght RECEIVER Barrel c__ _____) f3r eecn Oller ""frame Latch Spr;'ng ~C~===C5==:J;:-oe:=y~~ rore Grip O-rrame Latch 5///79SWiVel-V A ! \ / H Plece---L] (Lock) ' S//ng Swivel Screws f1 80LT /?ecotl spring I rrame Hagazine Catcn Sarety Catch ~ o o MagaZine o o Plate from "The Armourer's Handbook, Part II, Machine Carbines and Pistols," published by Gale & Polden Ltd., Aldershot ,~ Tr;gger t,.., Rear Crip ' ~ Small Butt Stock s~rew ~ ~. Large Butt StOCK Screw To face page 12. " 5/mg .swivel /' Screws /' j J \Sllf7g .{f Swivel 25. Remove the magazine catch. 26. Rotate the a uxiliary sear pin and remove. 27. Remove the front change lever pin. 28. Remove the rear change lever pin . 29. Take out the trigger group. 30. Unscrew the trigger grip screw and remove the grip. 31. Take out the extractor by levering up. 32. Drive out the firing lever pin. 33. Remove the firing lever, striker and striker spring. Note.-The barrel can only be removed by using a special tool. TESTS 1. Should the butt be very loose, the butt stop catch may be damaged or broken. 2. Should it be possible to withdraw the fra me, then the frame latch is broken or deficient. 3. Pull back the cocking-handle and bang the butt on the ground. Should the cocking-handle fly forward , then either (a) The trigger spring is weak. (b) The sear is worn or broken . (c) The bent of the breech block is badly worn. 4. Put in the magazine and attempt to withdraw. Should it come out, then the magazine catch is either broken or damaged. 5. Load the magazine with dummy cartridges. Should it be possible to lift out the top round, then the tension on the lips of the magazine is weak. THE LANCHESTER MACHINE CARBINE EXAMINATION Standing View 1. Open the bolt and place cocking-handle in the safe position. 2. Examine the breech and ensure that there , is. no live round present. 3. Check the number which is on the magazine housing. 4. C heck the barrel retaining screw for tightness. 5. Examine the front end of the barrel for damage. 6 .. C heck bayonet boss for damage. 7. See that the foresight is not loose or damaged . 8. Check the foresight protector wings for damage. 9. Ensure that the pin positioning foresight bracket is tight. 10. Make sure that the bayonet joint is. not damaged or the bracket loose. 11. Place a piece of white paper in the breech and look down the barrel from the muzzle end and check for obstruction. 12. Test the magazine catch spring by pressing down with the thumb. 13 . Ensure that the magazine catch screw is tight. 14. Test leaf backsight spring by raising and lowering the leaf. 15. Test the backsight slide. 16. Examine the U of the backsight for damage. 17. Ensure that the four backsight bed screws are tight. 18. Test the body catch by rotating clockwise 90 ° a nd breaking the gun. 19. Make sure that the three plate catch body screws are secure. Turn the carbine on the LEFT side 20. Test the hinge stock screw fo r tightness. Turn the carbine UPSIDE DOWN 21. Ensure that the stock screw is screwed firmly home. 22. Test the change lever by rotating it 90 ° anti-clockwise. 23. Examine the furniture for splits. 24. Test the butt plate screws for tightness. 25. Test the butt trap fo r functioning. 15 STRIPPING 1. Release the breech casing catch by pushing it to the right. 2. Open up the carbine. 3. Remove the breech end cap and return spring. To do this turn the milled head of the cap to the left. 4. Remove the breech block with the fi ring pin. (Note.- The firing pin is a separate component.) 5. Unscrew the hinge pin which secures the stock to the carbine. 6. On some carbines the trigger mechanism is secured by eight screws. On others it is welded on and cannot be taken off. 7. Remove the sear stop screW on the left of the body. 8. Remove the sear pin . Push it out with a punch. 