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S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 All 5-Screw & Vintage 4-Screw SWING-OUT Cylinder REVOLVERS, and the 35 Autos and 32 Autos


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Old 08-12-2016, 11:21 PM
hanover67 hanover67 is offline
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Default 1917 British .455

I was in my regional LGS yesterday and a consignment gun spoke to me. Its a 1917, British proofed .455 with modifications that include a Micro ramp front sight and Micro adjustable rear sight and Flitz or Fits plastic target grips. It has proof marks stamped all over it, barrel, cylinder including one that appears to say "xxxxxxmade" which is hard to read even with a magnifying glass.

Its on layaway now and far enough away to keep me from visiting it for a while.

I'd love some info/experience with these British proofed guns, and I need reloading data. There is nothing about this caliber in the Lyman Cast Bullet handbook.
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Old 08-12-2016, 11:28 PM
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Hanover - something is (I think) wrong with your description. I think it likely that it is a 2nd Model Hand Ejector in .455. Eager to see pictures! It probably says "Not English Make"
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Old 08-12-2016, 11:29 PM
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Is it still a .455? Many of these were rechambered to .45 Colt or to .45 ACP/.45 Auto Rim.

The stamping probably reads, "NOT ENGLISH MAKE"
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Old 08-13-2016, 02:26 AM
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If it's not a Triple Lock and has no extractor rod shroud under the barrel, it's a "2nd Model 455 Hand Ejector" as jmace posted, made under contract for the British for WW I.

As Muley Gil posted, confirm that it's not converted to an American cartridge, although that can be a plus! I'd be surprised if it wasn't with all the other modifications.

The grips are made by Fitz. Very common back in the day.

What are they asking for it?
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Old 08-13-2016, 10:29 AM
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It sounds like you're pretty sure it's still in its original chambering. If so, it will fire .455 Webley Marks I and II. Older Lyman Reloading Manuals (like from the early to mid 1960s) have data. Also available in Pet Loads by Ken Waters, if you can find a copy.

There are lots of threads with information about these revolvers (Hand Ejectors I & II) that were sold to England in WWI. Just search for "British" or something like that. Here's a link to one such thread.
My Great-Grandfather's Triple Lock
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Old 08-13-2016, 10:53 AM
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Does it look likt this?




This one dates to 1915, and was converted to 38 Special, note the lower front sight.
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Old 08-13-2016, 06:48 PM
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I think you all are correct, it appears to be a 2nd model HE as there is no extractor tip shroud. Of course photos will help as will the serial number. I didn't have a camera with me when I put down the deposit. I immediately liked the gun because it had a Micro adjustable rear target sight. Every revolver or pistol I've ever shot has a POI to the left because I have small hands and can't get straight behind the gun so it recoils left.

I live in the East Bay (Northern California) and the gun shop is in San Carlos on the other side of the bay, 30+ miles and horrible traffic away.

Many thanks for the info/advice so far.
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Old 08-22-2016, 02:11 PM
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I have the serial number for the HE. It is 66573. This is from the receipt from the gun shop rather than my own observation. Can anyone give me a sense of when the gun was made?
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Old 08-22-2016, 02:30 PM
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They didn't ship in numerical order so you'd have to get a letter to know for sure. However the 2nd Models all shipped in 1915 thru 1917 when the contract ended.

You'll be able to pick it up now. Pls don't forget some photos when you get it. And confirm it hasn't been converted from 455.
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Old 08-22-2016, 03:07 PM
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Based upon some SNs for Mk II .455s I have listed, my guess is that it may have shipped in the summer of 1916.

