I had a webley stingray express the prettiest airgun I have ever owned ! I should have kept that
I have access to the original factory records, and in those the Webley Stingray is listed in the monthly production compilations, from May 2000 to October 2005, in the following ways:
Stingray
Stingray Std
Stingray Carbine
Stingray Carbine Walnut
Stingray De Luxe Carbine
Stingray K De luxe
Stingray K
Stingray Ex (Export)
Stingray D/L
Stingray XS
Stingray S/Bore
Stingray S/Bore with BBMF Silencer
Stingray Express (Export)
Stingray D/L Beech
Stingray W K
Stingray K De Luxe Beech
Stingray Low Power
Stingray K Low Power
Stingray K 10J (Export)
Stingray XK
The last serial numbered Stingray was 932998 on 22/10/2005. Obviously many of the above descriptions relate to the same spec of rifle.
The 'Stingray XK Kit' was introduced towards the end of production, at a price of £218.90, described thus:
Longbow type silencer fitted to a .22 precision carbine barrel.
Precision open sights
Beech fluted stock
Fitted with sling swivels
2 stage GOLD plated trigger
Optional telescopic sight and mounts can be fitted.
Still for sale well into 2006.
I can't find any mention of an 'Extreme', so would go with the 'shop special' explanation - ie Sandwell Sports offered custom versions? Would be interested to see that handbook, and the serial number - with that I can date the week of production?
9043** Serial number. Mach 1.5
Actually the above needs clarification. It is more accurate to say the the serial number was roll stamped onto the Stingray barrel that week, as opposed to definitely saying the gun was itself built that week.
But I don't suppose the two would have been far apart?
During the month of August 2002, the following Stingrays were actually built:
Stingray Express .22 163
Stingray .22 35
Stingray K .22 5
PS: Could 'Express' and 'Extreme' be getting mixed up - just a thought?
Just seen the original Webley invoice from 03/09/2002 and on it, states Webley Stingray Extreme..£144.00. Not bad for the price. Mach 1.5