Webley 1878 Army Express(Revisited and Revised)

[whatguns?]

Basically new to this forum and most definitely new to Webleys. This came up for sale this morning so I thought I'd give it a try.

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The seller called it a Webley V but a quick search told me it's a 1878 Army Express. Is there anyone familiar with this particular revolver that can give me any info on it? As stated, I am new to Webleys and know nothing about them so anything will help. Serial number is 68230. Was also told that it will chamber .450 Long/455Webley and 476...is that possible?
Sure hope I can save the barrel when I remove "bubblegum installed" sight!
Thanks in advance,
Blair

 

[dingus]

I just Bought one just like it LOL
Its Not a 1878
its a New Model Army Express No 5
Your Barrel is Not orignal.
there Barrels are screwed into the frame someone has Screwed another Barrel or had one made that screwed into the frame.
So check out the Bores Dia before you shoot anything in that Gun
Heres a Picture of one i just bought.

click to enlarge


This gun is a New model Army Express No 5
Caliber 455/476
Gun is marked 476.
To bad about the Barrel being off another gun but dont fret it mighta been installed properly and work fine.
Tho the seller should of told you the Barrel wasnt Orignal.
The rest of the gun looks Great!
Oh i see the Grip bottom is altered as well.

it Dont mater tho, its still a Perscribed Antique

 

[david doyle]

Welcome to the world of webleys!

 

[sportee]

Ive never seen on of those before....Nice...Where can i find one?

What's the barrel length on that thing?

 

[whatguns?]

I've physically had my "new" antique for a few days now, broke it down and cleaned it up and have done lots of pondling (ponder and fondle). I'm really impressed with the quality and workmanship. I'm a Colt guy and have a few that come close to the same age and I hate to say it but IMO the Webley wins out. It has such a solid, heavy feel to it (the 1878 Frontier I got the same day has a broken sear).
As you can see, this one has all three calibers stamped on it. The barrel and cylinder chambers still have a fair bit of shine and sharpness to them.
What still remains a disappointment is the barrel and butt modifications, which I have to tell you, irked the sh*t out of me when I first was made aware of it (by the by, thanks for the info Mark). What appears to me is that someone, in an attempt to make a more "Western" looking gun, has ground and filed the original barrel round. This was probably done quite some time ago as the patina is even and consistent. The bore measures .455" along with the chambers which vary about .001". So when I can set myself up with some ammo I think I've got myself a pretty good shooter. Can't wait to get to the range with it.
Thanks for looking,
A Webley convert

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