I mentioned this in a recent posting, but last week a local gun shop had what I would estimate to be a 90% MkII .455, unconverted, (SN 500xx), with a $1700 price tag on it. I think that price is somewhat high, but I'll leave it to others to comment on that.
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Old 12-03-2016, 12:12 AM
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I finally got to pick up the 2nd model HE .455 today after a 3-m0nth layaway and the California 10-day waiting period. I was able to talk to the former owner who had consigned the gun and he said he had not fired it much. but that he had fired both .45 Cold and .455 cartridges in it. The gun shop owner had some .45 Colt dummy rounds so we loaded six of them and the cylinder closed easily. The back of the cylinder chambers look like it has been relieved so the Colt cases will fit. I'm happy with that re-chambering because I can reload for it more easily.

The barrel/cylinder gap is .006" and the cylinder throats measure .459. I haven't slugged the barrel yet.

[IMG]
[/IMG]

1917 British .455[/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

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Old 12-03-2016, 12:48 AM
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There are at least three methods which were used to convert the .455s to .45 Colt. It seems from your description, the best method was used, namely lengthening the chambers adequately to accept the .45 Colt case, and recessing the chambers to accept the slightly thicker rim of the .45 Colt, thereby preserving the correct headspace. One advantage to this approach is that .455 ammunition can still be used. Check to see if the serial number on the rear face of the cylinder remains visible. If so, it confirms my expectation.

I will throw out a few .455 loads from an older (1950s) Lyman reloading handbook:

1. 193 grain Lead (flat base): 3.8 Bullseye, 770 ft/sec; 6.5 Unique, 800 ft/sec
2. 210 grain Lead (flat base): 3.5 Bullseye, 700 ft/sec; 6.2 Unique 750 ft/sec
3. 225 grain Lead (hollow base): 3.2 Bullseye, 675 ft/sec; 6.0 Unique, 725 ft/sec
4. 290 grain Lead (hollow base): 3.0 Bullseye, 625 ft/sec; 5.0 Unique, 700 ft/sec

One caution if you make up any .45 Colt loads. Use only lead bullets and load at the bottom end of the muzzle velocity range. I'd suggest my pet light .45 Colt load of 6.5 grains of Bullseye and a 200 grain lead bullet.

Last edited by DWalt; 12-03-2016 at 12:55 AM.
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Old 12-03-2016, 01:39 AM
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DWalt. thanks for your note. The matching serial number is visible on the rear surface of the cylinder. It looks like this gun was properly converted and set up for target shooting. I don't have any .45 Colt dies, brass or bullets yet, as I wasn't sure until today what the gun was chambered for. So, I'll read up on light .45 loads and start accumulating reloading gear.

One immediate need is for some grips to replace the plastic Fitz thumbrest target grips on the gun now, which look and feel awful. I like the Herrett Roper grips, but for now I'll look around some more. Is the 2nd model HE frame the same as the "N" frame.
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Old 12-03-2016, 02:56 AM
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The December issue of Handloader has an article by Terry Wieland " the 455 webly labyrinth. has loading data on the 455 cartridge. He discusses MKII loads for a classic revolver. They do use the webly revolver but does have data for handloading. Maybe be of interest to you. Frank
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Old 12-03-2016, 10:02 AM
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Hopefully you didn`t pay too much for it because of the sight mutilations.

I have one that was converted to shoot 45LC by counter boring/reaming the cylinder. I however shoot the original .455 ammunition. My load is 4gr HP-38 under a 262gr RN hollow base case bullet and it feels very similar to factory loadings. If you plan on shooting 45LC I recommend trailboss since its easy to load moderate charges that don`t push these old girls too hard. Although the conversion hurts the collectors value a bit, it sure makes it nice to be able to shoot multiple types of calibers. The 262gr bullet shoots at point of aim so a lighter 45LC bullet will change that a bit.


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Old 12-03-2016, 10:41 AM
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"Is the 2nd model HE frame the same as the "N" frame."

Yes, but the grip frames of the earlier (pre-WWII) N frame revolvers are slightly different from more recent ones and grips are not interchangeable.

BTW - I use .45 ACP dies for reloading .45 Colt, but resize only about half of the case, in effect just neck sizing.

