[James Gates]

The first thing to check out on this revolver is whether or not it is still chambered for the .455? If the dealer had two and the other one sold is being shot with 45 ACP in half moon clips, its been converted. I had, of all things, a S&W Triple lock with British proofs and marked .445, that had been butchered. Many of these fine guns had the rear of the cylinder cut back to clear the rim on the 45 Automatic Rimmed and .45 ACP with clips. This was due to the very thin rim on the .455. The barrels on the .455 ran .454"/.455" and I never saw one that shot the 45 ACP or 45 AR worth a d#@&8! The same butchering was done on the graet old Webley break tops. Sad, Sad as Fiocchi still makes the .445 with Boxer primers!
Best Regards, James

 

[James Gates]

Right you all are!...It's a crying shame what was done to those fine old break-tops! I remember when the market was flooded with them. Some shooters ran a reamer through the barrel just deep enough to remove the lands. Then bored the chambers straight. Then took .30-06 cases a cut them chamber length and loaded them like little shotshells. The half moon clips held them in place. Made an interesting camp pot meat gun. Of course, this was done with handguns that had been butchered up to shoot .45 ACP. I always liked that 4" birdhead grip model. If I had an unconverted one now, I would load the Fiocchi brass and pack it! They were fine rugged firearms!
Best Regards, James