Looking at a Webley

ripcord810 · 05-24-2012, 10:29 PM

I recently read a few post about Webley's that peaked my interest. Now I have come across a 1915 MARK VI locally and am considering buying it. Anything special I need to know before buying? I think his price of $450 is fair enough?

ripcord810 · 05-24-2012, 10:32 PM

Sorry, thought I had attached pics....

ripcord810 · 05-24-2012, 10:36 PM

Another pic

Patronen · 05-24-2012, 10:38 PM

Sometimes they have had the cylinders shaved for 45acp instead of .455. Just Make sure it is in the caliber you want.

ripcord810 · 05-24-2012, 10:53 PM

He said it was .455

TheRomanhistorian · 05-24-2012, 10:54 PM

Are there any photos of the cylinder face to determine whether it has been shaved or not? I have a 1916 Mk VI shaved for .45 ACP/Auto Rim and it shoots well but I make sure to use handloads loaded to .455 Webley specifications (you wouldn't want to shoot factory .45 ACP rounds through it as that's unsafe). I prefer to shoot .45 Auto Rim with plated bullet using Trail Boss. If it's in the original .455 (which would be a bonus), you'd have to make your own ammunition or try to get the Fiocchi .455 Webley ammunition. I'm sure you've already done a load of reading up on the differences between shaved/unshaved but definitely snag it if it is actually in the original .455!

Nice looking revolver there and the finish looks ok. 4" barrel, too. I'm not a Webley expert, just an enthusiast and I've seen a few recently. $450 seems ok because I've seen them go for far more ridiculous prices on the auction sites, I paid $470 recently for one in rougher condition than yours (My 1916 Mk VI, 6" barrel and the bore was pitted but serviceable).

ripcord810 · 05-24-2012, 11:19 PM

Only other pic I have at this time.

TheRomanhistorian · 05-24-2012, 11:41 PM

Hi Dave (if I may),

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/107853...ut-british-wwi This is an expired auction for an uncut Mk VI to give you an idea (if you look at the photo of the cylinder, you see evidence of the proof markings and the like and look at the side of the cylinder for the serial number). (Mods, if this is inappropriate please delete, but I hope it is ok to show an expired auction).

If the serial number looks like the one in those photos then it should be ok but if some of the numbers are missing the bottom strokes then it's probably shaved. Like Doug said, your cylinder gap looks about right but best to be safe. $450 for an uncut Mk VI would be a steal, I think! But acceptable for a shaved one, too (particularly if you reload). Either way, she's a beauty and well worth having! If it is a .45 ACP, I use .452 bullets (Berry's plated round nose, hollow base) in an Auto Rim case with Trail Boss and she does quite well even though I load quite gently for my 'been through the wars' Mk VI.

alanint · 05-24-2012, 11:17 PM

The cylinder gap at the back looks right, (nice and narrow) but the guys are right..a cut down cylinder made to accept .45 ACP is much more convenient, ammo wise, but the gun loses collector value if its been modified.

alanint · 05-24-2012, 11:42 PM

Initial impression looks good. Cut down cylinders usually have very obvious machine marks across the back of the cylinder.

regul · 05-25-2012, 08:08 AM

The barrel looks a little short and the front sight base countour appears diffrent but this may be a trick of the camera. Webley Revolvers by Gordan Bruce & Christian Reinhart do say some Mk.VI frames were fitted with Mk.V four inch barrels.

Angus Magnus · 05-25-2012, 12:28 PM

$450 is a steal for a Webley in such nice shape, shaved cylinder or not. Nice rifling, original finish, lanyard ring still present... I'll take it if you dont!

Personally I prefer the .455, its a sweet shooting cartridge with mild recoil. Fiocchi makes it, althought it is pricey. Although it was probably just the rare bad batch, I had a bad box once with 2 squibs and really dirty powder. I sent the remaining cartridges in and they swapped me for some nice .44mag. I have no problem shooting Fiocchi ammo, except for this cartridge that I have handloaded ever since.

furno · 05-25-2012, 04:13 PM

For a collectable, you don't want it to say either "FTR" or"Made in England".
And yes, that's a very good price. A steal for an uncut! I assume it's a factory 4" bbl. More rare than the common 6" model.
Furno

sheepherder · 05-25-2012, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by furno

For a collectable, you don't want it to say either "FTR" or"Made in England".

Hmmmm...Why wouldn't you want a factory refurb???

Quote:

I assume it's a factory 4" bbl. More rare than the common 6" model.

Looks factory. Nice look to it.

OK, I think I see...You'd want it as close to as-issued condition as possible...Not a rebuild...

