Antique Webley revovler - Can parts be interchanged?

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kevinh

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Hey everyone,

I'm thinking of getting an antique webley.

There are plenty for sale on the exchange forums.
Some research and I found some nice ones for sale in the states, but the sold before I could contact the seller (and the prices were amazingly low)


1. My question is, if I have MKIV parts (barrel/cylinder) can they be installed on MKI or MKII frames?

I know that I should only use cowboy rounds or reload cartridges with less powder (black powder) but is it true that the
MKIV parts are stronger?

2. Again, if I got a Webley WG Target in 455/476, would I be able to install the shaved .45 acp MKIV cylinder?

I cant' remember what the dimensions are for a .45acp vs .455 webley rounds. Would the 7 1/2 inch barrel actually increase
accuracy?


3. Since there are so many webley's for sale, I'm sort of lost now on which one I should invest in.



a. MKI*-sold .45 acp, b. MKI .45 acp, c. MKII .45 acp d. Webley WG Target in 455/476 e. MKII snub nose conversion

and online, there are ----> f. MKI ** .45acp , g. MKI* .45acp



All are listed in great condition. There just is so many items for sale I dont know what I want anymore... I would love to
hear your input.


Have a happy and healthy summer season.

Thank you so much!

Cheers,
Kevin
 
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Mk 4,5, and 6 barrels and cylinders can be swapped. Different barrel lengths were available from the factory for those. Mk1 and Mk2, NO WAY
Yes you can install a shaved cylinder in a Webley target, though why you would want to do so is beyond me
There is a reason Webley bullets are hollow based. The mouths of the cylinders are .451 while the bore is .455 so you won't get the same accuracy but that also depends on how good a shot you are.
Get the WG Target in .455. Not rocket science
The hollow based mould and .455 brass is available but it's not cheap.
 
Hey John S.

Thanks for your time and advice.
So what your saying is that I can not put a MIV cylinder into an MKII frame?
But I was told when they placed the MIV cylinder (and barrel) into the MKI's and MII's that a ** mark was added.

I was told by two people that was the case. But I just wanted a second opinion.


Can anyone else confirm this?


The reason I am asking is that I found some MKIVs for sale as parts. My objective is to swap the cylinders, and maybe bubba one of the barrels where the sight have been removed.
Basically I will cut the barrel down to snub nose length and install it for fun.

Thanks again guys!!!
Cheers,
Kevin H.
 
You could have a gunsmith make parts for it if you want I know 1 was willing to change the barrel out with a 45 acp barrel but I didn't want to make it round I like the look of the orginal so I just load down and shoot lead rounds only.
 
Hey guys,

I'm looking into Loki_81's MKII.

While I don't think he is lying (you cgn'ers are usually very helpful, trust worth and very kind - at least that has been my experience) he said the conversion/modification is possible.

I've been asking him a lot questions and he replies very promptly and is willing to share knowledge.
He mentioned to swap a MKV cylinder into a MKII you need two additional parts - cylinder latch and cam.

1. is this true.
2. does this also apply to putting MKIV cylinders into and MKII.


Sort of off topic (I don't want to spam the sub forum), does anyone know where I can get a webley nickle plated?
I found one guy in the states.
Check out this beautiful MKVI (i think it's an MKVI) --- http://www.mobguns.com/news_single_bWebley.html

haha49, thanks for the input. I think someone told me this once, that the .45 acp rounds are smaller in diameter as compared to the .455 webley.
So, accuracy isn't going to be great. Well how are your groupings if you don't mind me asking.... we won't judge :) :) :)

Thanks guys!

Cheers,
Kevin H.
 
The Barrel needs to be swaped to. Look at my MKI** you will see theres alot more to it than just droping in a cylinder ive had theses MKI**s and MKII**s apart and the frames are altered abit as well minor milling but its there.
I only have one MKI** in 45 acp left for sale. there very good guns and even tho they run a grand higher in price at least your getting a gun that was set up proper by the webley factory.
I can post pics of the frame areas that are machined out to make this work.
But if you look at the MKV or MKVI you will see the areas that need to be altered so it would be like a MKII**.
Its for sure not easy or everyone would be doing it.
Not saying it can not be done but you need a MKV barrel and cylinder and all the cylinder retainer parts so really a doner MKV or MKVI .
I know where you can get plateing done PM me if you want there info?
I also have a very nice MKII** comeing with a 6 inch barrel .


