Webley Help?

[Cessnapilot89]

What is the sight picture supposed to be on a Webley Mark IV .38 S&W? Having some issues getting used to this bugger.

[Fjold]

A lot of the old guns weren't really sighted in and came with an extra tall front sight that was supposed to be filed down by the purchaser to sight it in to fit their load and shooting style.

A number of commercial Webleys came with two front sight blades that were interchangeable for different commercial loads (145 grain and 200 grain).

[Cessnapilot89]

Interesting. Mine is marked .38 145-200 on the top strap but no means of changing sight blades.

[Cessnapilot89]

[Fjold]

What load are you shooting?
What is your current sight picture?
What is the point of impact?

Generally if I'm trying to sight in a handgun, I'll use two sandbags, one under the butt and the second bigger bag under the trigger guard. This stabilizes the pistol so that when you shoot you are more rigid and can see easier where the gun groups.

Put up multiple targets at no more than 25 yards (10 preferred) and shoot one cylinder at each target. Use a 6 o'clock hold on the first target and a center hold on the next target.

[Cessnapilot89]

Right now I am shooting 10 yards, 145 grain using a 6 o'clock hold with the three sight elements level with each other. Point of impact is about 8 inches low.

Thank you for the advice on the sandbags. Will give it a shot this weekend.

[Fjold]

Generally when a gun is set for two different loads, the sights on the lighter load are set for a center hold on the target and the heavier loads are set up for a 6 o'clock holder. The stronger recoil of the heavier loads tends to make handguns shoot higher.

[Cessnapilot89]

Thank you sir!

[pitfighter]

Generally when a gun is set for two different loads, the sights on the lighter load are set for a center hold on the target and the heavier loads are set up for a 6 o'clock holder. The stronger recoil of the heavier loads tends to make handguns shoot higher.

This was the experience with the two .455's I owned, as well.

Very well articulated, thank you!

Pit.

[Mike A]

The sights on the original MK IVs were set for 200gr. lead British service loads. Unfortunately, by the time most of them were in use, the Brits had to conform with the Hague Convention and use FMJ bullets that weighed 176 grs. So there has always been some problems with zero, which were generally solved in the postwar police/commercial models by supplying two front sights, as described, one for the "British" loading, and one for the "American."

But don't get confused and think these guns were intended for anything more than up-close-and-personal. The Brits have never considered handguns just a short stand-in for a rifle, as many Americans do. They replaced SWORDS with handguns, and 10 yards would be a stretch for a sword.....

[Cessnapilot89]

Thanks Mike, I appreciate it! Any idea where to find more ammo for the 38 SW? Load X makes it, but it is black powder loaded 96 grain bullets.

[bullgumbo]

I think that you were the two gentlemen that helped me in estimating the value of my Mark III .38. It's on Gunbroker in an auction scheduled to end Sunday night. No reserve. Bidding at $470 now. We'll see how it goes. Thank you again for your input.

[smle-man]

Part of your problem is that the 145 gr factory load is made for turn of the century top break Iver Johnson revolvers. Your Webley needs at least a 170gr bullet and preferably 200 gr. Best choice is to reload. I get my bullets from Western Bullet company. not cheap but they are the correct profile, weight, and diameter for a Webley.

[smle-man]

Part of the problem you are experiencing is that the 145 gr factory load is made for turn of the century top break Iver Johnson revolvers. Your Webley needs at least a 170gr bullet and preferably 200 gr. Best choice is to reload. I get my bullets from Western Bullet company. not cheap but they are the correct profile, weight, and diameter for a Webley.