Last edited by DWalt; 12-03-2016 at 10:45 AM.
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Old 12-03-2016, 01:39 PM
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If the gun has been rechambered to 45 Colt the 455's likely would not fire ( misfire) as the rim thickness on Colt is much thicker than the 455. It looks like someone went to a lot of trouble to mod that gun ( done nicely) so it will probably shoot well. I have seen some modded old smiths that look horrible. This once looks nice- we need a range report!
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Old 12-03-2016, 01:58 PM
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Depends on how it was modified. If it was modified by reaming deeper and giving it a slight recess for the slightly thicker 45 colt rims, it will still chamber and fire 455 because although they aree thinner they are also larger diameter than 45 colts so the extra width of the 455 will still allow them to head space. That is how my first model 455 (TL) was done.
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Old 12-03-2016, 03:34 PM
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If the gun has been rechambered to 45 Colt the 455's likely would not fire ( misfire) as the rim thickness on Colt is much thicker than the 455.
Not so. The benefit of this type of conversion is that both the .45 Colt and the .455 cartridges will headspace properly. The .455 case has a larger diameter and thinner rim than the .45 Colt. Therefore, the .455 rim contacts the chamber face beyond the .45 Colt rim recess.
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Old 12-03-2016, 07:54 PM
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Coincidentally I was at a LGS yesterday after work and saw almost a twin to yours. It caught my eye because the tag said S&W 1917 .455 Webley. I knew that wasn't right. Other than it clearly was an N frame, it was nothing like my 1917. The barrel was 6 or 6.5 inches, not 5 inches and it had been fitted with target sights almost identical to yours. The finish was much more worn. I thought it may have been a rebarrelled and modified 1917, but the .455 caliber threw me. As a finish worn modified 1917, including rechambering, I didn't think it was worth anything close to the $800 tag price so I moved on.
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Old 12-04-2016, 09:26 AM
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Gun shops often confuse the .455 Hand Ejector 2nd Model and the M1917 (Model of 1917) US Service Revolver. They do look a lot alike. As you correctly noted, the .455 HE2 has a 6.5" barrel. Unless its been modified, of course.


These are great old guns and the prices have been going up a lot. I saw a nearly pristine, all original .455 HE2 at Cabela's a few years ago, but I choked on the $800 price tag. Sounds like that would be a bargain now.
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Old 12-04-2016, 09:28 AM
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Quote:
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Gun shops often confuse the .455 Hand Ejector 2nd Model and the M1917 (Model of 1917) US Service Revolver. They do look a lot alike. As you correctly noted, the .455 HE2 has a 6.5" barrel. Unless its been modified, of course.


These are great old guns and the prices have been going up a lot. I saw a nearly pristine, all original .455 HE2 at Cabela's a few years ago, but I choked on the $800 price tag. Sounds like that would be a bargain now.
If it was not modified then that is a decent price. I paid 500 for my modified 2nd Model 455 Hand Ejector.
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Old 12-04-2016, 09:55 AM
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Whether the gun was "properly" modified to 45 Colt does not change the fact it was modified. I hope you still have the gun on layaway and can reconsider the purchase?? To give you some perspective, I have bid on 2 different 455s in the last week, only to have both posted as "PASSED" at the auction because my bid was not high enough and there were no other bidders. Really bothers me that a gun goes up for auction with a couple of very large auction houses and they won't sell the gun even though they did not post a reserve. The first was a nicely nickel plated gun with original 455 chambering. I put in a max bid of $450 and it sat at $250 with no other bidders. The auction house had a estimate of $400 to $600 on it. I contacted the auction house and offered my max bid and did not even receive a reply. The second gun was re-blued and modified to shoot clips and again I bid my max bid of $400 only to have that one pass with no reserve posted and no estimated value.

Anyway, what I wanted to convey is that these guns, when modified, have little value. I would have expected the gun to go under $500, but to not have any bids above my minimum of $250 offered at a major auction is somewhat surprising.

I like these N frames and wanted to add a couple shooters to my collection and am still upset that the auction houses would not sell the guns.
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Old 12-04-2016, 11:03 AM
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I beg to differ. It depends entirely on what was modified. Refinishing the handgun does far more damage to the value of this gun then simply modifying the cylinder. Also permanent modifications to the original sights would also far effect the value than reaming and counter boring the cylinders.

Cylinder modification was common practice on 455 handguns in general, whether that be a Webley Mark VI or a Colt New Service 455. It was such a popular modification that Smith and Wesson includes that reference in factory letters of the 2nd model 455 hand ejectors.

Saying that cylinder modifications have little value is just not accurate. A Webley Mark VI in its original condition goes for around 900-1000 while a shaved 45ACP Webley goes for around 600. The market in general would certainly challenge your assumptions of "little value". Value, as with most things, is in the eye of the beholder.
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Old 12-04-2016, 01:43 PM
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Quote:
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. . . I beg to differ. It depends entirely on what was modified. Refinishing the handgun does far more damage to the value of this gun then simply modifying the cylinder . . . A Webley Mark VI in its original condition goes for around 900-1000 while a shaved 45ACP Webley goes for around 600 . . .
How can you beg to differ with your own estimate of a 40% value loss by re-chambering?? $600 is optimistic for a caliber modified S&W unless you do all you shopping on GB. Even at that amount, I will still call a nice re-chambered 455 HE as having little value when compared to a nice original gun. An original S&W N frame in nice condition will sell for over over $1000 if original, and $500 if re-chambered. That would be a gun that is worth only 50% of what it would be if orginal.
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Old 12-04-2016, 02:16 PM
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One that is shaved for 45 acp has lost the serial number on cylinder. Same with one that got shaved and reamed to 45colt. But, one that was reamed and partially recessed to fire 45 colt and will still fire 455, will retain the cylinders serial number. While you may completely dismiss all modified guns as unworthy of your consiteration. I do not. Beauty in the eyes of the beholder. Not all of us are only interested in collect-ability.
Do I wish my 455 TL was unmodified, yes a bit, but I also like that I can fire 45 colts in it. Each to their own.
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Old 12-04-2016, 02:27 PM
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. . . While you may completely dismiss all modified guns as unworthy of your consiteration. I do not. Beauty in the eyes of the beholder. Not all of us are only interested in collect-ability.
Did you not read my posts?? I tried to buy two modified 455 HEs last week and the auction houses could not even find anyone to bid against me above my $250 minimum bid. I placed a maximum of $400 and not one other bid from all the attendees and online bidders. I wanted both or I would not have bid. The OPs gun is probably one that I would purchase for a range gun if the price was right. It has nothing to do with anything "unworthy".
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Old 12-04-2016, 02:28 PM
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Quote:
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How can you beg to differ with your own estimate of a 40% value loss by re-chambering?? $600 is optimistic for a caliber modified S&W unless you do all you shopping on GB. Even at that amount, I will still call a nice re-chambered 455 HE as having little value when compared to a nice original gun. An original S&W N frame in nice condition will sell for over over $1000 if original, and $500 if re-chambered. That would be a gun that is worth only 50% of what it would be if orginal.
Its all word play it seems but the big difference I believe you are failing to account for is the historical undercurrent of the particular firearm in question. Wartime used firearms, regardless of a caliber modification, are in a slightly different ballpark than a commercial firearm regardless of whether we are speaking of Smith and Wessons, Colts or anything for that matter.

When one says "little value" it invokes an image of a $200 or less gun, at least based on my opinion. Similar to say a old H&R or Iver Johson top break. I think it paints an inaccurate picture of the value of these .455 WW1 used revolvers. Does cylinder modifications hurt the value: Yes, most certainly but it doesn`t instantly evaporate all said value from the firearm.

