For Sale: A .22 Smoothbore Webley Mk 3

[Josie & John]

Smoothbore Webley air rifles were made for overseas markets, where there were restrictions on rifled barrels and are uncommon in the U.K. This one has some wear to it and while far from pristine, it is complete and working. I'm not convinced the finish is original and the stock is also unusual. It has been suggested to me the stock may not be a factory item but it is certainly well figured and stands out in the rack.

The rifle works as intended - it needs a firm cocking stroke to fully engage the sear, so don't baby this one. The cocking lever is tight and the rifle shoots accurately, albeit slightly high with Hobby pellets. In fact, it has exactly the same point of impact as another MK3 I have with a SN some 2000 digits higher. I experimented with a contemporary Webley 4 x 20 'scope at 20 yards and was able to connect with tin cans, which is a credit to the 'scope as it was like looking through a milk bottle end on. Still, it was clearer than the opens were with my deteriorating eyesight and the Mark 3 performed as expected.

Smoothbore Mark 3s were marked with an X or O prefix to the serial number and both of these markings are present. This one dates from 1964.

Price dropped to £165 and can be posted PF48 for an extra £10.

Photos below.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/rDdcmuEYdEvz37sA6

Thanks for looking.

John

[WILBA]

That's one beautiful stock John.

[Josie & John]

That's one beautiful stock John.

Thanks Wilba,

It certainly stands out!

[Binners]

That's one beautiful stock John.

On a very rare mk3 too

[micky2]

A very nice stock indeed, and l now know how to tell what Mk3 smooth bores are stamped with.

[Mikeymoo]

I think it must be the O that denotes smoothbore. It isn't the X

[Josie & John]

I think it must be the O that denotes smoothbore. It isn't the X

Unfortunately there are no known factory records that can tell us for sure.

[Mikeymoo]

That is true but I have at least three Mk3's with X on them and they aren't smoothbore so it rules X out....I also have one or two with Z.....and one with something else ...can't remember without looking

[Josie & John]

That is true but I have at least three Mk3's with X on them and they aren't smoothbore so it rules X out....I also have one or two with Z.....and one with something else ...can't remember without looking

It would interesting if you would start a fresh thread with some pics of your examples and markings in due course.

John

[Mikeymoo]

I'm not clever enough I'm afraid...far too complicated to put pics on here

[Josie & John]

X for eXport and O for smoothbore maybe?

John

[Josie & John]

Price drop to £165 and I'll throw in a spare Webley branded 4x15 Telescope Sight as a freebie

John

[Binners]

If none of the members on here want it, bring it to Kempton and put it on our table and it will be gone in the first hour.

[Josie & John]

Thanks Binners.

Kind regards

John

[Mikeymoo]

I'll take it off your hands for 175 posted.
M.