Thread: P Webley and son. Rustoration

I brought a P Webley and son single shot 500 3" BPE last Saturday.
Wasn't intending restoring it immediately but got it shooting pretty easily and successfully.



So I completely disassembled it and did a massive deep clean on all the walnut which was very dull and flat.
But obviously there was a nice piece of walnut under there.

Mechanically not much to do other than check everything and mainly understand how it all works and what to keep an eye on.

Back together now and ready to shoot and hunt with

So some details

P Webley and Son
78 Shaftesbury Avenue London
1893
500 3" BPE
28" Octagonal barrel conventional rifling 1:40" twist 9/10 condition
Top lever with twin Anson and Deeley under lugs locking
Back action rebounding side hammer
Pistol grip stock
Rigby fore end latch and buffalo horn grip cap
Sling eyes
Express sights marked 150 and 250 yards
Matted top octagonal flat
London proof marks

Mechanically perfect condition
Cosmetically good wood but two pieces split off the top rear of the fore end where it is very thin and unsupported

The metal work was heavily covered in light to heavy rust spots but no heavy pitting.
Something has been spilled on the pistol grip Checkering and dropped off the steel grip cap and this is mostly removed except for the bottom of some of the fine Checkering

And longer term part of the project is refitting this nice vintage leather travel case for the Webley.
It's already been gutted.
Needs all it's exterior leather details re done because the stitching is all rotten.




And a complete new interior.
But it's a nice fit for the Webley with just enough room.

good on ya mate good to see these old girls going to great home keep up the good work

And one very important detail is that it is well under 8 pounds

So very nice in the hands to carry and point but it does have pretty decent recoil when bench testing

Of all the many restorations you have posted I like this one the most. What a classy stylish rifle. Looks like it is well balanced for off hand shooting too.
Great job on restoring the woodwork and equally on the metalwork, what a transformation on the barrel. Great job!

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

Of all the many restorations you have posted I like this one the most. What a classy stylish rifle. Looks like it is well balanced for off hand shooting too.
Great job on restoring the woodwork and equally on the metalwork, what a transformation on the barrel. Great job!

This is a very stylish rifle.
And easily my most practical big bore BPE rifle.
Bring takedown it's easy to clean and no hassles with water on the woodwork when cleaning.
I guess that might partly explain the 130 year old 9/10 bore.

It packs into a nice small short travel case.

Likely to be my travelling vintage rifle from now on.
There are other better hunting rifles but the cases are huge.

It's got me thinking I should look for a decent double BPE that needs some love

Classy, nice.

That is just beeeeeeutiful. (New word, minted just for the occasion)

Do you want the red dot mount back? A little machining on the barrel and you'd be in business......

It's best feature is a little harder to get an image of with my steam powered mobile phone

But when you look down the big hole in a 500 BPE and see this, you just buy it



Both my 500 3" have 9/10 bores
They maybe didn't get shot as often and certainly not in the last 100 years

Originally Posted by Ross Nolan

That is just beeeeeeutiful. (New word, minted just for the occasion)

Do you want the red dot mount back? A little machining on the barrel and you'd be in business......

Oh just got to go clear the vomit from the back of my throat and get some fresh air

Style, function, the pinnacle of craftsmanship. Great work with getting it back into the field instead of allowing it to languish in a safe.

Originally Posted by akaroa1

It's best feature is a little harder to get an image of with my steam powered mobile phone

But when you look down the big hole in a 500 BPE and see this, you just buy it

Attachment 234862

Both my 500 3" have 9/10 bores
They maybe didn't get shot as often and certainly not in the last 100 years

What a minter, yes agree. Basically any old BP rifle, you see that, grab it.

Very nice.

I do wish you would stop hinting at stout recoil.......
looks lovely...beetootifull...fantasmalastic...majestica l even LOL.