Some folks here probably already know I have a weakness for oddball guns, as well as non safe-queen 'shooters', and when I stumble across something that's both at the right price, it's hard to resist temptation.

And so after attending a small local show behold my latest quirky addition, a Webley No. 5 Express "Civilian" model, with what I believe was the Adams type extractor set up. I suspect it was originally chambered for .360 CF but factory altered to clean up the finish as well as mark for .38/200, or as we know it here stateside .38 S&W. The almost modern double-action mixed with the solid frame and loading gate yield a function that is a steampunk-esque mix of Old West and Sherlock Holmes. With the mammoth hammer spur the little six shooter should really only be carried with 5 loaded and the hammer on an empty chamber, like the SAA.

That said, she shoots beautifully to POA with modern Remington .38 S&W out to about 12 steps*, when you really need to focus on those point-and-shoot era sights, for what they're worth. Despite the free spinning cylinder arrangement when empty when cocked SA or DA lock up is tight and no lead shaving was noted, despite the relatively soft cast of the bullets.

It's an oddball, but a fun one, and built like an absolute tank.

Attached Images

	unnamed-8.jpg (42.4 KB, 61 views)
	unnamed-7.jpg (42.8 KB, 57 views)
	unnamed-6.jpg (15.1 KB, 53 views)
	unnamed-5.jpg (24.0 KB, 46 views)

For 200 grain round nose bullets I used commercial cast bullets that were for a 35 Remington lever gun I had. The bullets were sized to .358 and did very well from my Enfield revolvers. I don't remember which loading I used but the powder was HP-38/WW 231 or Unique (and most likely Unique). 12 s5eps is about 30', 12 paces is about 72'. A modern American load usually is no where near POA at 25 yards.

Ivan

You're quite right sir, I should have used the correct nomenclature of steps instead of trying to multi-task; I've fixed my error.

Still, even at approx. 30 feet I was surprised by the POA accuracy, which I can only (being a novice to British handguns) attribute to the generally lighter weight of the original .360 loadings that I've found listed, closer to the modern 145/146 gr. weight of .38 S&W than the later 200 gr. British. Though my old copy of 'Cartridges of the World' list .360 Rook (rifle, but also noted as used in handguns) indicates the heaviest loading at 145 gr., so my guess, which is at best an only slightly educated guess, is that this was the weight the old wheelgun was sighted in at.

That said once I have enough brass in I will certainly give your loading a try once I figure the powder measure, as this revolver seems to be in fine working order with no notable weaknesses, including surprisingly stiff springs.

I love it! Congratulations on a very cool gun.

I probably would have cracked the display case glass with my forehead getting a look at that bad boy.

__________________
“What you got, ain’t new.”

I like it! A neat little, shootable, Steampunkish gun. What's not to like

__________________
NRA Life, COTEP 640