But in the end that is my opinion, I let the market decide.
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Old 12-04-2016, 02:31 PM
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Quote:
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Did you not read my posts?? I tried to buy two modified 455 HEs last week and the auction houses could not even find anyone to bid against me above my $250 minimum bid. I placed a maximum of $400 and not one other bid from all the attendees and online bidders. I wanted both or I would not have bid. The OPs gun is probably one that I would purchase for a range gun if the price was right. It has nothing to do with anything "unworthy".
You really are adding more variables into the equation. They were refinished which automatically cut the value in half regardless of the addition of a cylinder modification. I wouldn`t expect anyone to bid more than $200-$300 especially when you factor in a buyers premium. It is also inaccurate to make a blanket statement on .455 HE market prices based on that experience.

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Old 12-04-2016, 05:19 PM
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I wish I could find N frames for the prices you guys are talking about.

Where I'm from, any N frame that can still push lead out the barrel brings a minimum of $700.00 regardless of condition, scarcity or originality.

When you even "slightly" increase condition, scarcity and originality the price "doubles instantly" and the sky is the limit after that.

If anybody here has nice $300.00 N frames for sale - let me know
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Old 12-05-2016, 07:29 PM
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I guess you can't blame a guy for entering a low-ball bid and hoping he'll get the item. But it could be that infuriated the seller so much that he wouldn't respond.


Wouldn't be the first time something like that happened.
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Old 12-06-2016, 12:34 AM
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The last .455 2nd Model I saw about two months ago was about 90% and had not been modified. It had an $1800 price tag on it. It may be worth that to some, but not to me. I might be interested at $1000, but I wouldn't go out of my way to get it at even that price as I am more interested in a gun I can shoot (not too easy for anything chambered in .455) than one I can't. On the other hand, I would be more likely to part with $1000 for that same gun properly modified to take both .455 and .45 Colt.
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Old 12-06-2016, 12:39 AM
hanover67 hanover67 is offline
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Thanks for all the comments so far. I've learned a lot.

I was initially attracted to the .455 because it had adjustable target sights. As plus points it was a Smith & Wesson and a big-bore, oddball caliber, all desirable aspects to me. I wasn't sure what it was chambered for, but have since discovered that it is .45 Colt, another bonus. The sights look professionally done, although they look a little Rugerish. The finish is a little worn, which adds character, and I really like the British proofmarks, including "not English made." On the down side, the grips are big, ugly, plastic Fitz thumbrest target types, but they can be replaced.

I'm not concerned with "collector value." I buy guns to shoot, reload for, and enjoy. I don't have a single safe queen. I buy guns I can afford, not for investment purposes.

I can certainly appreciate folks who have other interests than mine. And, I think my best S&W find so far is this forum.
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Old 12-06-2016, 12:23 PM
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I guess you can't blame a guy for entering a low-ball bid and hoping he'll get the item. But it could be that infuriated the seller so much that he wouldn't respond.

Wouldn't be the first time something like that happened.
Well, the auction companies placed a low and high estimate and I set my maximum bid above the low estimate, but my bid entered at half my max bid and without anyone else bidding, the number did not go higher. Problem is that I offered my max bid to the auction house after the item was passed and they ignored it.

I am not so irritated that I did not get either item, but rather the fact that they ignored 2 emails without even a reply.
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Old 12-06-2016, 06:46 PM
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Gun shops often confuse the .455 Hand Ejector 2nd Model and the M1917 (Model of 1917) US Service Revolver. They do look a lot alike. As you correctly noted, the .455 HE2 has a 6.5" barrel. Unless its been modified, of course.


These are great old guns and the prices have been going up a lot. I saw a nearly pristine, all original .455 HE2 at Cabela's a few years ago, but I choked on the $800 price tag. Sounds like that would be a bargain now.

You'll love knowing that I paid $31.58 for one in NRA VG-Plus to Excellent shape in Denver in 1965 or '66.


Couldn't ever find .455 ammo, so I sold it a few years later for about what I'd paid. No way to know they'd get to be so expensive.