For a shooter, I'd want the refurb...

furno · 05-25-2012, 04:56 PM

That's correct. Maybe it's a personal preference, but it's like M1's Nagants, etc that were rebuilt and/or refinished even by an arsenal. I prefer one that is "original", not messed with by anybody.
Furno

Ron Smith · 05-25-2012, 05:09 PM

I think (my opinion only) that it has been shortened and front sight reset. That being said, it's well done and it's still worth $450.00, even as a shooter. I would pay $450.00 for it. I have a MKI shaved, with the blue stripped. I paid $300 for it and don't regret it at all. They are fun to shoot. I use .45 Auto-Rimmed brass with light loads equal to the old BP loads. Very accurate..

alanint · 05-25-2012, 05:33 PM

Whether this one was cut down or not is hard to determine from the photo, although that particular barrel length did exist.

http://www.nramuseum.com/the-museum/...-revolver.aspx

If you look at the example in the national Firearms Museum, it does have a different profile front sight, more appropriate to a shorter barrel while the example under discussion appears to have the full length revolver's sight pattern.

sheepherder · 05-25-2012, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanint

Whether this one was cut down or not is hard to determine from the photo, although that particular barrel length did exist.

Yes. The 4" barrel is mentioned in the NRA Firearms Assembly Guide and Hogg's Pistols of The World.

furno · 05-25-2012, 08:53 PM

You guys raise a really good point. The sight looks strange. I have a Mark V with a 4" bbl, and a Mark VI with a 6" bbl. This doesn't look like either; the VI is pinned, and the V is integral with the rib. This looks like the VI, but I don't have a picture of a 4" bbl. Mark VI.
I really like these Webleys, they are no-nonsense cannons, compared to the beautiful highly engineered Central Powers autos and the wimpy WW2 .38 Enfields. A lot depends on whether this is to be a shooter or a collector.
Furno

sheepherder · 05-25-2012, 09:39 PM

Well, let's see what Google turns up for 4" Webleys...

Hmmmmm...Maybe take a real good look at that front sight...

05-24-2012, 10:29 PM	#1
ripcord810 User Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 139 Thanks: 146 Thanked 23 Times in 16 Posts	Looking at a Webley I recently read a few post about Webley's that peaked my interest. Now I have come across a 1915 MARK VI locally and am considering buying it. Anything special I need to know before buying? I think his price of $450 is fair enough?

05-24-2012, 10:32 PM	#2
ripcord810 User Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 139 Thanks: 146 Thanked 23 Times in 16 Posts	Sorry, thought I had attached pics.... Attached Thumbnails

05-24-2012, 10:36 PM	#3
ripcord810 User Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 139 Thanks: 146 Thanked 23 Times in 16 Posts	Another pic Attached Thumbnails

05-24-2012, 10:38 PM	#4
Patronen User Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 312 Thanks: 335 Thanked 93 Times in 70 Posts	Sometimes they have had the cylinders shaved for 45acp instead of .455. Just Make sure it is in the caliber you want. __________________ Dave

05-24-2012, 10:54 PM	#6
TheRomanhistorian User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 301 Thanks: 170 Thanked 88 Times in 64 Posts	Are there any photos of the cylinder face to determine whether it has been shaved or not? I have a 1916 Mk VI shaved for .45 ACP/Auto Rim and it shoots well but I make sure to use handloads loaded to .455 Webley specifications (you wouldn't want to shoot factory .45 ACP rounds through it as that's unsafe). I prefer to shoot .45 Auto Rim with plated bullet using Trail Boss. If it's in the original .455 (which would be a bonus), you'd have to make your own ammunition or try to get the Fiocchi .455 Webley ammunition. I'm sure you've already done a load of reading up on the differences between shaved/unshaved but definitely snag it if it is actually in the original .455! Nice looking revolver there and the finish looks ok. 4" barrel, too. I'm not a Webley expert, just an enthusiast and I've seen a few recently. $450 seems ok because I've seen them go for far more ridiculous prices on the auction sites, I paid $470 recently for one in rougher condition than yours (My 1916 Mk VI, 6" barrel and the bore was pitted but serviceable). __________________ Michael Nos morituri te salutant - Supposed saying of the gladiators to the emperor ('We, who are about to die, salute you.') 'We are the lantern bearers, my friend; for us to keep something burning, to carry what light we can forward into the darkness and the wind' - From Rosemary Sutcliff's The Lantern Bearers Last edited by TheRomanhistorian; 05-24-2012 at 10:56 PM. Reason: Edited since you said it was .455

05-24-2012, 10:53 PM	#5
ripcord810 User Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 139 Thanks: 146 Thanked 23 Times in 16 Posts	He said it was .455

05-24-2012, 11:19 PM	#7
ripcord810 User Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 139 Thanks: 146 Thanked 23 Times in 16 Posts	Only other pic I have at this time. Attached Thumbnails

