Webley WG. Thinking about buying a antique revolver?

[Audet]

I am concidering the purchase of a RCMP apouved antique revolver. I like the Webley WG both for its beauty and historical value. I want something that shoots reasonably well and reliably. I also like the Colts, Berthiers ect but being a Canadian, the Webley does inspire me more. Is it a good choice for occasional shooting (50 a year)? Are there significantly better choices? How much should I expect to pay for a decent basic WG?

Thanks!

 

[smellie]

Sorry, friend, but I can't help here. I remember when they were $35!

Seem to be running $1200 and up these days, now that the Gummint has discovered Antiques.

 

[Mean Steak]

I own 2 webley Governments "WG" one older one with and interesting steeple cylinder and one with a newer modern looking cylinder. They are well built and quite accurate. However to get good results in accuracy One should reload. I got the proper bullet mould from buffalo arms (265 grn rn hollow base). Oh and both of these beautys are antique
I cant say enough good things about webleys.

 

[jethunter]

If you reload already then the WG will be fairly easy for you to get shooting. Most of the antique revolvers will require reloading. Some antique cartridges are available from time to time in Canada: Webley 455, French 8mm Service Revolver, and possibly 44 Russian - but supply is limited and spotty. The webleys that were adapted to 45acp still need to be reloaded for - full power 45acp is a bit too much for their soft frames. If you really want to get the most from your antique you should reload. I don't know what the "best" antique would be but there is certainly nothing wrong with the WG as a first antique. Expect a decent one to go well over $1500 now days, even in the US.

2x .45 S&W Schofield beside a 455 Webley MKII casing. Unmodified 45 S&W Schofield brass works perfectly in both my .476 Enfield chambered WG revolvers.

I have 2 WG revolvers; made in 1887 and 1896 - left side, 1st and 3rd from the top.

 

[jethunter]

double tap

 

[dingus]

Which WG do you like shooting best the one with the birds head grip or the one with the flat botom target grip ?
I like the target grip myself.
Nice collection of webleys ^

 

[jethunter]

Which WG do you like shooting best the one with the birds head grip or the one with the flat botom target grip ?
I like the target grip myself.
Nice collection of webleys ^

I haven't really got a preference. The square grip fits my hand a bit better but there's nothing wrong with how the bird's head grip feels either. Both good.

 

[GrantR]

.... being a Canadian, the Webley does inspire me more. .....

Although I am decidedly a fan of British revolvers ..... and own quite a number of them, including several antiques ..... for what it may be worth to your decision-making process, are you aware that no Webley model has ever been standard military issue in Canada? Our primary-issue military handguns were always American designs until the adoption of the 9mm High Power pistol in 1944 - and of course even that one was a John Browning design, although modified in Belgium. (Prior to that our primary-issue military handguns were as follows: 1855 - Colt "Navy" revolver, .36 percussion ... although admittedly produced in Colt's London factory. 1885 - Colt Model 1878 Double Action revolver, .45 Colt. 1900 - Colt New Service revolver, .45 Colt and .455. 1914 - Colt Government Model semi-automatic pistol, .45 ACP. 1915 - S&W 2nd Model "Hand Ejector" revolver, .455. 1939 - S&W Military & Police revolver, .380/.38S&W.)

The first two official NWMP handguns were of British design and manufacture (first the .450 Adams and then the .476 Enfield revolver .... both of which, by the way, are actually .455 caliber despite their nomenclature) but thereafter Mounted Police standard-issue handguns have also been of American design and manufacture.

Accordingly if you want an antique British-Empire handgun with clear Canadian historical connections of that sort (and presumably one which uses self-contained cartridges) you are pretty much limited to getting an Adams or an Enfield ....

 

[vviking]

The two WG's that I have fired, they have sweet smooth DA pulls, a crisp SA letoff, usable sights ... and very satisfying accuracy.
One a .455, the other .45ACP ... both handloaded.
Very fun revolvers.