While the Webley Mark I proved very popular, a demand was growing among target shooters of the time, for a pistol with a better sighting system, and greater power - thus, the Webley Mark II Target Model was born. Introduced in 1925, it had a number of improvements over the Mark I - some subtle, some major.
The Mark II Target sported a newly designed rear sight that allowed for both windage and elevation adjustment, satisfying the "improved sighting system" requirement. Quite simple in design by modern standards, but a significant improvement at the time.
While the very earliest versions of the Mark II Target were fitted with a leather piston seal, the Mark II piston was soon redesigned to utilize two metallic piston rings. This change alone resulted in a 10% velocity increase in .177 cal. and a 15% velocity increase in .22 cal. over the Mark I - using the Mark I mainspring! Thus was satisfied the "greater power" criteria.
The Mark II Target also has the distinction of being the first Webley air pistol to sport vulcanite grip panels. Vulcanite is produced by hardening rubber through a heat treatment process. This material facilitated production of some very attractive grip panels, but alas, vulcanite also proved to be prone to chipping and breakage if mishandled roughly. Significant chips missing from the butt area of these grips is not at all uncommon.
The Mark II Target can also be found wearing walnut grips with the Webley "Flying Scott" trademark set into them. These were generally reserved for export models, bearing the "Stoeger" importer's markings, but examples can be found with the normal Webley markings.
By 1930, the Mark II Target had ceased production, and was succeeded by the Webley Senior.
A pristine, boxed example of an early Mark II Target from my collection. Note the Fillister head screw for the trigger adjustment. This specimen sports the walnut grips, but bears the normal Webley markings.
Informational reference: the book, Webley Air Pistols, by Gordon Bruce.
For anyone with even a passive interest in these great old Webley pistols, I highly reccomend getting this book. It is an absolute "must have" IMO.