9. Remove the sear. Shake it out. 10. Punch out the trigger pin (right side of the body). 11. Remove the trigger. 12. Remove the plunger and trigger spring. (Note.-They are held in by the trigger so will fall out.) 13. Withdraw the trigger bar with the trigger bar spring. 14. The leaf backsight can be removed by driving out the axis pin. 15. The magazine catch is removed by unscrewing the screw. The screw and spring are on top. , 16. Unscrew the ejector screw and remove the split washer. 17. Punch out the ejector. 18. Unscrew the barrel positioning screw, and then with the combination tool remove the barrel by unscrewing. TESTS 1. Shou ld the body of the carbine fail to seat in the stock, then the pin in the cap may be worn or broken and thus allow the cap to overturn. ""_~ 2. Ensure that there is no magazine in position and that there is no live round in the chamber. Then pull back the cocking-handle and bang the butt on the ground. Should the cocking-handle fly forwa rd, then either (a) The trigger spring is weak. (b) The sear is worn or broken. (c) The bent of the breech block is badly worn. 3. Put in the magazine and attempt to withdraw. Should it come out, then the magazine catch is either broken or damaged. 4. Load the:-' magazine with dummy cartridges. Should it be possible to lift out the top round , then the tension on the lips of the magazine is weak. . 5. When firing, double taps are mostly caused by a heavy recOIl spring. 16 .' THE LANCHESTER MACHINE CARBINE Breech BloCk rores(ght Prptectors Fores;ght Barrel P051t/onil'7g Screw l~ . Backsight Return Spring I CASE I fJari ~I 00 I 8ayonet /3055 . Magazine Housing Tile Hinge I 5 TOCK The catcn Dreec/J end CiJp ?osttiolling ~/17 Butt o o _ 0 '-' 0 11- Htnge Pin -Butt ?late Magazine~ " Trigger {jroup @ © © ~ ~ ~ " I / rixing 5creW5 and washers Plate from "The Armourer's Handbook, Part II, Machine Carbines and Pistols," published by Gale & Polden Ltd., Aldershot To face page 16. (I) ~"r't (') C.o-t="": (") : . (") ~ ......_ I--' ....,J I--' ...... ,..... t:r' ....... 1-- I--' ttl til ~ " t't ~ ~ i ~ COMPARISONS Detail. 1. Size of bore 2, Depth of chamber from breech block face to sho'ulder 3, Rifling .... .... The Sten Mk , II L.8 ,81 mm, L.670 H.8,89 mm, Th e Thomps on Mk, 1 The Lanchester Mk , I .45 in, L.8,8l mm , H,8,89 m m, H,680 L.670 6 grooves 6 grooves 4, Rifting (twist) turn in 250 mm , turn in 16 in, 5, Protrusi on of striker L.045 L.044 H ,05 6, Length of carbine H,05 H,680 6 grooves turn in 250 mm . 29 !- in. + It in. when fitted with butt No. 3 Mk, I 314-5 in, 32t in. 7, Weight 6{- lb, 8t lb, 9t lb. 8, Sight radius lI t in. 223-10 in, I4t in. Note.-L =Low, H =H igh. · . No ..J I PISTOL (WEBLEY MARK VI .45) EXAMINA TION Standing View L Prove the pistol and ensure that there are no rounds in the cylinder. 2. Check the numbers on the barrel, body and cylinder. 3. Rotate the cylinder for freeness. 4. Check the extractor spring by opening and closing the pistol and ensure that the positioning pin of the extractor is not broken. 5. Check the ratchet on the extractor for burrs and distortion. 6. Cock the hammer and examine the firing pin. 7. Examine the barrel for obstruction and foresight for damage. 8. Cock the pistol and examine the stop and ascertain that the feed pawl is not worn. There should be very little movement of the cylinder. 9. Examine the shield and firing pin hole fo r bad elongation. 10. Hold the pistol in the left hand pointing upwards. Cock the hammer and then squeeze the trigger. Keep pressure on the trigger and measure the protrusion and radius of the striker. 1 L Close the pistol and apply slips between cylinder and shield. 12. Check all screws for tightness. 13. Press on thumb-p iece and ensure that spring barrel catch is not broken. 14. See that the solid stop of the trigger does not foul the cy linder. 