Can a Webley be converted?

[Yoda]

I've got a Webley top-break revolver, condition somewhere between fair and poor, in the low-powered and expensive 38 S&W. Now I know this revolver can't handle 38 Specials, but I'm wondering if the barrel and cylinder can be re-lined to take something else that's easier to find and maybe more effective.

What would be the problems of converting the Webley to take 32 Long, or maybe even 32 H&R magnum or 327 Federal?

Your thoughts?

- - - Yoda

 

[Kleanbore]

The .38 S&W is more effective than .32 Long. The .32 H&R is over one tenth of an inch longer and has a chamber pressure that is more than 50% higher--I very seriously doubt that that would be feasible. The gun couldn't possibly handle the pressure of a .327 Federal even if it could handle the length.

Especially considering the condition, it's not worth the investment.

 

[.38 Special]

Somebody'll want that gun in its current condition and chambering. If you don't, trade it. Caliber conversion would cost more than the gun is worth.

 

[Jim Watson]

.32 S&W Long is ALREADY longer than .38 S&W and might just fit the cylinder length. It is less powerful and no less expensive than .38 S&W. The others have no chance, on either length or pressure. Even if they did, gunsmiths of the skill required no longer work cheap and you could buy at least one and probably two new revolvers for the price of a major caliber conversion.

One source considered the .38 S&W to be about as effective as .380 ACP, although with a heavier bullet at lower velocity.

Do you not handload? You could not soup it up much but you could sure cut the cost.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Mr. Watson is correct, reloading will help a lot on the cost. I load 160gr and 200gr LRN bullets for my Enfield No2 and it's a fun gun to shoot.

The 160gr bullets shoot best and the 200gr bullets I load to duplicate the original British 38/200 load.