I have found an Aussie cache of WWII Canadian Webley holsters. Does anyone have such a thing already to comment on whether they are good/bad/indifferent?
No pictures yet... will endeavour to go and check them out this lunchtime.
Just to set expectations, I did some quick research, and it looks like Canada went to the following style in 1937, which probably is what my informant is referring to as WWII gear... I will double check, but just to set expectations, what I just found might be this:
Yes, that's the one! It attaches to the belt with a pair of brass C-clips on the back and has a slot inside for a cleaning rod. It's not "Indy", though.
Aren't the Webley holsters we are after the WWI variety rather than WWII. I think even the British used canvas holsters in WWII (correct me if I'm wrong).
Yes, you want the WWI ones. I have a couple of the WWII Canadian web holsters. My S&W Victory model fits perfectly, and a .380 Webley or Enfield would fit well too. Not sure if a large frame revolver like the S&W HE2 or the Colt New Service would fit.
The old Webley .455 MK VI was retired as primary Military British sidearm just prior to WW2, though a few saw action in the home guard. The Mk IV .38 (.380 British) replaced it, and carried a 200 gr. full metal jacketed bullet that was supposed to be equal in knock down power as the stubby .455. I guess theorically it could have, but after holding a .455 shell, and the replacement .380 British, one can only wonder if they were off their rocker when they made the change, as the size comparison is like comparing a large truck to a sedan. But, the .455 was originally a black powder round, with the .380 smokeless, and the .455 didn't transistion well to the smokeless power (metalurgical problems with the gun frame), so it was downgraded to backup status in the arsonel. The MK IV is probably 2/3 the size of the .455, and so the holster IS quite a bit smaller. Regards. Michaelson
rob,
are the holsters 37 pattern?
if they are then there won't be much/if any difference, i use an australian issue 37 pattern pistol holster which is in unnisued condition, thats no different to the british, the canadian ones you have will be the same,
post some pictures and i'll tell you for sure then but they will not be any different to british issue afterall its the same patern of equipment
your right michelson,
the .38 200grain does not compare to the .455
the mark 4 webley had no stopping power!! There is an account that a british officer at opperation goodwood fired his mark 4 webley six times at a german at 20 yards!! six rounds to bring someone down, the .455 would knock someone into the other world at 20 yards.