[Bill Lester]

Snowman,

Such a firearm in its original 455 Webley/Eley chambering could be somewhat of a rare collectable.  Depending on condition and particulars of this individual Colt, the gun could be worth a great deal more than a dealer illversed in New Service minutae may realize. When you say you can get it cheap, how cheap is cheap? What is the condition of the weapon? What are its features- barrel length, finish, grips, etc.?

Rechambering these guns to .45 ACP was quite common in the 1950s and 60s. The cylinder is too short for conversion to .45 Colt. The "rings" the dealer mentioned are called moon clips. They are thin metal, shaped somewhat star-like, and hold six cartridges at a time in the extractor grooves.

Myself I would buy it, but keep it as a .455 for collector value and inestimable "cool factor." Brass, while somewhat expensive, is obtainable. Most .45 caliber cast bullets will work fine. Heavier weight slugs, 250-270 grains, will shoot closer to the sights than the typical 185-230's of the .45 ACP.

I hope this is of some help.

 

[Bill Lester]

Thanks to Mr. Gates yet again. I had completely forgotten about Fiocchi for new factory ammo. I believe Cheaper Than Dirt has it for sale via mail or over the web. The Sportsman's Guide may also, as certainly would The Old Western Scrounger.

Mr. Gates is also correct in exercising caution. Many .455's converted to .45 ACP were indeed butcher jobs. I saw one on an otherwise NRA 85+% original condition Webley with birdshead grip and 4" barrel that was so poor, one could wiggle the moon clips side to side. The cylinder rear was that badly cut at an angle.

But let's hope this is an unconverted gun and keep it that way. In fact, Snowman if you decide not to purchase this gun could you send me a Messenger note on its particulars and the dealer's name? I may well pick it up if you decide to pass. I had a similar Model 1909 Colt New Service in .45 Colt. Other than an excellent reblue job, it was original and in fine shooting order. I bought it for &#36250. I was a fool to sell it and would like another New Service shooter to replace it.

 

[Bill Lester]

As an adendum to this topic, I just found a very nice S&W Hand Ejector in .455 Eley for &#36395. Now that I know components are somewhat readily available, it's looking rather appealing!