GUNS Magazine, May 1956

The Webley company has suffered severely from the Firearms Act of 1920 which outlawed rifles and pistols for civilians in the British Isles. While this law did little to affect the actions of criminals, it damaged one of our principle British industries. Equally, it left England in a totally undefended state in 1940 when after the evacuation from Dunkirk, we had less than a full division of fighting men properly equipped. This state of unpreparedness was caused directly by the Home Office when the anti-firearm laws were passed.

The folly of disarming the people was known half a century ago, but ignored to the detriment of a nation. "The Colt of England" is one of many great articles featured in GUNS Magazine 50 years ago.

Learn about "The Guns of Annie Oakley." Use the benefit of hindsight to see how the question "Can Burp Guns Replace Rifles?" panned out. Discover "The Most Deadly Pistol Bullet," and see how the fate of a premier gun maker was in question in "Will Colt Come Back?"

All this and more, and of course, the classic ads, are in the May 1956 issue, now online.