.455 HE 2nd target...should I?

Andy Griffith · #1 03-22-2010, 08:07 PM

A feller was referred to me and came by the house today with a .455 in 40xxx range. It's a good solid 85%+ gun with a Canadian proof near the lanyard.

It does have factory target sights.

The rub is it was fitted with an ACP cylinder which doesn't match numbers.

All others match.

Advice? Would you take it with the problem?

The Last Standing Knight · #2 03-22-2010, 08:15 PM

Well, its collector value might be tanked...but its historical and shootability if the conversion was done correctly should be good. The fact that 45 ACP is easily availible is another plus...TRY finding 455 Webley these days.
Would sure turn heads at the range.
In the end, it would depend on how much $ it would cost and how much you want it.
Just my 0.02 cents.

Buford57 · #3 03-23-2010, 06:19 PM

Collector value aside I have a .455 HE 2nd with a shaved cylinder and a WonderSight that is a joy to shoot. If the price is in shooter range, why not?

gjamison · #4 03-23-2010, 06:57 PM

wish someone would bring gun's to my house

Andy Griffith · #5 03-23-2010, 07:38 PM

I bought it today.

The cylinder must be from a 1917 in the 100xxx serial range- as that is the serial number on it.

I think I need to letter it.

H Richard · #6 03-23-2010, 07:42 PM

Huuuuummmmmm. PICTURES?

Andy Griffith · #7 03-23-2010, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H Richard

Huuuuummmmmm. PICTURES?

The $%#^% camera won't work!

Looks like I need to buy a new one.

Pictures will come, and I will update.

How many target models in .455 are known? I doubt there is a plethora of them.

Pontiaker · #8 03-23-2010, 08:03 PM

I prefer the first or third models with the shrouded ejector housing but if the price was right it would be a great fun shooter. Pics, asking price?

Pontiaker · #9 03-23-2010, 08:05 PM

Also lots of guns like these pop up with target sights added at a later time at S&W, any rework dates on the grip frame? probably left side of grip frame three small stamped numbers that will translate as a month and year.

cgt4570 · #10 03-23-2010, 08:57 PM

I agree. Anything is possible, but odds are that the rear sight was added later. If original, the serial number should be stamped on the underside of the rear sight.

50 target · #11 03-23-2010, 09:52 PM

Andy, years ago I was talking to Ray Brazille and he was telling me that he had a 455 Target and it was factory. I should have jumped on it but I was working on another gun trying to complete a hole in my collection of pre model 27's. I would think that there are some out there and lo and behold when we say "no there ain't" we get proven wrong. Shame about the cylinder change. The 455 ammo is available and reloading components are available. If it wa smine I would look around see if I couldn't find a 455 cylinder and have a 2 caliber gun. I imagine it is a head turner and I sure wouldn't be asahmed to sport that girl around.
Enjoy and when you can give us some detailed pictures.