[JoeB1987]

Recently, my grandfather passed away. As unfortunate as this was, I came in to possession of this 1915 Webley Mark VI.

I've yet to do anything other than a quick once over of the basic functions of the gun. Everything seems to function as it should; the trigger, hammer, and the break-action. It definitely needs a good cleaning though.

I did a little research and found after the first world war, many of these original Mk. IV models (which were chambered in .455 Webley) were machined to fit .45 ACP. I'm hoping this is not the case with this piece, but I was unable to find any clarification on identifying this online. I was hoping one of you would be able to help me.

I also had one other question. With this being my first antique firearm, I am unsure how to go about cleaning it, are there certain cleaning solutions that are considered too strong or abrasive to use on this old steel / finish?

Any input is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!

- Joe

[Belltactical]

If it was re-chambered for the acp you will need moon clips if you were to try and shoot it but I would definitely have a smith look it over to make sure it's safe and timed right. It's certainly in the collectible category so you my not want to shoot it. Best bet might be to find a shop with an ultrasonic cleaner and use nylon brushes and clp but if it's really bunked up, some #9 shouldn't hurt anything. If its not too bad, hit it with gun scrubber or brake cleaner.

[trip286]

Found one of those in Iraq. If I could go back in time, I'd still be walking funny from smuggling that thing home....

I'd clean it just like any other gun. If your unsure of the chambering, you can take it to a qualified smith and they should be able to tell you what's up, unless someone comes along with a method for finding out. If ask else fails, pm c3shooter, he'll probably know something.

[HOSSFLY]

Originally Posted by trip286

Found one of those in Iraq. If I could go back in time, I'd still be walking funny from smuggling that thing home....

I'd clean it just like any other gun. If your unsure of the chambering, you can take it to a qualified smith and they should be able to tell you what's up, unless someone comes along with a method for finding out. If ask else fails, pm c3shooter, he'll probably know something.

Molding the bore is the surest way like Trip said -
Dam sure be worth it-
My smith charges about $30 last i had such done

[Belltactical]

Just talked to the crusty old guy down the road who has a collection that fills up an entire room and then some. He said that most, but not necessarily all of them that were re-chambered had a proof mark denoting .45ACP just in front of the cylinder. He generally knows his stuff when it comes to antiques and collectibles.
Hope that helps.

[JoeB1987]

I'll take it down to the local gunsmith soon and see. I'm not seeing a .45 ACP mark in front of the cylinder, so I'm hoping this is a good sign.

Thanks for the info, much appreciated guys.

[trip286]

Heck it might would work out better for you if it were .45 ACP, the .455 Webley isn't stocked at Wally Whirl any more!

[trip286]

quick google search and the first link I clicked on...

http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/index.php/cName/pistol-ammo-455-webley

It's not exactly impossible to find, but it's not very common either.

BTW, I'd shoot the living hell out of it every chance I got.

[natman]

Judging by the huge gap between the rear of the cylinder and the shiny rear face of the cylinder, it appears to have been cut for 45 ACP / Autorim.

I would only shoot lead bullets with very mild loads in it. 45 ACP is loaded to higher pressures than 455 Webley.

http://britishmilitariaforums.yuku.com/topic/9296/CAUTION--455-REVOLVERS-ALTERED--SHOOT-45-ACP--45-Auto-Rim

Most of the conversions were done in machine shops in the US. It would be interesting to see a picture of a proof mark that denotes a 45 ACP conversion.

[locutus]

The .45 ACP uses slightly higher pressure than .455 was designed for.

If it was mine, I'd stick to low velocity "target" type loads.

Those are too nice as collectible old warhorses to take chances with.

BTW, congratuations. That's one darn nice piece!