05-24-2012, 11:41 PM	#8
TheRomanhistorian User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 301 Thanks: 170 Thanked 88 Times in 64 Posts	Hi Dave (if I may), http://www.gunauction.com/buy/107853...ut-british-wwi This is an expired auction for an uncut Mk VI to give you an idea (if you look at the photo of the cylinder, you see evidence of the proof markings and the like and look at the side of the cylinder for the serial number). (Mods, if this is inappropriate please delete, but I hope it is ok to show an expired auction). If the serial number looks like the one in those photos then it should be ok but if some of the numbers are missing the bottom strokes then it's probably shaved. Like Doug said, your cylinder gap looks about right but best to be safe. $450 for an uncut Mk VI would be a steal, I think! But acceptable for a shaved one, too (particularly if you reload). Either way, she's a beauty and well worth having! If it is a .45 ACP, I use .452 bullets (Berry's plated round nose, hollow base) in an Auto Rim case with Trail Boss and she does quite well even though I load quite gently for my 'been through the wars' Mk VI. __________________ Michael Nos morituri te salutant - Supposed saying of the gladiators to the emperor ('We, who are about to die, salute you.') 'We are the lantern bearers, my friend; for us to keep something burning, to carry what light we can forward into the darkness and the wind' - From Rosemary Sutcliff's The Lantern Bearers

05-24-2012, 11:17 PM	#9
alanint User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Marco Island, Florida Posts: 4,867 Thanks: 1,685 Thanked 1,916 Times in 1,192 Posts	The cylinder gap at the back looks right, (nice and narrow) but the guys are right..a cut down cylinder made to accept .45 ACP is much more convenient, ammo wise, but the gun loses collector value if its been modified.

05-24-2012, 11:42 PM	#10
alanint User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Marco Island, Florida Posts: 4,867 Thanks: 1,685 Thanked 1,916 Times in 1,192 Posts	Initial impression looks good. Cut down cylinders usually have very obvious machine marks across the back of the cylinder.

05-25-2012, 08:08 AM	#11
regul Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: VA Posts: 96 Thanks: 19 Thanked 57 Times in 20 Posts	The barrel looks a little short and the front sight base countour appears diffrent but this may be a trick of the camera. Webley Revolvers by Gordan Bruce & Christian Reinhart do say some Mk.VI frames were fitted with Mk.V four inch barrels.

05-25-2012, 12:28 PM	#12
Angus Magnus User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Miami Posts: 133 Thanks: 8 Thanked 22 Times in 16 Posts	$450 is a steal for a Webley in such nice shape, shaved cylinder or not. Nice rifling, original finish, lanyard ring still present... I'll take it if you dont! Personally I prefer the .455, its a sweet shooting cartridge with mild recoil. Fiocchi makes it, althought it is pricey. Although it was probably just the rare bad batch, I had a bad box once with 2 squibs and really dirty powder. I sent the remaining cartridges in and they swapped me for some nice .44mag. I have no problem shooting Fiocchi ammo, except for this cartridge that I have handloaded ever since.

05-25-2012, 04:13 PM	#13
furno New User Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	For a collectable, you don't want it to say either "FTR" or"Made in England". And yes, that's a very good price. A steal for an uncut! I assume it's a factory 4" bbl. More rare than the common 6" model. Furno

05-25-2012, 04:56 PM	#15
furno New User Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Refurb That's correct. Maybe it's a personal preference, but it's like M1's Nagants, etc that were rebuilt and/or refinished even by an arsenal. I prefer one that is "original", not messed with by anybody. Furno

05-25-2012, 05:09 PM	#16
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	I think (my opinion only) that it has been shortened and front sight reset. That being said, it's well done and it's still worth $450.00, even as a shooter. I would pay $450.00 for it. I have a MKI shaved, with the blue stripped. I paid $300 for it and don't regret it at all. They are fun to shoot. I use .45 Auto-Rimmed brass with light loads equal to the old BP loads. Very accurate.. __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

05-25-2012, 05:33 PM	#17
alanint User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Marco Island, Florida Posts: 4,867 Thanks: 1,685 Thanked 1,916 Times in 1,192 Posts	Whether this one was cut down or not is hard to determine from the photo, although that particular barrel length did exist. http://www.nramuseum.com/the-museum/...-revolver.aspx If you look at the example in the national Firearms Museum, it does have a different profile front sight, more appropriate to a shorter barrel while the example under discussion appears to have the full length revolver's sight pattern.

05-25-2012, 08:53 PM	#19
furno New User Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Webley You guys raise a really good point. The sight looks strange. I have a Mark V with a 4" bbl, and a Mark VI with a 6" bbl. This doesn't look like either; the VI is pinned, and the V is integral with the rib. This looks like the VI, but I don't have a picture of a 4" bbl. Mark VI. I really like these Webleys, they are no-nonsense cannons, compared to the beautiful highly engineered Central Powers autos and the wimpy WW2 .38 Enfields. A lot depends on whether this is to be a shooter or a collector. Furno

05-25-2012, 09:39 PM	#20
sheepherder Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: ...on the 'ol Erie Canal... Posts: 8,182 Thanks: 1,400 Thanked 4,441 Times in 2,329 Posts	Well, let's see what Google turns up for 4" Webleys... Hmmmmm...Maybe take a real good look at that front sight... Attached Thumbnails Attached Images __________________ I like my coffee the way I like my women... ...Cold and bitter...