Webley Mark III

[25-5]

In late April I posted some pics of the Webley Mark III .38 S&W. Now I've got it and notice some stamps that I know not the meaning.
The top strap has Webley & Scott Ltd.
Birmingham

That I get, but on the cylinder are crowns with BP or BV three time each.
On the frame under the cylinder is a flying bullet with a W&S.
Under the barrel next to the hinge are three crowns marked below each is NP, BP, and BV.
There is also a crown with BV on the frame just above the grip.
I know it's not military.

Is there any info on how to take this pistol apart for cleaning. There are a lot of screws!

Many Thanks!

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Eaglelord17]

For the proof marks, NP means Nitro Proof (actually firing the 25-30% overpressure round), BV means View Proof (visually inspecting to make sure the firearm is fine after firing the proof through the firearm), and BP is the Final Proof, which is what it would have received when it was given the all clear for leaving the proofing house. The proofing was also done in the Birmingham proof house.

[25-5]

For the proof marks, NP means Nitro Proof (actually firing the 25-30% overpressure round), BV means View Proof (visually inspecting to make sure the firearm is fine after firing the proof through the firearm), and BP is the Final Proof, which is what it would have received when it was given the all clear for leaving the proofing house. The proofing was also done in the Birmingham proof house.

Thanks
I was hoping the BP meant British Police. So it may be private or police issue?
The revolver is in very good shape.
I have some 148gr Remington target ammo to start, but plan to reload 200gr .361. I have a bit of W231, but pounds of Tightgroup. I came across only one load for Tightgroup and that was 1.7gr. I know the NP does not mean I can exceed normal. I have been reloading a long, long time, but never for anything older than me. A top break at that.

[Eaglelord17]

Thanks
I was hoping the BP meant British Police. So it may be private or police issue?
The revolver is in very good shape.

I don't really know to much about these revolvers, so I wouldn't be able to tell you. I just know the proof mark has absolutely nothing to do with who it was issued to/bought by.

[browningautorifle]

You can use starting loads out of the book and you should be safe. They take into account older firearms...use lead bullets of course. Factory ammo should be OK too, lead or jackets. They also take into account older guns.

[25-5]

You can use starting loads out of the book and you should be safe. They take into account older firearms...use lead bullets of course. Factory ammo should be OK too, lead or jackets. They also take into account older guns.

Thanks Jim.
Not my first rodeo, just the first time I drew this bull. My Hornady bible has no info and the 48th Lyman only goes to 160gr. I can't find the W231 info I saw either. Why I was worried about using up my W231 was silly on my part. We are only talking about around 2gr. Do you have W231 info?

---------- Post added at 07:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:45 PM ----------

I don't really know to much about these revolvers, so I wouldn't be able to tell you. I just know the proof mark has absolutely nothing to do with who it was issued to/bought by.

Hey. It was good info. I had no idea what the stamps meant. Thanks.

[browningautorifle]

Check out the source it's self... Set your sights on pistol reloading data | Hodgdon Reloading

It only talks about the 145 gr bullets...

[Colonel Enfield]

Is there any info on how to take this pistol apart for cleaning. There are a lot of screws!

My advice is "Don't take it apart, unless you really have to."

Ian Skennerton's Small Arms Identification Series guide to the Webley Mk VI might be of some assistance, though, if you're determined to take it apart - the Mk III .38 was basically a "pocket" version of the large-frame Mk VI.

[Peter Laidler]

I could tell you how to field strip the pistol sufficient to clean it but NO further. Maybe someone in the US could come in and explain the basic cylinder removal as my UK Military vocabulary doesn't equate to the US terminology............

But don't venture into the trigger mech............., please!

[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.)