 
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Hey Dingus,
Thanks for your help.
I think I can get all the parts you mentioned. I need to make a phone call during the week.

1. How much do you think it will cost to do this modification? (Labour costs)
2. Do you know any gunsmiths that are capable of this and would be willing to take this task on?

Also, since you mentioned...what is the difference between a MKI** and a MKII**.

Thanks guys!
Cheers,
Kevin



P.S. I'd very much like to see those photos you mentioned Dingus.
 
Consider picking up a copy of Ian Skennerton's book, "Pistol Revolver Webley MK1 MKVI"
This one has interchangabiliy charts for what parts can be fitted from MK to MK.
There are quite a few parts compatabilities within the Webley family.

My hands on experience is limited to but three Webley's ... so far, so don't know all that much compared to some folks around here.
A MK1 .45acp, a WG .45acp, and a WG .455.
The MK1, it is a combat revolver, very quick and very reliable, a whole lot of fun to shoot with soft cast 220gr .454" swc's and 600fps ... but she's no tack driver, and she does print noticably high and left. Heavy trigger in both SA and DA. Less than crisp sights too.

The acp WG, a 7 1/2" bbl., it is very accurate ... we're talking sub 2 inch capable @ 25yds, shot offhand, dead center groups and right on POA too, using the same handloads as the MK1's ^. This particular revolver's been tuned and fettled, the trigger, it is very much like a well 'smithed Smith & Wesson. Excellent. WG sights, they are also very much superior to the MK1's.

The .455 WG, has only shot factory Fiocchi HB loads to date, and prints around 3-3 1/2" typical @ 25yds. Again, a very nice revolver to handle and shoot, allthough somewhat less refined than the .45acp WG is.

There's my impressions, for what it's worth.
 
Hello VViking.
Thanks for your input. I think it is worth a lot:)

A. The WG .45 acp, am I correct it was shaved to fire .45 acp? If it was shaved, that's good enough groupings for me, considering the bullet diameter is smaller than the bore diameter. (Is this correct?)

B. Is your WG .45 acp for sale? :) :) :)

Thanks again for your input!

Cheers,
Kevin
 
kevinh said:
Hey Dingus,
Thanks for your help.
I think I can get all the parts you mentioned. I need to make a phone call during the week.

1. How much do you think it will cost to do this modification? (Labour costs)
2. Do you know any gunsmiths that are capable of this and would be willing to take this task on?

Also, since you mentioned...what is the difference between a MKI** and a MKII**.

Thanks guys!
Cheers,
Kevin



P.S. I'd very much like to see those photos you mentioned Dingus.
Click to expand...

No clue on who would do it or the costs.
Just look at a MKVI bare striped frame you will see the diffrences you will need it anyway to get the exact changes.
A MKII** is the exact same type of upgrade as a MKI** its just a MKII to start with.
Some MKII**s have MKVI parts some have MKV parts factory installed.
The WGs shoot better because they have longer barrels.
I have a MKI** with a 6 inch barrel it shoots as good as a WG if you use the right loads.
 
kevinh.
Re: A.
Yes. Shaved. Runs with moon clips. The cyl. throats on this one are the same dia. as bore ... .453'ish. The secret to improved accuracy is in casting with very soft pure lead, especially with the swc bullet type. They "bump up" on firing to seal the bore, even if the cyl. throats are a thou. or two tighter than the bore happens to be. The traditional HB Webley bullet does the same to even greater extent, by expanding the bullets hollow skirt under firing pressure.
From reading the words of more experienced members, it seems there is some variance to be found in Webley cyl./bore dia's. I recieved some very good advise from Dingus and other "household name" active expert resident members when I started into antiques.
It was of some help to have been a handloader for forty years prior, but there was lots more to learn in dealing with antiques though.!. LoL.

