Webley MkII

G

GunsnRovers

New member
I've been looking to pick up a Webley to replace the MkIV I foolishly sold years ago.

Today I came across an old MkII converted to .45ACP. Very good condition. Original grips. Good finish. Mechanically in good shape.

Nice addition to the family and by far my oldest revolver (and only one pre 1900).

webleymkII_1.jpg


webleymkII_2.jpg
 
Very nice. Being so old, I'd use reduced power handloads if you intend to shoot it. The Mark V was the first model intended for smokeless powder and that was in 1915 so even they can be iffy.
 
I thought the Mk II's were the first rated for cordite.

I don't plan to shoot it much and will only put mild loads through it.

Eventually, I'll pick up a Mk VI.
 
Neat-O! Jeeves says use 230 gr FMJ a la Winchester Winclean. It is the closest to WWI ammunition. I do suggest Wilson fullmoon clips. I have Webleys and S&Ws and Enfields myself. I really want a MKI or MKII birdshead!! I suspect that it was close to what Dr. Watsons Army revolver and Sherlock Holmes armed themselves with. Try www.menshats.com for a Deerstalker hat.
 
I inherited a Mk 1 from my dad. It served as grandma's nightstand gun for many years. I got a few boxes of British military surplus hardball ammo with it, but have never shot it. The bore is polished almost smooth. I suspect it was pitted, and someone went overboard in trying to clean it up. I doubt that anything but pure lead bullets could hold the vestigial rifling.
 
Very nice. Is that specimen confirmed-- confirmed to be made pre-1900? If so, it's not a "firearm"-- it's an "antique or curio", and is less restricted by law. :) [shhhh!]
 
Put some .45ACP lead round nose through it today at 10 yards. Wow. Very accurate. Shots POA so I don't need to worry it. Point and pull the trigger.
 
Honestly, what you've got there is a ~110 year old revolver that needn't ever take a back seat as a personal defense gun. Load up some 250g SWCs at about 650 fps, load a couple of half-moon clips, and you're set.

If if will take fullmoon clips, you've got one of the fastest-reloading revolvers around.
 
I recommend that factory .45 ACP or handload equivalent NOT be fired in that gun, or in any of the Webley revolvers that were converted to that caliber. The .45 ACP is hotter than those revolvers (yes, even the military Mk VI) were intended for (800 fps vs. 550-600 fps) and will eventually damage them.

Jim
 
I was given to understand that the original load was a ~262g bullet at about 620 fps?

Thus a 250 at 650 wouldn't have been out of the round's original design envelope.

But, to account for age, etc, perhaps a 230g bullet at the same velocity would be better.
 
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