1917 Webley Revolver?

[Graingodguy]

Any knowledge on this my 87 year old Dad had this stashed for about 45 years he thinks.
Guy

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[CLT65]

Looks like a MkVI, presumably .455 cal. Any idea if it's been shaved for moon clips?

 

[CountryGent]

Very neat old revolver. Agree with @CLT65; looks to be a Mark VI. If it is shaved or not is an important factor. (And if one is going to shoot such a modified one, my understanding is they should be downloaded. I've seen one Webley, in person, bust the barrel latch with standard 240-grain .45 ACP.)

One book you might find interesting if you're looking just for a quick overview is:



Or, tangentially, if I may look anything up for your, at your service. Anywho, 'gratz on the passed down revolver.

 

[Graingodguy]

Very neat old revolver. Agree with @CLT65; looks to be a Mark VI. If it is shaved or not is an important factor. (And if one is going to shoot such a modified one, my understanding is they should be downloaded. I've seen one Webley, in person, bust the barrel latch with standard 240-grain .45 ACP.)

One book you might find interesting if you're looking just for a quick overview is:

View attachment 1041922

Or, tangentially, if I may look anything up for your, at your service. Anywho, 'gratz on the passed down revolver.

The ammo in the paper sack .45 ACP. More photos Thanks

 

[CLT65]

Definitely appears shaved, unfortunately. It was a common modification back then. They're still plenty usable, but value suffers a bit.

If it hasn't already been loosened up with too much full-load .45 acp, it should still be a great shooter. Like Country Gent says, shoot light loaded ammo in it only. GI ball has been known to do bad things to them.

 

[CountryGent]

Thanks for the additional details. That does indeed look to be a shaved cylinder. One can use moon clips (like EZ Moon clips) or .45 Auto Rim. However, as mentioned, they would have to be loaded to appropriate levels.

If you need parts, Apex has always been helpful with Webley (and other) parts.

 

[Graingodguy]

Thank You both!
Guy

 

[Jason999]

Just find the weakest .45 acp that you can find and you'll be fine. I've had my converted Mark VI for 21 years now and haven't had any issues.

Though I have been tempted to come up with some mild BP charges, just because I love seeing a puff of smoke

 

[CLT65]

Thank You both!
Guy

Thank you for posting about it. I've only recently come to appreciate British military revolvers. I have an Enfield MkI in 38/200, but one of these days would like to find a MkVI.

 

[MikeInOr]

My Webley is also shaved. I have been shooting light reloaded .45acp in it for 20+ years. It has the heaviest trigger I have EVER seen. Is everyone else's Webley trigger incredibly heavy or is it just mine?

 

[Jason999]

View attachment 1042726

My Webley is also shaved. I have been shooting light reloaded .45acp in it for 20+ years. It has the heaviest trigger I have EVER seen. Is everyone else's Webley trigger incredibly heavy or is it just mine?

Mine is a heavier trigger, but no where near the worst I've ever experienced.

 

[MikeInOr]

Mine is a heavier trigger, but no where near the worst I've ever experienced.

I am going to have to disassemble mine some day and see what is going on in there. It feels like someone might have put in a REALLY heavy replacement spring.

 

[Cardinal]

I have a 1943 "War Finish" Mk VI (.38/200), and the DA is typical of a service revolver (not objectionable), and the SA is pretty good.

The top break ejection brings a smile to my face each time.

 

[Cardinal]

Sorry - meant Mk IV

 

[CountryGent]

Is everyone else's Webley trigger incredibly heavy or is it just mine?

I've owned at least one Webley and two Enfield revolvers. Neither featured the greatest triggers, nor the worst. The 1895 Nagant revolver and almost every derringer I've ever shot was significantly more obnoxious in this department.

 

[MikeInOr]

I've owned at least one Webley and two Enfield revolvers. Neither featured the greatest triggers, nor the worst. The 1895 Nagant revolver and almost every derringer I've ever shot was significantly more obnoxious in this department.

Thank you, my Webley trigger is noticeable more stiff than my Nagant revolver, but without the weird release when the cylinder in the Nagant slides backwards after firing.