Webley Mark III

[Beerhunter]

Those Birmingham Proof marks are pre-1954.

The only stripping needed to clean after firing is to remove the cylinder. With the revolver broken, move that leave to the left of the flying bullet trademark upwards, that will release the cylinder.

They are lovely little revolvers that are essentially scaled-down WGs and so the trigger-cocking action is a delight to use.

Finally, and I hope that I got here quickly enough. They are designed to use 38 S&W NOT 380-200. I would STRONGLY advise against using that load. Stick to 146gn lead loads. (I advise against jacketed as well.)

Information

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[25-5]

Thanks to all. Info I needed.
This Mark III was manufactured 1933-1937. I ordered a couple of days ago 200gr .361 bullets That Matt said were for the Mark II. I had read in several posts at other forums that the best accuracy is with the 200gr .361, not 146 gr. Well I shot it this AM for the first time and that's all BS. The 146gr Remington Match did fine. Me not so much.
I think the key here is the .361, not the 200gr. The best measurement I could get off the Rem. was .357. The targets should improve with 146gr .361 bullets. I'll leave the 200gr alone. I did not come here to not listen to your advice.
Getting the cylinder off was what I really needed for proper cleaning. A bit of a PIA with the cylinder on.
I am very pleased with this Mark III. It's built like a little tank. Heavier SA & DA trigger pull than I am accustomed too. Practice will fix that.
I am attaching target pics. 7, 10, 20, & 25 yards respectively.
At 7 yds my first six shots. All are single action although I did pop off 6 DA at 25 yds.

[Beerhunter]

This Mark III was manufactured 1933-1937. I ordered a couple of days ago 200gr .361 bullets That Matt said were for the Mark II.

I am afraid that is just just rubbish. The 200gn bullet was designed for the Pistol, Revolver No.2 (or Enfield).

You are correct about getting a proper diameter 38 S&W bullet (.361) and not using a .38 Special bullet (.357). However in addition, due to its huge bearing surface the 200gn bullet is indeed very accurate but in revolvers designed to take it. (See above.)

BTW where did you get the date for your Mk.III? They can usually be dated far more accurately,that is to say to the year.

[25-5]

I am afraid that is just just rubbish. The 200gn bullet was designed for the Pistol, Revolver No.2 (or Enfield).

You are correct about getting a proper diameter 38 S&W bullet (.361) and not using a .38 Special bullet (.357). However in addition, due to its huge bearing surface the 200gn bullet is indeed very accurate but in revolvers designed to take it. (See above.)

BTW where did you get the date for your Mk.III? They can usually be dated far more accurately,that is to say to the year.

I was searching all over the net for any info and found the Webley Archive site. With this info:

(1) Mark III .38 Revolvers (1925 – 1929), numbers 27800 – 32899
(2) Mark III .38 revolvers (1929-1933) numbers 32900 – 39999
also Mark IV revolvers (1929- 1939) numbers 40000 – 42999
(3) Mark IV .38 revolvers (1940- 1941) numbers 43000 – 49999
also Mark III revolvers (1933- 1937) numbers 50000 – 53499 (53305 is mine) so maybe 1937.
(4) Mark III revolvers (1937- 1948) numbers 53500- 56479)
also Mark IV revolvers (1941- 1942) numbers 60000- 63799

Beerhunter. If you have reloaded these, I have just a couple questions.

[Beerhunter]

Yes I have reloaded for my Mk.III

[25-5]

Answered my own questions by getting two different bullets to load. Matt's 150gr RN .361, and Missouri Bullets 145gr RN .361 with the Hi-Tek coating. The MB does not have a crimp groove, so a light crimp to remove the bell and a bit. I've made some dummies and both bullets look good. I'll start with 2gr W231 and up to 2.2gr.
The MB with the Hi-Tek coating are well reviewed and are purported to reduce leading. We'll see next week when I pop some off. BTW the MB's are half the price of Matt's.

[25-5]

I took the Webley to the range to check my reloads of Matt's 150gr .361 & Missouri Bullets 145gr .361 w/Hi-Tek coat. W231 2.2gr & 13yds for both. 3rd pic is the .357 146gr .38 S&W Remington Match at 10 yds. I can't locate the 13yd pic but it was a lot tighter & centered than the pair of .361. I have ordered some of Matt's 147gr .359. I think the .361 is oversized for my Webley 4" barrel. I should have slugged it first.
The Hi-Tek coat is a variable I should have left out for a proper comparison, but it seemed like a good idea.