What rifles replaced the Webley Mark III in the 70’s?

[Muskett]

British manufacturing was in free fall in the 70's, the gun trade was one of the casualties. Fantastically high tax rates and cost of labour was the final nail when added to lacklustre management and investment.
Gone were the monopolies of yesteryear when anything made sold.

Lack of imagination and the view pile it high and sell it cheap just didn't cut it with those with disposable incomes wanting more. More was a better trigger and accuracy, which British gunmakers weren't delivering. Far too much relying on old tired designs, or looking for ways to cost cut and use old machinery.
The Spanish and Italians took the shotguns.
The German's gave the rifles that took and utilised the new fangled Jap budget scopes.

Niche makers like Theoben and AA could make better mousetraps and they sold OK. English "Best" rifles and shotguns have never been bettered though many have tried, but they are eye wateringly expensive (so are Prada handbags.)

For the collector then the late 70'a and 80's are a most interesting time. Time of change are. Great fun collecting and seeing what went on. There are a good few rifle to be collected, but not an outrageous amount. Used then few cost much. Mint in box then those are demanding a real premium.
Its certainly fun chasing down good examples.

[Geezer]

Odd Webley MkIII facts.

According to Chris Thrales’ book, the MkIII (Roman numerals, please chaps) was last sold in 1975 by Cogswell and Harrison for £44.50. The replacement Osprey was £44.11 RRP. A similar price for a cheaper to manufacture item.

I suspect that by then Webley were making almost no profit on the MkIII (btw, it took Austin-Morris-BLMC about ten years to work out that every Mini car they had made had sold for less than it actually cost to make! British industry, eh.).

Odder, in 1973, one dealer in London was selling MkIIIs for £28.84, and Airsporters (by then the very unimpressive - yes I have one - Mk5) for more - £29.70.

[Modski66]

Odd Webley MkIII facts.

According to Chris Thrales’ book, the MkIII (Roman numerals, please chaps)

I am curious to know why Roman numerals, when it is printed in the handbook and stamped on the rifle "Mk3".

Mark.

[45flint]

I am curious to know why Roman numerals, when it is printed in the handbook and stamped on the rifle "Mk3".

Mark.

Stamped on the rifle is pretty compelling!

[slug-gun]

I am curious to know why Roman numerals, when it is printed in the handbook and stamped on the rifle "Mk3".

Mark.

Both Mark 3 and Mark 111 are correct !

The rifles have the '3' whereas much of the advertising literature called the rifle the Mark 111. However the handbook that comes with later Mark 3's refers to it as that. No rhyme or reason to it really?

[Muskett]

Barrel making machines cost a few bob.
Theoben first used Webley barrels but were so unimpressed then bought German. How good a barrel is has as much to do with how old or how new the machine is. To get your money on the investment then plenty need making. No money to invest then the old one will have to do. Story of UK gunmaing.
There are companies and expertise that can make barrels in the UK. Most for the military market. I think 50 cal ones are UK made.

[Hsing-ee]

Barrel making machines cost a few bob.
Theoben first used Webley barrels but were so unimpressed then bought German. How good a barrel is has as much to do with how old or how new the machine is. To get your money on the investment then plenty need making. No money to invest then the old one will have to do. Story of UK gunmaing.
There are companies and expertise that can make barrels in the UK. Most for the military market. I think 50 cal ones are UK made.

I hear what you are saying but BSA barrels have always been excellent. I am sure if I cut the one off my 1973 Meteor, turned it down and fitted it to a PCP it would cloverleaf at 50 yards.

Air Arms screwed up by asking Webley instead of BSA...

[Garvin]

Both Mark 3 and Mark 111 are correct !

The rifles have the '3' whereas much of the advertising literature called the rifle the Mark 111. However the handbook that comes with later Mark 3's refers to it as that. No rhyme or reason to it really?

John Atkins agrees with this and says this artwork was considered by Webley but he's never seen it used: