Webley Patriot Review

Overall Rating

Superb bluing, well made, power, accuracy, auto safety that is ambidextrous in operation.

Trigger could be a bit lighter, cocking effort can be tiring for a smaller person, sling swivels desirable if carrying for long periods of time.

Mine is a .25 cal Beeman Kodiak (re-badged Webley Patriot) that I purchased used a couple of weeks ago. Initial impressions are the bluing, a lustrous quality that easily surpasses my Weihrauchs! The woodwork that incorporates a screw for a sling swivel, a chequered pistol grip with white spacers and a rubber butt plate. The stock is nicely finished and is of handsome proportions and pleasing to the eye. The fit and finish overall is superb. The rifle is also equipped with open sights that provide a good sight picture.

The rifle weighs in at 9lbs, considering the power level of this rifle is not surprising. Cocking this rifle requires about 50 lbs of effort and for me it wasn't overwhelming but after about 50 shots my arm noticed it. My rifle despite being used hadn't fired a 100 pellets and this was noticed by a slightly coarse cocking stroke. Continued used has smoothed things out. When the sear engages the automatic safety engages, this is an ambidextrous affair that I find desirable as a left hander.

What's it like to shoot? Well the Patriot has gathered a "reputation" for being a bit of a handful but this is not my experience. Yes the recoil is more substantial than a 12ft/lb air rifle or .22LR but it's not unmanageable. My gun does exhibit a bit of twang actually more like a buzz but not overly so. Pulling the rifle gently into the shoulder, not pressing your cheek too hard into the cheek piece and resting the fore-end gently in the supporting hand delivers the goods.

The trigger is a two stage affair only adjustable for the length of first and second stage pull. The first stage takes up nicely and the second stage on my rifle is smooth with no creep, for what the rifle is made for it's more than adequate although not in the class of a Rekord trigger unit. Using open sights at 25yds firing 5 shot groups I was able to get and repeat 5/8" groups ctc with Diana Magnum, Beeman Silver Sting and H&N Barracuda pellets. Its potential when I scope it up is clear. In the power dept. H&N FTT averaged about 785fps for just over 27ft/lbs. Silver Stings weighed in at 705 fps. I expect a slight increase when the gun breaks in.

What we have here is a well made rifle for hunting purposes NOT a plinker! There have been many who disparage the rifle, mostly of the UK contingent. Over here the rifle has an outstanding reputation and UK made Patriots sell used more than they cost new! As an ex-pat don't tell me the Yanks know how to handle this fine rifle better than the Brits-at least not this one!