B: Nope. (truth told, it's not my gun ... unfortunately :() Belongs to a good friend/fellow member who is very generous .... when they are my handloads going "ka-pow" all afternoon :p;)

Jethunter has some very nice Webley bullets on offer.

"Is this the book you are talking about... http://www.amazon.ca/History-Webley-...ebley+MK1+MKVI"
No.
I'm away from home right now, and going from memory. If you google Ian Skennerton you'll find it.
A softcover, around twenty bucks ... very usefull indeed.
 
kevinh said:
I'm looking into Loki_81's MKII.

While I don't think he is lying (you cgn'ers are usually very helpful, trust worth and very kind - at least that has been my experience) he said the conversion/modification is possible by a competent gunsmith.
Click to expand...

There you go, fixed it for ya ;).

Just for clarity for everyone, kevinh was looking at this with having a donor MKIV or MKV, or parts list that did include a new cylinder and barrel.
 
I"m so sad I missed this.

An MKI** for 1400 usd -http://www.gunsamerica.com/976386268/Antique_Webley_Mark_I_converted_to_45_ACP.htm


Wait, maybe I should ask this first.
If I don't have a restricted PAL, can I legally own the barrel, cylinder and other parts, minus the frame (from an MKIV made post 1897)?


Hey Thanks Loki!

Thanks guys!



Cheers,
Kevin
 
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If I don't have a restricted PAL, can I legally own the barrel, cylinder and other parts, minus the frame (from an MKIV made post 1897)?
Click to expand...

Yes.
The frame is the gun.
If the frame is a perscribed antique, and FRT'd as such, then as long as the chambering is not on the "no go list" that firearm remains antique status, no matter the parts you may fit to it.
 
Hey vvking,

I've always wanted to learn how to handload/reload.
Looks like might have to (finally need to) learn.

Do you think I need a teacher/instructor, or do you think I can learn from reading?

Yep, as soon as I decide on a webley, I will post a photo.

Looks like I can't use those mkIV parts, as the frame would be restricted and the barrel would be prohibited.


Also, I think I'm shying away from a snub nose. A 3 inch or 4 inch barrel is short enough.

Thanks again for your time guys!

Cheers,
Kevin
 
kevinh said:
Hey vvking,

I've always wanted to learn how to handload/reload.
Looks like might have to (finally need to) learn.

Do you think I need a teacher/instructor, or do you think I can learn from reading?

Yep, as soon as I decide on a webley, I will post a photo.

Looks like I can't use those mkIV parts, as the frame would be restricted and the barrel would be prohibited.


Also, I think I'm shying away from a snub nose. A 3 inch or 4 inch barrel is short enough.

Thanks again for your time guys!

Cheers,
Kevin
Click to expand...

If you go .45 ACP, yup, you'll need to handload. Factory loaded cart's are too hot in that cal.. The .455?, well there's the Fiocchi factory loads ... not so cheap though.

Take your time, research, and be very conservative handloading for the old girls ... you'll be OK. We all started our loading careers from ground zero, & we've all made an odd boo-boo too. Just don't let that boo-boo be an overcharge or double charge.
Post here if/when you have a problem. Lots of savvy cart. stuffers on CGN.

Looks like I can't use those mkIV parts, as the frame would be restricted and the barrel would be prohibited.
Click to expand...
The MK1V frame?, yes, it's restricted. The other MK1V parts?(including barrel) ... Not restricted or prohib .... just parts.

Me?, I do like the longer barrels, on any revolver that is shot for good results.

Edit: A 4" or shorter barrel, if it were to be mounted on a non antique frame, is indeed classed as prohib.status.
Antique's however, do not have prohib barrel length's. If the frame is antique, any length is legal.
A barrel is just a part, until it is installed on a frame. If that frame should be an antique ... not prohib or restricted.
Read the stickies at the top of this forum for a pile of usefull info. :cheers:
 
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