I've been offered a .455 Triple-Lock that has been altered. Unfortunately, someone removed the lanyard ring and had the rear of the cylinder milled to accept .45ACP w/ moon clips or .45 AR. In looking it over, it was apparently a WWI British military revolver with all the proof marks including "Not English Made". I think I can get it for a reasonably good price based on the alterations. I'm considering my options, if I get it. I may refinish it. I'd really like to convert it to .44 Special, but only if I can find an original .44 cylinder and barrel. We'll see.

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Dave Frost

Nice sixgun. If it were mine I'd shoot it as is and when I was ready to sell it, provided you bought it at a good price, you could sell it for a profit.

If rebuilt into a .44 Special you will have a higher dollar amount sunk into it only to have an "iconic" cartridge that may not shoot any better than .45 ACP or .45 AR.

I am assuming that a new cylinder reamed or bought in .45 Long Colt could be done as well but then you'd have a pistol that is capable of doing what the .45 ACP and .45 AR will do, and once again at a higher cost.

Have fun however you go.

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Have guns...will shoot'em.

Yes, what they saw as an old beat-up revolver with an obsolete chambering would now be a collector's gun if unaltered. A nice project-in-the-making, though.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

true it is altered to 45ar.. but, still there were only something like 6000 made way back in 1914-1915... and most I've seen ( not many ) have been altered. ( and for some reason are commanding some stupid high prices on some web sites..go figure?)
anyhow.. give it a try with some .45's with moon clips... you might be supprised....as for converting it to .44 if you do... please keep us informed.. i was intrested in doing that with mine also, however finding the parts seemed to be a bit of a problem for me..

I have one just like your's just remember don't shoot hot load's in it as the cylinder has no heat treatment but it will be fine with soft target load's.

I agree that it is too bad it was converted, but that was over and done long ago.

It's hard to imagine now, but back in the days after WWII, the US was flooded with surplus firearms of all types. Just look at some of the outdoor / shooting publications of the '50s and '60s. You could buy pristine Lugers via mail order for $30. I think shipping back then was a buck or two. The Post Office would deliver them to you, no background check, no FFL, no nothing.

An old S&W from WWI would not sell well in that environment, especially if chambered for an odd-ball cartridge. So some enterprising companies and / or individuals converted these latter to fire a commonly avaible cartridge. Even then, they were lucky to sell them for $15 or so...

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You're shy a few manners.

Rather that being a "military revolver" it might have been a Lend Lease gun that someone donated to the home guard defense of GB during WWII.

As others have suggested, I'd just shoot it as is and enjoy the ease of reloading with moon clips.

Dave

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

I can't perfectly make out some of the markings, but they look like they are from the First World War to me. Of course, I suppose it could have made is way over here between the wars then back over there circa 1940, but I don't think it would have been part of the Lend Lease program.

If we knew the serial number, that should seal it. My bet is that it is that it was shipped over in 1914 or 1915.

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You're shy a few manners.

I'd not alter it further. Nothing wrong with 45 acp or 45 ar. I shoot both in my M25-2... Does this cylinder have a chamber ledge to keep acp from dropping down (like my M25 I shoot target loads without bothering with clips... ejecting via fingernail).

I bet this is one heck of a shooter.
Russ

F

I agree with the others - the parts are all original, which is better
than what they would be if you replace the cylinder. The only thing
I do not know is if 45acp is the same OD as 455. If its a tad smaller,
then that might affect the accuracy.

I suspect that a lot of its current value, now, has to do with its
military markings. To the extent that is true, I would not have it
refinished. A lot of subtle detail gets lost in the refinsh.

The gun should sell for a reasonable price, as is. If you like it,
buy it, and keep it as is. Refinishing is not going to make it more
valuable - just makes it cost more.

Later, Mike Priwer

That's a great .45 now. Someone did wreck its collector value but, since it's done, why not enjoy it? .45 ACP is a great revolver round and moonclips are sweet. They're like little magazines.

I'd snap it up if it was cheap enough.

Thanks for the comments, guys. Not really certain what I'll do yet. I'm still waiting to see if the owner accepts my offer. I'll let y'all know what happens.

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Dave Frost

I really like the triplelocks, unfortunately I dont own one, but I keep my eyes open. Iwould go for an original whether 455 or 44spl but not a converted item. If you wish an original triple lock then I would let this go and wait, there are plenty more fish in the sea. Be patient, dont let the money burn a hole in your pocket. You perhaps dont want to hear this, but its what I would do, then you aquire what you really want eventually and you are at peace with yourself.

Rgds

Normally I would be all over that old Triplelock for a project gun with the idea of a complete restoration. However, the Brits run away use of proof stamps ruins the looks of the gun no matter what is done IMHO. Sometimes I think they took more time proofing and stamping their import S&W's that the factory took to make the gun. I would probably just use it as is or trade it.

I'll guarantee that there more people were involved, anyways.

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You're shy a few manners.