Army & Navy .470 - Webley 1902

[cm76]

I recently took delivery of this rifle - An A&N, 1902 Webley actioned rifle in .470. The rifle was previously owned by Wal Winfer, and is apparently the only 1902 actioned .470 produced for the A&N CSL outfit. The rifle was built in 1908 and discovered by Wal in India in the 1970’s and brought back to Australia.
Looking forward to putting some loads and taking it out for a shot.
Chris

 

[Sika98k]

What an amazing piece of history! I wasn’t aware that Webley made their own falling block action. I thought the Farquharson action was the only one.
Every day is a learning day. Thanks for sharing.

 

[93marlin]

What a prize find! Enjoy that bit of history you have.

 

[93marlin]

Oh, and welcome to AH!!

 

[PARA45]

WOW, what a beauty, congrats and welcome to the Forum.

 

[Luvthunt]

Yes, great find.

 

[Red Leg]

That is a rare thing indeed. Both very business like and quite elegant. I assume the stock was restored with freshened checkering and a new pad.

Have you weighed it? I have a feeling a couple of rounds down range might explain the rarity of a .470 in this design.

Congrats on such a unique find.

 

[Flewis]

I recently took delivery of this rifle - An A&N, 1902 Webley actioned rifle in .470. The rifle was previously owned by Wal Winfer, and is apparently the only 1902 actioned .470 produced for the A&N CSL outfit. The rifle was built in 1908 and discovered by Wal in India in the 1970’s and brought back to Australia.
Looking forward to putting some loads and taking it out for a shot.
Chris

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Very very nice!

 

[degoins]

WOW........congrats!!

 

[cm76]

Oh, and welcome to AH!!

Thank you

 

[cm76]

WOW, what a beauty, congrats and welcome to the Forum.

Thanks PARA45

 

[cm76]

That is a rare thing indeed. Both very business like and quite elegant. I assume the stock was restored with freshened checkering and a new pad.

Have you weighed it? I have a feeling a couple of rounds down range might explain the rarity of a .470 in this design.

Congrats on such a unique find.

Thanks Red Leg.
The rifle weighs 10.5 lbs, and I think you are right re the stock and pad. According to Wal Winfer's Army and Navy falling block rifle records, there were 19 rifles chambered for the .500 NE and 17 rifles in .577. 37 rifles were chambered in .450 3/1/4, 5 rifles in 450 No. 2, and 23 rifles in 450/400. There were more rifles produced in smaller calibres which I haven't listed. I am not sure why there was only one in .470 - thought there would be more.

 

[Red Leg]

Thanks Red Leg.
The rifle weighs 10.5 lbs, and I think you are right re the stock and pad. According to Wal Winfer's Army and Navy falling block rifle records, there were 19 rifles chambered for the .500 NE and 17 rifles in .577. 37 rifles were chambered in .450 3/1/4, 5 rifles in 450 No. 2, and 23 rifles in 450/400. There were more rifles produced in smaller calibres which I haven't listed. I am not sure why there was only one in .470 - thought there would be more.

The nice thing about English guns is percentage of original condition is a non issue. A properly cared for gun or rifle would have been freshened several times during its lifetime.

I wonder if it was originally a blued receiver? Most of the singles I have seen were case colored. It looks great now, but Turnbull could certainly dress it up if you were ever so inclined.

 

[Justhunt]

Welcome, what a cool find.

 

[cm76]

The nice thing about English guns is percentage of original condition is a non issue. A properly cared for gun or rifle would have been freshened several times during its lifetime.

I wonder if it was originally a blued receiver? Most of the singles I have seen were case colored. It looks great now, but Turnbull could certainly dress it up if you were ever so inclined.

I believe the blued finish is original to this rifle, given its plainness and no frills configuration. If only the old rifles could talk, as it would be nice to know its working history.
Chris

 

[cm76]

Welcome, what a cool find.

Thanks

 

[alby]

Very nice rifle, awesome addition to the safe!

 

[Pondoro]

A .470 at 10,5 pounds should be quite OK to shoot..very nice find this..!
Jeffery made (or rather had made) a few single .600´s on Farquarson actions..they weighed in at 12 pounds.. Cal Pappas owned one and confessed firing 2 rounds before he sold it..recoil was horrendous..

 

[cm76]

A .470 at 10,5 pounds should be quite OK to shoot..very nice find this..!
Jeffery made (or rather had made) a few single .600´s on Farquarson actions..they weighed in at 12 pounds.. Cal Pappas owned one and confessed firing 2 rounds before he sold it..recoil was horrendous..

Thanks Pondoro. The single shots in the big cartridges (.577 and .600) must have been a handful indeed, although I must confess that I would love to try one!

 

[AZDAVE]

Thank you for sharing the classy rifle. Those old british singles are very appealing to the eye. At the weight it should be a bit sporty on recoil but not vicious. What do you plan on hunting with it?