15. Break the pistol and try to remove the cylinder. This is a test to ensure that the cylinder cam lever is not broke n. 19 STRIPPING 1. Remove cam cylinder fixing screw. 2. Take off the cylinder. 3. Unscrew the extractor nut, first compressing the extractor spring, using a punch. 4. Take off extractor spring. 5. Unscrew the ca m cylinder lever screw. 6. Cam cylinder lever will slip off. 7. Unscrew the joint axis pin screw. S. Pull out joint axis pin . 9. Remove the barrel. 10. Slip out the extractor lever. II. Undo the two cam cylinder screws, one on either side. 12. Remove cylinder cam. This must not be done 13 . Take out foresight blade screw. except to carry out a { 14. Remove foresight blade. repair. 33. Unscrew the ba rrel catch screw. 34. R emove the barrel ca tch. 35. The barrel catch spring ca n be prised off. 36. Unscrew the shield screw. 37. Take off the shield. 3S. Tap out the stock pins and butt swivel. 39. Remove the butt swivel. Note.-In assembling the above the trigger stop should be raised up, I. e., the sprIng to be on the top step. Body Group 15. Unscrew the stock screw. One screw holds both. 16. To rem~ve the stocks, replace the screw without screwing up and tap the nead sharply With the wooden end of the screwdriver. 17. Unscrew the two trigger guard screws. IS. Remove the trigger guard . 19. Take out the main spring by compressing with a pair of pliers and easing out with a screwdriver. 20. Remove auxiliary lever spring by pulling up. 21. Unscrew the trigger screw. 22. Remove the trigger. 23. Pull out the pawl. Trigger Group . 24. Unscrew the trigger stop spring screw. 25. Take out trigger stop spring. 26. Unscrew the hammer screw. 27. Take out the hammer. 2S. Unscrew the hammer catch screw. 29. T a ke off the hammer catch. Hammer Group. 30. Remove the hammer catch spring. 31. Unscrew the hammer swivel screw. 32. Take out hammer swivel. f 20 21 No. 2 PISTOL (.38) EXAMINATION 1. Break the pistol and ensure that it is not loaded . 2. See that the foresight blade retaining pin is secure. 3. Examine the foresight for damage and bur rs. 4. Look at the ratchet on the cylinder and see that it IS not da maged or burred . 5. Ensure that the cylinder rotates freel y. 6. Close and break the pistol to test the functioning of the extractor. 7. Make sure that the extractor guide pin is not broken. 8. Ensure that the barrel catch engages properly by closing the pistol. 9. Break the pistol and examine the shield and firing pin hole. 10. Examine the firing pin for breakage and ensure that the pin is tight. 11. Fire the pistol and make sure that the cylinder stop works correctly. 12. Ascertain that the three side plate screws are tight. 13. See that the barrel catch spring is not broken. 14. Make sure that the lJ of the backs.ight is not dist'Jrted . 15. See that the trigger grips screw and nut are secure. 16. Ensure that the following screws are tight: (a) Barrel catch screw. (b) Lever cam screw. (c) Barrel axis screw. STRIPPING Barrel Group 1. Remove the cam cylinder fixing screw. 2. Take off the cylinder. 3. Unscrew the extractor nut by first compressing the spring and then using a punch. 4. Take off the extractor spring. 5. Unscrew the cylinder cam lever screw. 6. Cylinder cam lever will slip off. 7. Unscrew the axis joint pin screw. 8. Pull out axis joint pin . 9. Remove the barrel. 10. Slip out the extractor lever. 23 1J. Undo the two cylinder cam screws, one on either side. 12. Remove cylinder cam. 13. Take out the foresight blade screw. 14. Remove the fores.i ght blade. Body Group 15. Unscrew the stock screws·. One screw holds both. 16. To remove the s't ocks, replace the screw without screwing up and tap the head sharply with the wooden end of the screwdriver. 17. Unscrew the barrel catch screw. 18. Remove the barrel catch. 19. Unscrew the four plate screws. 