I guess those converted to .45 Colt will safely fire the Cowboy loads? Those ought to be about as potent as original .455 Colt ammo, made on the MK I length case. Not that I'd hunt anything much bigger than a jackrabbit with those loads. Reloads with Keith bullets or a replica of the Manstopper bullets would make it a wicked stopper on men at close ranges. Apparently the MK III HP Manstopper bullet did expand, even at those low velocities. The MK IV .455 was a solid wadcutter. A modern handload with that in a .45 Colt case at about 800 FPS should account pretty well for a burglar. Old guns like this may not take that much pressure, but a modern .45 Colt will, especially a Ruger. Even in original RN form, the .45 Colt bullet has been a good killer.

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Old 12-06-2016, 07:23 PM
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At that time, the .455 cylinders were not heat treated, so it would be a prudent idea to use only Cowboy or mild .45 Colt lead bullet reloads. To take it a step further on the side of caution, I use only 200 grain flat nose lead bullets in my older .45 Colt revolvers.
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Old 12-06-2016, 07:44 PM
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I picked up a nice shooter 2nd Model properly converted to .45 Colt about 3 years ago, and with Cowboy loads it has been a pleasant tack driver on the occasions I take it out. It has proofs all over it, the few I've been able to identify indicating travels to Canada, England, and possibly Turkey. Traded a newer but well-used Walther and a $20 bill for it, so I'm pretty happy with that deal.
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Old 12-06-2016, 08:59 PM
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Thanks for all the comments so far. I've learned a lot.

I was initially attracted to the .455 because it had adjustable target sights. As plus points it was a Smith & Wesson and a big-bore, oddball caliber, all desirable aspects to me. I wasn't sure what it was chambered for, but have since discovered that it is .45 Colt, another bonus. The sights look professionally done, although they look a little Rugerish. The finish is a little worn, which adds character, and I really like the British proofmarks, including "not English made."
It sounds like you found a great shooter that you can have a lot of fun with!

It's actually stamped: "NOT ENGLISH MAKE".

NOTE: Observing serial #s AND OTHER MARKINGS for accuracy or even existence, especially on penciled stocks, requires magnification, bright light, and an attitude that it is there!

You may find this helpful for all your Serial # locations:
To confirm all parts are original, check for your 6 matching serial # locations for fixed sight pre war Hand Ejectors and all post war Hand Ejectors thru ~1956.


1. Gun butt - or forestrap on I frames/single shots with grips that cover the butt

2. Barrel - bottom of barrel or in extractor shroud

3. Yoke - on rear face only visible thru a chamber with a flashlight

4. Extractor star - backside

5. Cylinder - rear face

6. Right stock only - on back; stamped, scratched or penciled depending on vintage and stock material. (except most target grips because individual fitting not required.)

And Assembly (factory work) #s:
These multi-digit numbers of 3 to 5 digits, are on the yoke at the hinge, in the ‘yoke cut’ on frame opposite the yoke near the hinge, and inside of the sideplate, for the pre war and early post war period.

You know they are assembly (factory work) #s because of those 3 locations that always match on guns that are original, and that’s the only usefulness for them after guns leave the factory: still used to this day, long after serial number locations decreased.
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Old 12-07-2016, 01:47 AM
hanover67 hanover67 is offline
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Jim:
You really know how to push my buttons - I found serial numbers 1 through 5, including the ones on the yoke and the back of the extractor star. #6 doesn't apply because I don't have original grips.

I also found 2 od the 3 assembly #s in the yoke cut and on the yoke. I haven't removed the sideplate to look for the 3rd number.

Why am I doing this?
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Old 12-07-2016, 03:53 AM
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[...] Why am I doing this?
It is an excuse to have fun admiring your newly acquired S&W!

When I bought my S&W 1917 .45 ACP in 1975 it had the same Micro front sight as your .45 combined with a J frame adjustable. Your Micro rear is more precisely adjustable and no doubt was a more expensive up grade. Sporterizing inexpensive military guns was still a popular way to get a hunting rifle or target revolver less expensively than buying a fairly new used one so most people would not have called your Micro sights "sight mutilations" back then. I would have preferred Micros but later on the trimness of the J frame sight was an advantage for concealed carry.

