New Webley Service

[andrewM]

It seems to me we have all come to a conclusion of sorts:

1 The price is very high; why buy a powerful springer at this price when you can buy two or three other makes for the amount suggested or a modern pcp, with enough change to purchase a springer too?
2 The sights should encompass a choice between peep sights and open sights, similar to the original, preferably with improved open sights, which should be iron not plastic.
3 A scope rail should be added as, otherwise, it will not appeal to anything other than collectors, of which there is probably a very small number at the price suggested.
4 Some - but not all - collectors want a changeable barrel; this is something that some ordinary shooters might find attractive too but can the practical problems be overcome? Suggestions have been made as to how this might be done.
5 Rather like motor cars, which copy the original designs (the BMW Mini, the VW Beatle, etc), a new Mk2 should seek to improve, measurably, on the old model. Otherwise, as many have suggested, collectors might as well buy the old model and be done with it!
6 Will the new Mk2 appeal to modern shooters? Diana have successfully copied the WW2 Mauser but this is hardly comparable. The modern Diana Mauser is priced at about £300 and displays its own features.
7 What is the market for the new rifle, embracing new shooters and collectors, within the context of the suggested price? Is it sufficiently large to make this proposal profitable?
8 What else does the new Mk2 offer and what of the trigger, handling and balance? How will Sterling improve an antiquated design, which was quite peculiar even in the 1930s?
9 Everyone applauds Sterling for its innovative approach and we all want it to succeed but has it identified a niche in the market place that will provide a worthwhile return on capital which, in turn, will lead to further innovative designs elsewhere? By the way, will the barrel be British or a German import?

I think this summarises the situation but apologies if I have missed something. Meanwhile, I agree with Garvin that the gas ram recoilless rifle sounds most interesting and I would like to know more.

I think this news has excited many; let's hope they get it right.