20. Remove the plate by tapping the body near the trigger guard and butt. 21. Take out the main spring by hand. 22. Pull out the pawl. 23. Remove the main spring lever by pulling up, after punching out the pin. Trigger Group. 24. Remove the trigger. 25. Take out the cylinder stop. 26. The spring will come out with the stop and can be removed. 27. Take out the hammer. } 28. Take olf the ham me r catch by punching out the pin . Hammer Group. 29. Remove the ham mer catch spring. 30. Remove the swivel pin by punching out. 31. Take out the swivel hammer. 32. The barrel catch spring can be prised off. 33. Unscrew the shield screw. 34. Take off the sh ield . 35. Tap out the stock pins. and butt swivel. 36. Remove the butt swivel. ~~. . MARK 1.- The hammer has comb and bent, thus allowing smgle action. The pistol grip side-pieces are plain . MARK p.-The comb and bent have been removed from the hammer, thus allowing double action only. The top of each side-piece is grooved to form a seat~ng for the thumb . The right side-piece has. a recess for a markmg dlsc. The marking disc replaces the stock screw nut, and the stock screw is 1 / 10th inch longer than on the Mark 1. MARK I**.-The safety stop has been omitted. 24 THE Nos . . I AND 2 PISTOLS SPECIAL POINTS TO NOTE 1. Worn plwl means that cylinder is not in alignment and would give a spattering of lead to the Jeft. The cylinder must be locked in the fired position. In the cocked position there should be a slight movement of the cylinder. If there was no movement in the cocked position there wou ld probably be a long pawl. When it is not rigid in the fi red position the pawl is short or worn. 2. When the extractor lever remains up there may be : (a) A burr on the extractor lever or body. (b) The extractor spring may be missing. (c) The underside of the extractor lever worn. 3. When the extractor does not rise. (a) Probably due to the aux iliary spring missing. (b) The bent of the extractor lever worn . (c) The nut extractor unscrewing. 4. Inability to open the pistol may be due to the extractor nut net being fully home. 5. .When the pawl is broken the cylinder stop springs back into posltlOn, and the cyhnder does. not revolve, so you cannot pull through. 6. (a) The long pawl prevents pulling through . (b) May prevent trigger engaging with bent of hammer. (c) Trigger and hammer are engaged as the cylinder IS rotated against the cylinder stop. (d) May cause a very heavy pull-off from the cocked position . 7. Mechanical Safety.- The pistols are not safe when: (a) There is a worn shou lder of the main-sp ring lever or rebound arm of the hammer, the reason being that there IS no rebound action; therefore, the point is always protrudlllg. (b) The safety stud on the pawl is. broken. The result would be that the trigger would not be rotated to engage with the hammer catch. The trigger remains still. (c) The spring of the hammer catch deficient. The result would be that it is not me:hanically safe with the muzzle directed upwards. 25 J 1. The Mechanical Safety of the No. 1 Pistol.- Should the 8. The shield on the pistol is farther away from the cylinder at the bottom, to allow for expansion of the fired case; less at the top, owing to cartridge head space. 9. The recoil of the cylinder is taken by the recoil stud on the cylinder engaging in the slot to the side of the pawl. The tendency is to close up the pawl slot and jam the pawl and prevent the trigger from returning. MECHANISM HINTS 1. No. 1 Pistol.- When the trigger is pressed the front stop is lowered from the recess in the cylinder. No. 2 Pistol.-When the trigger is pressed, the cylinder stop is lowered from the recess in the cylinder by the trigger catch . 2. The pawl, being attached to the trigger, rises and, engaging with the teeth of the extractor, rotates the cylinder clockwise. 