You will probably find accuracy is better with the largest diameter .45 pistol bullets that you can buy or buy molds for. It will be a fun reloading project.

Last edited by k22fan; 12-07-2016 at 08:05 AM.
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Old 12-07-2016, 11:24 PM
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It is an excuse to have fun admiring your newly acquired S&W!
Exactly, and confirming you have a righteous gun with no mismatched parts.

If you can find a 45 mold for a hollow base bullet, like the original 455 bullets, you'll have the best fit for the bore. The hollow base flares out under pressure and fills the rifling.
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Old 12-08-2016, 01:55 AM
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Does anyone have a mold number for a Lyman or Ideal hollow-base .45 mold?
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Old 12-08-2016, 02:54 AM
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Does anyone have a mold number for a Lyman or Ideal hollow-base .45 mold?
Yes, # 45468, 175 grain bullet. A good not too heavy bullet to keep pressures down.
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Old 12-08-2016, 11:47 AM
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For anyone who reloads or would like to reload the 455 cartridge, I would get a copy of the December 2016 Handloader magazine. There is a great piece on shooting 455 Mark II ammunition. Good information on reloading.

Since the original bullet was hollow-based, it is almost impossible to find a 265 grain Minie bullet. Lee makes a 298 grain bullet (90469), but casting this type of bullet can be a slow process. I have read much on replicating the original 455 loadings, but without the hollow-base bullet options, everything else is a less than perfect loading. You either have to go too heavy on the bullet, or use a solid base option. I have loaded lots of 455s and have not yet been able to duplicate the accuracy of the Ficcohi 455 Webley factory ammo.
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Old 12-08-2016, 04:33 PM
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You may want to try the Hornady .454" 255 grain "cowboy" bullet:
Hornady Bullets 45 Cal (454 Diameter) 255 Grain Lead Flat Nose Box of
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Old 12-11-2016, 08:26 AM
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There is a seller on GB that sells 262gr hollow base cast bullets that work well for me. They are virtually identical to the original bullet.

Here is my reloads. I use Fiocchi Brass and the 262gr hollow base cast bullets. 4gr of HP-38 give me about 580 +/- 20 FPS. Those FPS numbers are out of my 2nd Model Hand Ejector with a 6" barrel.


Last edited by Plutonius; 12-11-2016 at 08:27 AM.
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Old 12-11-2016, 04:49 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DWalt View Post
At that time, the .455 cylinders were not heat treated, so it would be a prudent idea to use only Cowboy or mild .45 Colt lead bullet reloads. To take it a step further on the side of caution, I use only 200 grain flat nose lead bullets in my older .45 Colt revolvers.
You won't hurt it with warm loads. I been shooting the old HE's for years with the same loads Elmer Keith loaded them with and I have not hurt one yet . They were not built for mild loads so what makes you think that's what you need to use in them now??

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Old 12-11-2016, 06:05 PM
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There is a seller on GB that sells 262gr hollow base cast bullets that work well for me. They are virtually identical to the original bullet.

Here is my reloads. I use Fiocchi Brass and the 262gr hollow base cast bullets. 4gr of HP-38 give me about 580 +/- 20 FPS. Those FPS numbers are out of my 2nd Model Hand Ejector with a 6" barrel.

Couldn't find anyone selling these bullets on GB. Do you have his user name?
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Old 12-11-2016, 08:22 PM
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Nobody there selling 455 bullets or anywhere that I can find with 455 HB bullets for sale. I think the only way to get the job done now is to get a 455 HB mold made by RCBS, but Midway USA is out of stock so I have one on order from Buffalo Arms, but it has not arrived yet.
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Old 12-11-2016, 09:10 PM
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Couldn't find anyone selling these bullets on GB. Do you have his user name?
His name is Bill Benny. I purchased over 500 bullets from him. His e-mail is: [email protected]
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