Webley & Scott Service - The Holy Grail?

[Troubledshooter]

Very overrated and over priced...

How very dare you.

[45flint]

I saw the Webley Service for the first time last year on a UTube and it immediately went on my bucket list. Everything I love, blued steel, totally unique, looks to have great machining quality, quirky, lots of moving parts, nice wood stock. Don't really care if it's accurate. It checks every collecting box. Except in the US is fairly non obtainium. So you that have them near, don't hesitate!

[Binners]

I saw the Webley Service for the first time last year on a UTube and it immediately went on my bucket list. Everything I love, blued steel, totally unique, looks to have great machining quality, quirky, lots of moving parts, nice wood stock. Don't really care if it's accurate. It checks every collecting box. Except in the US is fairly non obtainium. So you that have them near, don't hesitate!

Here yer go

http://www.network54.com/Forum/68145...87/Mk2+Service

Save your $$$ and just look at them here

[Abasmajor]

Hello,

If you are serious about acquiring one of these fine old air rifles, you would be well advised to obtain a copy of Chris Thrale's excellent Webley Air Rifles 1925-2005 book which fully describes all the Webley air rifles made during the period including the Mk2 Service.

Briefly though, there were three series of Mk2 Service rifles with the first having a strong spring to secure the removable barrel and an aperture sight mounted to the side of the breech block. The second series retained the side mounted aperture sight, but replaced the barrel retaining spring with a much neater button release. The third series replaced the side mounted aperture sight with a larger version mounted centrally on the breech block. The first two series were in .177 and .22 calibre only with the third series adding the larger .25 calibre towards the end of manufacture in 1939.

If I didn't intend to shoot the rifle all that much, I would go for the rarer first or second series, but if regular use is on the cards you would be better off opting for a third series example. Both the first and second series attract a higher price due to their relative rarity, but you should be able to pick-up a reasonable third series in .177 or .22 calibre for £400 - £500. You can add another £150 - £200 for a .25 calibre Mk2 due to it's comparative rarity. Rifles with barrels having Ser Nos which match that on the rifle itself are also more sought after by collectors and the Holy Grail for Mk2 Service aficionados is a cased set containing all three calibre barrels together with the correct accessories.

The main attraction for me are it's quirky looks and solid engineering, particularly the ability to interchange barrels and the neat way the bolt pulls the breech washer into battery when the bolt is closed forming a really tight seal. All three versions are accurate at the intended ranges, but not nearly as powerful as early Webley publicity would have us believe.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Brian

[SRV1]

Many thanks Brian for such informative reply and to all contributors....

The temptation is now on Red Alert Category....... The Service certainly stands out and has a certain masculine character about it. Whereas those Relums, Gamos and Airsporters look the same and pale into insignificance.....

Best regards

[hwtyger]

Its not desireable.
Its subjective.
I own many webleys but wouldnt want a Service.
It ug-leeeeeeeeee

[SRV1]

Oh no Yana, are you sure?...Does this mean my Red Alert needs to recategorised to Grey? And, I was just getting excited too......

Will update later......

[Abasmajor]

Oh no Yana, are you sure?...Does this mean my Red Alert needs to recategorised to Grey? And, I was just getting excited too......

Will update later......

If I was looking for an elegant pre-war vintage air rifle to shoot, it would undoubtedly be a Lincoln Jeffries / BSA rather than a Mk2 Service. These are cheaper to buy and a pleasure to own and shoot, but lack the individuality and quirkiness of the Mk2 Service.

You pays your money...

Brian

[Troubledshooter]

Its not desireable.
Its subjective.
I own many webleys but wouldnt want a Service.
It ug-leeeeeeeeee

You need to go to Specsavers.

[LESS THAN FORTUITOUS KENNETH]

My mate has just bought one. Mk 2 series 3. The guy who owned it worked for Webley. His son was selling it as he needed the cash. It really is impressive. Looks like the day it was made. The blueing is the deepest I've ever seen. The walnut stock is like a lump of marble and totally unmarked. From what you can see of the internals, they look unused. Unfortunately, it only has the .22 barrel. It's not my cup of tea, but I must admit, it it quite magnificent.

[flogger]

Its not desireable.
Its subjective.
I own many webleys but wouldnt want a Service.
It ug-leeeeeeeeee

Have you looked in the mirror lately.The pot calling the Kettle black.

[Geezer]

Never had one. Thought about it, but a bit spendy these days.

They are, however, just cool, in the same slightly Heath Robinson way as Mauser C96s.

[hwtyger]

Have you looked in the mirror lately.The pot calling the Kettle black.

Still its the truth.
Whats nice/beautifull and whats collectable/valueble is subjective to personal preference.
Its why we dont all drive the same cars either

[Binners]

How very dare you.

That was quick

[SRV1]

OK...OK...OK....not Relums or Gamos, I will wash my mouth out. Not wishing to upset our close collector community, Airsporters then.