3. The nose of the trigger engaging with the hammer catch rotates the hammer, compressing the long arm of the main spring. 4. The main-spring lever is caused to rise throu gh bearing on ashoulder of the pawl , compressing the short arm of the main · spring. 5. No.1 Pistol and No.2 Pistol Mark I**. -There is no safety stop in these pistols. No.2 Pistol Mark I*.- The safety stop rises opposite the recess in the hammer. 6. The nose of the trigger slips the hammer catch. The hammer slides forward under the influence of the long arm of the main spring. 7. The cylinder stop rises again, engaging in the recess of the cylinder, and prevents over-rotation of the cylinder. 8. T he cylinder is held locked in the fired position by the cylinder stop, the right side of the pawl and the stop of the pawl. (Note.-There is no stop on the pawl of the No.1 pistol.) 9. Rebound action is the distance the hammer is withdrawn from the fired case brought about by the short arm of the main spring forcing down the main-spring lever. Its should er meets the rebound arm of the hammer, causing the hammer to rotate backwards. 10. The long arm of the main-spring lever, bearing on the shou lder of the pawl, returns the trigger to its foremost position . The nose of the trigger re-engages with the hammer catch, and the trigger catch with the cylinder stop. 26 ha~mer rec~ive a blow, the rebound arm of the hammer bearing agamst the Shoulder of the mai n-spring lever causes the lever to rise. Its long arm meets the safety stud on the pawl, which lifts the tngger. Its nose meets the downcoming ha mmer catch and the forward movement of the hammer is arrested . • 12. The Mechanical Safety of the No. 2 Pistol.-Should the hammer receive a blow, a safety stop is engaged in front of the hammer and the metal of the body, preveriting the forward movement of the hammer. (N ote.- This applies only to the No.2 Mark 1*.) 13 . Extraction and Ejection: (a) On openitig the pistol the metal of the body meets the step of the extractor lever, causing it to revolve. Its curved arm, engaging the nut of the extractor, forces up the extractor, which compresses its spring. The metal of the barrel forces the lever inwards until it is clear of the body. The extractor spring reasserts and returns the extractor, causing the lever to revolve and compress the auxiliary spring. (b) On closing the pis.tol the body is carried round until it clears the step of the lever. The auxil iary spring forces the lever out to engage again with the body. 14. When the barrel is not locked to the body, the peak of the hammer meeting the barrel catch will either close it automatically or arrest the movement of the hammer. Note.-All the above points are common to the No.1 and No.2 pistols except where stated. ADJUSTMENTS 1. To lengthen the protrusion on the No. 1 pistol the wings of the hammer are reduced on either side. Care must be taken that the shoulder .of the main-spring lever and the rebound arm of the hammer are clear when the hammer falls . 2. In the case of the No.2 pistol , if the protrusion is insufficient then change the firing pin . If unsuccessful, adjust the stopping face of the hammer in a similar manner to the No.1 pistol. 3. The cartridge head space is the space between the cylinder and the shield. At the top it is .052 for the No . 1 pistol and .067 for the No.2 pistol. If .052 enters the No. I pistol or the .067 enters the No.2 pistol it is a factory repair . Washers would be fi tted in the No. 1 pistol and the axis exchanged in the No.2 pistol. 27 4. An unse rviceable extractor is a factory repair. Complete cylinder is required for exchange. 