Webley Mark III .38 S&W

[25-5]

I don't have this yet, but it's on the way to my LGS. Though not RIC, it was mentioned as Constabulary, perhaps shooting team as noted by the oversize grips. SN 53305 puts it between 1933 & 1937. Any input would be appreciated. I plan to reload for .38 S&W as well. Any reloading suggestions also appreciated.

Information

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[A square 10]

looks like a very nice one to me , it looks like the grip scales are correct age to me but i know little to nothing of the non-military , i wonder if they were an upgrade or standard ? they look like a target grip to me , will be fun to hear how it shoots ,

[Colonel Enfield]

That's a very nice looking pistol! The grips seem correct to me; the Mk III had a different style to the .455 and later .38 Mk IV versions. Nearly every pic I've seen of a Mk III has those "oversized" grips on them.

I know the Singapore Police Force used the Mk III at one point - their revolvers can be identified by the safety catch installed on them.

[Beerhunter]

As has been alluded to, the Webley Mk.III Pocket Revolver could be bought with either the larger grips that yours has or smaller ones. (Mine has the latter, which seem more common.)

I don't see anything to suggest that your revolver was ever owned by a police force.

[river rat]

Nice gun does it take off the shelf 38 ammo mite be a stupid question never owned one of these.

[browningautorifle]

Yes, 38S&W...

[emmagee1917]

I'd buy some factory 38S&W and see how it groups . If right on , then common reloading info from the manuals and what is available on the shelf will do .
If you find it shoots low , however , then you'll need to use those empty cases to load .38/200 loads . This would be 200 gr lead bullets ( vs 147 gr factory ) and a stout charge of powder ( compared to a US made 38 S&W ) to increase the recoil and increase the time the bullet is in the barrel so it leaves higher in the recoil arc .
These loads are safe in Webleys and S&W Victories but don't get them close to the small , cheep , old breaktops.
If you find you need the info , I'll PM it to you .
Chris

[25-5]

Thanks guys.
I've been doing some range work and I have posted it in "Webley Mark III" thread. The factory Remington has done the best so far and they are .357 diameter. More tests to be done and I'll post as I go. Your input is appreciated.

[Beerhunter]

That revolver was designed to shoot .38S&W NOT .38-200 - it pre-dates .38-200 by about forty years. Although .38-200 is OK in a Mk.IV, I would counsel against using that load in a Mk.III.

[25-5]

That revolver was designed to shoot .38S&W NOT .38-200 - it pre-dates .38-200 by about forty years. Although .38-200 is OK in a Mk.IV, I would counsel against using that load in a Mk.III.

Thanks Beerhunter.
I have another thread on reloading for the pistol. Thread title "Webley Mark III". You advised me of it there and I heeded your warning, and put the 200gr aside.
I am working up loads and posting with target results on the other thread.