Thanks, RSJ! Looks like finding one of those that is affordable might depend on someone not knowing what they have.....Maybe substitute an officer's model Bodeo, Russian Nagant, or maybe just use my French 1892. I have seen some similar looking Belgian revolvers listed as 9mm, though.

Boer ING QUESTION

For of Indiana Dept local Victorian era shoots I like doing a Boer war Commando. I use the 1893 Mauser rifle of 1895 carbine/short rifle in 7mm. I'm looking for a revolver to pair with it, I've been using a S&W Schofield since the Boers never rally issued a revolver it would have been private purchase.
I'm looking for something different, double action perhaps. I looked and have bid on a few Webley's, they are getting uber ridiculous price wise but I want to confirm eligibility of a number IV in 38-200? Would it have to be "round butt? Also, are the S&W Hand Ejector models legal? I mean the post 1901 without the shrouded barrel but the cyl. lock lug? Being "private purchase" would any caliber work say a .32 long?
would the 1917 colt or S7W in .45 acp be legal as a continuation of the Victorian era models of those?
I have read all the previous post in the thread and have confused myself thoroughly!

The WW2 #4 in 38/200 is not a main match usable handgun. The Short butt #3 38 would be, but only in .38.  Any 455 Webley is, including the Mark VI, just call it a WG target stocked gun.  Any fixed sight round butt S&W K model with a pencil barrel is allowed, as is any most pencil barreled Colt DA.  Boer war handguns would be considered private purchase pattern, and thus a minimum bore of .357 is required.  The Colt NS is a legal Victorian pattern handgun, (1898) the Smith N frame is not. (1908) 

Should you want to use a Colt 1917 revolver, remember that in the Victorian match no speedloaders or aids are allowed, so you would need to use Auto Rim ammo.

For a Boer, I would recommend either a round butt .455 webley, or a round butt K frame 38, or any Colt 38 Army Special or Official Police.  The latter in place of the far more fragile New Army & Navy series.

Feel free to email me with any questions.

Quote from: Drydock on September 30, 2025, 05:41:08 PMThe WW2 #4 in 38/200 is not a main match usable handgun. The Short butt #3 38 would be, but only in .38.  Any 455 Webley is, including the Mark VI, just call it a WG target stocked gun.  Any fixed sight round butt S&W K model with a pencil barrel is allowed, as is any most pencil barreled Colt DA.  Boer war handguns would be considered private purchase pattern, and thus a minimum bore of .357 is required.  The Colt NS is a legal Victorian pattern handgun, (1898) the Smith N frame is not. (1908) 

Should you want to use a Colt 1917 revolver, remember that in the Victorian match no speedloaders or aids are allowed, so you would need to use Auto Rim ammo.

For a Boer, I would recommend either a round butt .455 webley, or a round butt K frame 38, or any Colt 38 Army Special or Official Police.  The latter in place of the far more fragile New Army & Navy series.

Feel free to email me with any questions.

Can't find you email so...

Webley Number VI, calling it a WG target stocked gun, in .455 for Victorian matches in .455 shaved to .45 ACP
Eligible but no speed loaders so .45 acp rimmed?  For 2nd Boer war?

Yes 

loaded to .455 spec.  Think lead bullet starter loads for 45 acp. 

sgtdrydock@aol.com

Quote from: Drydock on October 01, 2025, 09:35:35 PMYes 

loaded to .455 spec.  Think lead bullet starter loads for 45 acp. 

sgtdrydock@aol.com

Yes Sir, those old top breaks don't need a steady diet of proof rounds! I have my eye on a MK VI that's been "shaved" for  .45 ACP which I already load, Just need a shell holder and some .45 rimmed brass.
"Vertroue in God en die Mauser"

  Whitehorse

You may well be able to use Cowboy 45 Special brass.  It is the same length as 45 ACP but rimmed.

https://www.midwayusa.com/s?searchTerm=45%20auto%20rim

In stock at Midway 

FWIW I like to use a shaved Webley along with an 1891 Mauser as an 1890s Filibuster/Gunrunner.  4 grains of Red Dot under a Lee 230 TC is a fine load in mine.

If the Webley is shaved .45 Autorim may be the cartridge you need for that so the ejector star can grab the rim. The rim is also thicker to make up for the lack of moonclip thickness. You can use regular .45 ACP dies to reload it but a specific shellholder for your press.

I have a birds head grip 4" barrel Webley MK V in 455 that has the shaved cylinder.  I load 45 Auto Rim brass with 4.0 grains of WIN 231 and a 230 grain .452 lead round nose bullet.  It is accurate and ejects the brass with no problems.

Quote from: DeaconKC on October 02, 2025, 10:59:57 PMIf the Webley is shaved .45 Autorim may be the cartridge you need for that so the ejector star can grab the rim. The rim is also thicker to make up for the lack of moonclip thickness. You can use regular .45 ACP dies to reload it but a specific shellholder for your press.

I got 200 Autorim brass from Starline in 2023, and load for both my Webley and my S&W M1917.
But totally different bullets, The Webley gets Bear Creek Hollow base with Trailboss. (or no longer available Springfield Slim's Hollow base)
The Smith gets a hi-tech coated Bayou Bullets 230 Gr. RN & Tight group
or 230gr Swaged Lead RN Bullets from Everglades.

ACP on the left - Autorim on the right

  Velly Intristink 

That . . . is something I never even considered.  Harumpff.

Webley Bullets

Left- The Bear Creek .Webley HB 260gr .454" Dia. (2 lube groove)

Right - Springfield Slims HB 262gr., .452" Dia. Bullet (3 lube groove)
         

Well so far the Webley has invaded me but lots of good information here and I'll keep looking until I find one!