5. To test the main spring. place tester over the peak of the hammer. Squeeze the trigger and fi rst movemen t will give the a nswer. To lighten the mai n spring reduce the long ar m by rubbing. To strengthen, a new spring is necessary . TESTS I. See that the trigger gua rd is bedded down and that there is a slight clearance ' between the trigger and guard in the forward a nd rea r position s. This is ne::essary to enable the trigger to travel far enough forwa rd to engage the hammer catch in the tr igger or pullthrough action. (This is not applicable to the No.2 pistol.) 2. Ensure that the cylinder is clear of the breech end of the ba rrel (.002 minimum , .008 maximum). Should a fo ul occur, the face of the barrel should be eased until there is the required clearance. (No te.- Washers .007 inch and .01 inch thick are only fitted for the purpose of reducing the cartridge head space.) 3. Test the funct ioning of the trigger stop. Note. (a) The f unction of the above is to limit the rotation of the cylir.der after firing on the return of the trigger to enable the pawl to engage the next tooth of the ratchet on the extractor. (b) On pressing the trigger or cocking the hammer it should disengage itself from the stop recess in the cylinder to enable tbe cylin der to revolve; and re-engage the recess when the hammer is in the cocked, re bound and fired positions . 4. Test the pressure of the pawl on the tooth of the ratchet. In order to do this, press the tr igger until both stops are clear of the cylinder, and revolve the cylinder. 5. Test the cylinder fo r jamming and pawl slipping. This is done by exerting slight pressure with the thumb in the fiutes of the cylinder. 6. Test the initial play of the trigger. 7. Test the freedom of the trigger nose in the bent. 8. Test the length of the pawl. Fi rst enSure that there is no grit, etc., in the front of the trigger and the seati ng of the body or that the solid stop of the tngger fouls the cyhnder when rising. The method of testing ~he pawl is to draw back the hammer into the ful l cock posItion . Should the tngger nose ente r hard into the b:!nt of the hammer, it can now be assumed th at the paw l is long. 28 Note.-The function of the pawl is to rotate the cylinder on its axis until the chamber of the cylinder is concentric with the bore of the barrel, and to assist the solid stop on the trigger to lock the cylinder in the fired position. 9. Test the circumferential mo vement of the cylinder. This movement is due to the trigger nose falling into the bent of the hammer and the pawl leaving the tooth of the ratchet. The looseness is co rrected when the hammer is in the fi red position. 10. Test the overdra w of tbe hammer. Note . -T he hammer is pulled back against the overdraw shoulder of the body. Thert< should be a slight movement between the full cocked and overdraw pos.i tion. This must not be excessive, as the trigger nose is apt to slip under the bent of the ha mmer and lock the action. J 1. Test the pull-off for drag. (a) The firmness of the cylinder in the fired position . (b) Freedom of the hammer. (c) T he clearance of the rebound sho ulders of the ha mmer and the m,ain-spring lever. (d) See that the hammer is clear of the barrel strap end . (e) T he barrel catch must not ride over the peak of the ha mmer in the fired position . (f) Test the fitting of the barrel catch a nd spring and jointing. (g) Test the freedom of the pawl in the slot of t he body. (h) Test the f reedom of the hammer nose through the fir in g hole and the height. (i) Test the trigger stop for correct fitting . 12. See that the face of the shield is clear. See that the face of the cyl inder revolves freely in the load ing position. See tha t the extractor rises and falls correctly . 13. Load the dummy cartridge and test concentricity of cha mbers with the bore of the barrel. No te.-The pistol sho uld poker in the fired position, i.e., from cocking and pullthrough action. J4. Test the weight of springs a nd pull-off. 6 to 81b. Pull-off 15 to 18 lb. Trigger action Mainspring from top of hammer with trigger held back 3t to 4t lb . 