need help with a webley

[Redhawk45]

I have come across a webley in 38 s&w.  That is all the tag says about the model.  I think the barrel is either five or six inches.  The action is nice, it opens very well.  Other than the finish damage around the trigger guard and the bottom of the frame (propbably from holster wear).  The finish is pretty good everywhere else.  I have been wanting one of these for sometime.  I am not sure what to look for to tell me what model it is.  They had $350, and they told me they could go down to 300.  What do you guys think?  I am thinking of picking it up, thanks everyone!

[Mikey]

Redhawk1:  I forget the exact model number but I think those Webleys carry a 5" barrel.  What you need to check for on those old warhorses is (1) cylinder rotational movement and (2) barrel condition. 

I would normally expect the triggers to be horrendous in da and not to awful bad in sa.  But, when you lock up the cylinder with the hammer cocked fully to the rear, see that they cylinder locks up tightly and in line with the barrel.  Sometimes you may find a pawl broken or a cylinder lock worn down.  If she locks up nice and tight that is good. 

Next check the barrel.  Many of those old wartime pieces may have used corrosive ammo and the barrel may be badly pitted.  The barrel may also be leaded badly.

Also, check the overall lockup of the revolver.  The top latch is not the strongest latching method in the world and you can get some 'shake' if she doesn't lock up tightly.

What you also need to remember is that there just aren't any spare parts available for those babies, so you either need to get a vg-excellent shape revolver or you may not be happy with whatcha got. 

Lastly, slug the barrel to get the true bore diameter of that gun.  I recall they took a nominal .360 dia 200 gn round nose bullet at right around 600'/sec - not very fast at all but those slugs would shoot right on through ya.  The Brits felt they had the same field combat capability as the 455 Webley.   HTH.  Mikey.

[Mikey]

Ooooops Sorry.  Should have been Redhawk45.   Mikey.

[Redhawk45]

thanks for the tips!  I will be looking at it again later today.  I will be checking the timing and the barrel.  Thanks Mikey

[wiley]

Webleys lock up when the hammer is down and the trigger is all the way back.

[Redhawk45]

thanks guys for your help.  I took a pass.  it was an enfield and I really wanted a Webley.