Boogered Cylinder Chamber

[blpenn66502]

I recently acquired a Webley MK IV .455 cal breaktop revolver that has been chambered for 45 ACP/45AR.  Shoots great except for one of the chambers that looks like someone ran a poorly sharpened 5/8" drill through it and is clearly larger than the other five.  Is there any reasonable way to fix it, e.g. sleeve it and rechamber, or should I just consider it a five shot revolver and put aside any silly thoughts of functional restoration?  Thx, Brian

[John Traveler]

Relining a chamber on one of the large-caliber cylinders is very tricky.  It's possible, but you are likely to have difficulty finding a gunsmith who is willing to tackle the job.

The problem is that reaming out the bad chamber and then turning a suitable liner and rechambering it to fit leaves extremely thin chamber walls on both cylinder and liner.  You are likely to cut thru into the cylinder stop notches.  Not good.  Plus, you need access to or have the ability to make the special sized piloted reamers and pilot bushings to do the job.  It is almost certain that finding a replacement cylinder, though difficult and expensive, is more cost efficient.

[gunnut69]

John is quite right but finding a cykinder may be some job, still is there is a smith up to the task I'd speak with Hamilton Bowen. He literally makes cylinders for revolvers from scratch. His notoriety will likely have destroyed any free time and his prices are more than likely7 sky high but contact him for the last word from someone who most assuredly can if he wishes.. Your saving grace may be the very low velocity/pressures generated by this caliber. Good luck and let us know how it all works out.