4 to 61b. Barrel catch spring 29 DEFECTS 1. Trigger stop defective.- On releasing the trigger, the stop jumps up and down again. In order to correct this, remove a small portion from the corner at the bottom of the shoulder. 2. Trigger stop fails to rise and engage the cylinder.- The spring is either loose on the top step, or apply remedy as in para. 1. 3. Clickers (not due to hammer catch).- A clicking sound can sometimes be heard when testing freedom of hammer. This is caused by the main hammer spring or swivel not being quite free . 4. Damaged pawl slot and recoil stud.- A blow on the righl side of the cylinder will cause the action to jam by driving the recoil stud of the extractor against the body in the pawl recess and close up the pawl slot sufficiently to cause a jam. 5. Misfires (a) Weak main spring. (b) Distance between the face of the body and cylinder exceSSive. (c) Short hammer point. (d) Hammer point not striking centrally. (e) Pawl slipping the teeth of the ratchet. (I) Bad pokering. (g) No clearance between rebound arm of auxiliary and main spring. (h) Hammer catch low. (0 Catch barrel not closed. 6. Defective striking. (a) Long or short hammer point. (b) Radius of hammer point incorrect. (c) Bent or broken hammer point. (d) Pawl long or short. (e) Defective pokering. (I) Cylinder loose in the fired position. (g) Low or short hammer catch. 7. Trigger nose slipping bent of hammer.-This is caused by the bent of the hammer or trigger nose being incorrect figure, i.e., bent of hammer must be square with the axis hole. Should the figure be correct, then the cause of the trouble is due to too much overdraw on the hammer. Note.-When firing from the cocked position the hammer catch fouls the nose of the trigger and locks the actlOn. The remedy is to tighten the axis screw. 8. Sighting.- Should the pistol shoot to the left, a new foresight blade .02 is fitted in the factory . 30 "' . THE No. 2 PISTOL (.38) MARK 1** Barre/ catch 5crew,~ ~ Cylinder AXIS 8arre/Strap Cyknder 5top, Nut'Extractor . C.yllnder 5prll7g extractor C~====:±======-::::::~\=::::~Extractor Cl (' / ~.I fI I ~ ( ':ItrmNtNM o ~ . / Trigger 5crew /~ lIammpr 5erew 'i 0(1 ' . Barre/Catch ~l/ 'Barrel Caten 5pring D / ' raW lIammer lIammer{'atch , Oreular Joint 0 ~-cam , ' ./)/~ 8 B-:-Cam5crew5 Jomt Pin -(%' ~ ~ fxtractor LI?VI?'l Joint ,Pli75crew Hain Spring Levr?r \a.-Cam Lpver 01~ JOInt Pin Screw \ ~ THE No. 1 PISTOL (WEBLEY MARK VI .45) Plate from " The Armourer's Handbook, Part II, Machine Carbines and Pistols, " published by Gale & Polden Ltd" Aldershot To f ace page 30, Butt 5wI'vei & /?/ng i30dy Plate Nut5crr?w 4 i30dy Plate Screws Countersink Cup [JoN 5W1veiPin . I ... 13 ... ~ THE 2 .··/5' ... 2. , Detail. t ... :1.5 .. · ,¥ ~ 'Y. i .· . " ... 5" ... q 4.1 ... , •.. fI I ; ... /, q ... ' B . ·· 3 I() ... ~#. •.. 6 J1.. .•• $ , .. ~ t '3 ' , • .2..2. .. . /~ OJ'. ~. I f. .. · gP ... t IS . .. 11 · .. I" ..' IJ} X?.e-c... J..9 .. · /~ '?,- .. f ··· ~J , ' .... 10 ... 0 I~ •• . 5'... . I 'AND 2 PISTOLS COMPARISONS ... ~ .. , :1.1 . . . t. Nos. ~ Weight Length Length diagonally Depth Sight radius .. . Barrel lengt h Calibre Bullet we:ght ... Rifli ng: M.V. Number of grooves Direction 'Form Pitch Width of groove Depth of groove Number of chambers Maximum chamber pressure Maximum range Killing range (S.E. = 60ft. / lb.) Striking energy at 500 ya rds Cordite charge Recoil energy Pull-off, sing le action Pull-off, double act io n Main spring ... Barrel catch spring Gauging: Barrel accept Barrel reject Taper (lead) Chambe r front accept Chamber front reject Chamber rear accept Chamber rear reject Chamber compound Chamber concentricity Striker protrusion accept Striker protrusion reject Striker radius reject ... C .H.S. reject N o . I Pistol. No . 2 Pistol.