Читать книгу Gun Digest 2011 онлайн

238 страница из 495

A typical example occurred with a version that incorporated all the regular features of the Webley pattern, plus one distinctive addition, yet failed to display a positive mark of its manufacture.

One of the main criticisms of Bull Dog models had been the lack of a firm hold when shooting, due to the small size of its grip frame. This was overcome to a large extent on the introduction of the American versions, which were constructed with bigger frames but it became most noticeable on a variety produced to special order by the Irish gun makers, Joseph Braddell & Son of Belfast. These weapons were altered by having an extension brazed onto the butt, leaving the original grip frame intact to provide a fulcrum for the mainspring. The brazing took place at the front and rear straps. It was an addition that increased the handle length by a further inch (25mm) and certainly produced a much improved hold when firing, although in doing so, it sacrificed much of its “pocketable” qualities. Examples have been observed with foliate engraving at the rear strap as an attempt to cover any visible joint in that area.