Newb antique handgun question

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Chps2

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Hi guys.

First off thanks for all the great info here. I searched hard for the direct answer to this but
Can’t find it.

Ok so i love antiques, and i really would also love to shoot a handgun on my property
where i currently shoot my NR firearms .

So im wondering what the most available and inexpensive antique handguns/pistol are?
(I know none are very available or cheap, but still, im asking for the ‘least’ here) that have available
Ammo? The webley mk1 seems to be the go to but im confused now with the change in law
2014.. you cant convert them any more? and the original ammo for the non-converted
Pre 1898 is impossible to get now, or just expensive? Are there other options?

Like i said, i just wanna shoot on my farm and looking for a list of what my options are
e.g. handgun options, and then ammo options for them that are available or makeable
, but i couldnt find a straight answer on google or here.

Also i promise to all the antiquers here to treat it as if it was a restricted , and not bring
Attention to it etc.. keep it safe and on the down low, even if its all legal technically etc.. no need
To be reckless or bring attention to the antiques in public.. just want to shoot a handgun on my farm!

Thanks
 
You can still convert a 455 Webley to 45acp. I wouldn’t as you should probably handload anyways over shooting full power factory.

What they won’t let you do anymore is deregister a restricted by converting to a non-prescribed caliber.
 
If your antique handgun qualifies as an antique(pre 1898 and not on the no go list) it can be converted to a modern caliber (for example a Webley 455 to 45 ACP) and still remain its antique status. If your pre 1898 antique handgun is a restricted(on the RCMP no go caliber list) it can no longer be converted to a caliber that is not on the list and become antique status. As far as what is the most economical, a cheap antique such as a 32 rimfire will run you $400-$900 but the ammo is obsolete and if you can find it is $3.00 - $5.00 per round and is not reloadable. You can spend $1800.00-$2500.00 for a good Webley MK 1 or a Good S&W 44 DA and reload for pennies(so to speak)
 
Antique handguns are not technically legal, they are legal. As far as how you handle it should be the same as any gun or gun like object. Its antique status does not relieve you of the responsibility of being a firearms owner. You also can apply for a letter from the RCMP that will clearly show your gun is an Antique.
 
Ok now thats making a bit more sense (re:converting) thanks!

And yes, of course the handling is the same.. just read alot about ppl wanting to be reckless with them
, And wanted to assure thats not why im asking these questions.

Ok a few follow up questions

-is the 45acp factory modern made ammo safe for most good condition webleys? Or is it too much power?

-is it easy to find the standard dyes and tools to reload the 45acp (or 455)? Bc i kept reading it was very hard
To reload (but im not sure what calibre they were referring to, 455,45acp or a different one)
 
45 ACP reloading components are readily available through many vendors in Canada. If you are going to be an antique guy reloading is something you will need to do. Much info available on the net on reloading for your antiques. I knew nothing when I got into reloading for antiques and was surprised on how easy and cheap it is! and enjoyable!!
 
Awesome thanks!

I also just found a good reddit thread with some more info specifically on reloading 45acp for shaved antique webleys. Awesome stuff, now i just gotta save up!
 
Chps2 said:
Awesome thanks!

I also just found a good reddit thread with some more info specifically on reloading 45acp for shaved antique webleys. Awesome stuff, now i just gotta save up!
Click to expand...

Don't cheap out on your Antique purchase. Buck up for a low mileage gun as repairs are expensive and parts are almost non existent and you will be forking out a lot of $ for smithing!!
 
You're going for a Webley mark 1 of mark 2 don't skimp on the money buy a good one.

I shoot my Webley's regularly at the farm even if they are 120 years old they are still perfect for shooting, both of my 455 are not shave.
 
.45ACP must be handloaded for use in a bubba'd .455.
Seeing as you are going to handload anyway, just load .455.

The current situation which allows shooting an antique handgun as if it were non-restricted exists because of the sloppy legal draftsmanship of the legislators, not because it was intended.
When this changes (and it is only a matter of time), unaltered antiques will retain value far better than ones that have been altered.
 
So its just as easy to find the right equipment to reload .455 as 45acp?

Also, the unaltered ones are much hard to find tho right?
 
Do you have a budget in mind? I bought a S&W Schofield because I liked the look of it, it will likely hold its value, and brass is readily available. That said, I only shoot it for a novelty. Remington and Colt have some good solid designs from the antique era, but they also cost a good buck. Hopefully if you don't overpay, it will hold its value or appreciate.
 
Chps2 said:
So its just as easy to find the right equipment to reload .455 as 45acp?

Also, the unaltered ones are much hard to find tho right?
Click to expand...

The tools are the same aside from dies, and Lee makes the dies for a reasonable price.

Starline makes brass now and it's reasonably available. Appropriate bullets aren't too hard to find.

I find it's about half and half have been converted or not.
 
All great info thanks.

Ya budget wise after reading these replies and the more research ive done,
i think im gonna save up and get a higher end webley or s&w in the 2k range (might
Have to really save and get both!)

What is that schofields calibre?
 
Schofield shoots 45 S&W, or as some call it 45 Schofield. Its like a Colt 45, but shorter, and I think the rim is slightly smaller to help with the break action.

You can reload it using 45acp dies.
 
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I have a Webley RIC in 450 Adams. I use trimmed down 455 Mk2 brass and it works well. It's accurate, uses 45 ACP or 45 Long Colt projectiles and is a strong gun. The brass is expensive but once you have it, they will last forever. In this pic there is my RIC top and British Bulldog bottom (since sold) also 450. These are double/single action gate loaders.

Cheers
Moe

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They look good!

So another question.. is it normal/common to have ppl make ammo for you? Or is there some more ridiculous cdn laws preventing it from being easy to buy ammo from other enthusiasts/makers? Bc i read alot of ppl saying they already make these rounds and test them with these guns.. would be pretty convenient to just buy from them and then slowly learn myself
 
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