Looking at a Webley

TheRomanhistorian · 05-24-2012, 11:54 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 · 05-25-2012, 12:19 AM

Only other pic I have at this time.

TheRomanhistorian · 05-25-2012, 12:41 AM

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.

05-24-2012, 11:54 PM	#1
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 11:56 PM. Reason: Edited since you said it was .455

05-25-2012, 12:41 AM	#3
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