What are the chances?

[walnutfarmmick]

Mick,
Do you just want any Webley barrel that will fit or do you want the 'correct' barrel..?
Pete.

Well, as things stand I've got a bent knurled barrel. I was told at the weekend that if the pistols were returned to the factory they'd come back retro-fitted with a later barrel. My informant said that he'd bought pistols with an invoice to that effect and I've no reason to disbelieve him. For purely aesthetic reasons I would rather see it with the longer barrel.

So we're not much further on are we?

What do you have in mind?

ATVB, Mick

[Rickenbacker]

I've just happened across this excellent post: http://www.classicapa.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=590 with great photos of the prewar pistols, and showing the reduced diam' at the breech end of a mk1 barrel, compared to the MK2 Target barrel, as John describes.

I take it the MK2 Target's barrel receiving block is therefore machined a little wider in it's slot to accomodate the non-reduced MK2 Target barrel?

Therefore a MK1 barrel could well be a bit 'sloppy' in the MK2 barrel slot? And would always look conspicuous to the experienced eye

So, am I right in thinking that there were no later barrels (with grooved hand grip, and even later knurled ones) that have the extended forward length in the MK1/2 style?

Because if there were, and if the fittings were in the right place, it might be a simple job to machine off the raised groove/knurled area, to make an older 'looking' barrel

I'd think Mick, if you do have to go with a short-nosed knurled-grip barrel, it might at least be worth having it straightened and machined parallel then blued? And maybe even have a short front extension section brazed on nice and tight to the pivot/foresight strap!?

No expertise here, just some thoughts - Phil

[flatrajectory]

Well, as things stand I've got a bent knurled barrel. I was told at the weekend that if the pistols were returned to the factory they'd come back retro-fitted with a later barrel. My informant said that he'd bought pistols with an invoice to that effect and I've no reason to disbelieve him. For purely aesthetic reasons I would rather see it with the longer barrel.

So we're not much further on are we?

What do you have in mind?

ATVB, Mick

Mick,
A mate of mine has a .22 barrel from a pre war slant grip mk1. It has the ribbed ( not cross hatched) grip area and the reduced diameter at the breech block end. Just wondered if it would do. You could make a sleeve to solder over the reduced diameter at the breech end, and you could file off the ribs to make it smooth.
Obviously not ideal but it would be shootable. I will send you a piccy.
Pete.

[Binners]

I've just happened across this excellent post: http://www.classicapa.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=590 with great photos of the prewar pistols, and showing the reduced diam' at the breech end of a mk1 barrel, compared to the MK2 Target barrel, as John describes.

I take it the MK2 Target's barrel receiving block is therefore machined a little wider in it's slot to accomodate the non-reduced MK2 Target barrel?

Therefore a MK1 barrel could well be a bit 'sloppy' in the MK2 barrel slot? And would always look conspicuous to the experienced eye

So, am I right in thinking that there were no later barrels (with grooved hand grip, and even later knurled ones) that have the extended forward length in the MK1/2 style?

Because if there were, and if the fittings were in the right place, it might be a simple job to machine off the raised groove/knurled area, to make an older 'looking' barrel

I'd think Mick, if you do have to go with a short-nosed knurled-grip barrel, it might at least be worth having it straightened and machined parallel then blued? And maybe even have a short front extension section brazed on nice and tight to the pivot/foresight strap!?

No expertise here, just some thoughts - Phil

Great photos, tried to register on there but failed to answer the silly colour question, after 6 different attempts, I lost the will