Handguns of the 19th Century Irish Constabulary

[@1murder99]

I really hate KZbin policy. Nice hat MIke.

[@gordonhuskin7337]

That really is a nice hat

[@spiffinz]

*jewtube

[@davidkachel]

KZbin is most definitely a monopoly. Time to break it up!! (I wonder how fast THIS comment will magically disappear?!!)

[@davidhintz1806]

Well. Start your own platform, or make do with what we got.

[@johnlea8519]

As a Brit who once worked in the Birmingham gun trade I have always been interested in British revolvers, thanks Mike for an informative and entertaining video.

[@davidf4897]

Intetesting upload. I live in Northern Ireland. I had a relative who served in the RIC and we had a family photo of him ( now sadly lost) driving an open cab Crossley tender with a Webley revolver in a leg holster around 1919 After partition in 1921 and the formation of the Royal Ulster Constabulary the Webley .38 with standard length barrel ( think WWII British Army) became the sidearm of choice in open carry. This continued until the advent of 'The Troubles' in 1969 and during the 1970s the Webley was phased out in favour of the Walther .32 auto ( think James Bond). This weapon was not issued as a service firearm but rather as a Personal.Protection Weapon (ppw), although most officers carried the Walther on duty but mainly not as open carry, but holstered under the tunic. The aim was to move to a more civilian centered police service, even though uniform police also car ried Sterling SMG, and a range of rifles and carbines, including the US M1. The Walther was uselrss as a ppw/service hybrid, as it was underpowered. There was a further return to the revolver, specifically the Ruger .357 magnum, in open carry but this was not popular with officers. Today the Police Service of Northern Ireland uniformed officers open carry the ubiquitous Glock auto as their on and off duty sidearm.

[@eannaf3500]

I think the carbine the RUC was issued was a Ruger design. I could be wrong, but it did look a lot like the M1 carbine.

[@markraymond3198]

I have always loved Webley's ever since I was a kid!! I am going to get one someday. Thanks Mike I love learning more interesting facts about guns you share with us! Hope you're all healed up and God Bless my friend.

[@CameronMcCreary]

Mike, I do rust blueing of my tools and find that 600 Silicon Carbide is the finest that I need to go but follow up the finish with a medium coarse steel wool in circular strokes; it works great. I used to work for John Vernon Martz Luger Carbine maker from Lincoln, CA I made stocks and the older flat, machined springs were another bit of repair work that was needed. At the time in the 1970s, I was in college and taking classes for CNC machining. I ordered spring steel from a small custom steel maker in Sheffield, England. I also cryogenicly treated the steel for better results because the springs that didn't break were very fine grained and would not break as easily as a regularly quenched spring. It was the happiest work / job I ever had in this life but, was my part time job to my CNC full time machinist position and I got to occasionally the carbines. I am currently 68 years old as of the 26th day of August 1956 and was hit by an SUV five years ago while crossing the street so , I have used Sarco and Numrich companies a few times and they carry a lot of good reproduced parts but springs need "special" treatment.

[@thecount5558]

A thoroughly underrated set of firearms. A reliable DA centrefire revolver in 1868 when many other nations were still using mostly SA pinfire and percussion revolvers and single shot pistols. Not to mention, preceding more famous names such as Colt SAA and the S&W Model 3. And even before that was the Adams Mk I conversion produced around 1866, also DA.

[@henrysara7716]

Thank you, Mike very interesting.

[@LewisSkeeter]

Great video as always. Thanks.

[@galenhisler396]

Awesome video. It's great having you back! You always make my Thursday so much better 🤠

[@karsonbranham3900]

Excellent addition to the Duelists’ video vault! Thank you!

[@stevejorgensen5274]

I have read that Custer was carrying a pair of these revolvers of his big day. I have one in 44 Cal which from my understanding is what most were chambered in. As usual great video.

[@johnbarry22]

Many were in .442 webley

[@earlshaner4441]

I'm glad you are back brother no surrender

[@coreyzeth61]

For a gunsmith, try contacting Mark Novak. He's not a specialist in Weblys but I've seen him fix many unusual guns. He does have a KZbin channel.

[@sheilajenkins8084]

And he has worked on Webleys. First (and almost only) guy I thought of. The other might be Wyoming Arms - I think they like undertaking unusual challenges.

[@ericcraig-j5b]

I thought of Mark also but just assumed he is an awfully busy and amazing guy. I and I'm sure others are very interested in hearing about this project. Maybe a Mark and you composite video? That would be great!!! Let's all thumbs up and make it happen!!! For y'all who don't know he has done extensive work with/for C&R senal and his own channel. I haven't seen much recently, I hope it isn't due to KZbins INSANE algorithm. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT!!

[@DavidSmith_W6DPS]

Great video. I like that you included the revolvers owned by Custer. Also, the fictional revolver carried by Doctor Watson based on the real one owned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

[@robertrobert7924]

Always a pleasure watching your videos with my morning coffee, Mike. I just pulled my Webley "safe Queen" out to familiarize myself with it. It looks like an early model RIC in .450 cal. with the stamping on the top of the frame, "ARMY & NAVY LIMITED". All the stampings, including proof marks, have been highlighted with white paint or nail polish. The steel is all brown which I cannot tell if it is professionally done, or if it is a very even patina. The exceptions that are nickel plated are the hammer, trigger, loading gate, ejector rod, muzzle face, and all screw heads. The bore and cylinder chambers are all very clean. I made 5 dummy rounds from new Hornady 455 MK II brass with previously fired primers and old Winchester 45 Colt 255 grain lead bullets extracted from their cases. They came from an old yellow Winchester-Western Division, Olin box I picked up at an Estate Sale. I believe the checkered grips may be a dark brown ebony. Anyone with more information on this revolver, including 2024 value, would be greatly appreciated. I am also wondering if white highlighted stamping marks indicate that it once resided in a museum collection? EDIT: This revolver does NOT have a fluted cylinder and the cylinder stop notches are in the front end of the cylinder along with the drag marks.

[@miketaylorID1]

good stuff!! Greatly appreciate the effort and enjoyed the talk. There’s a big empty space in my collection right above the placard marked “WEBLEY” Any example would do, but one marked RIC would be pretty neat!! Anyways - thanks again. Looking good my friend. cheers!

[@robertrobert7924]

@@miketaylorID1 I had a friend and schoolmate for 12 years when I was a student, named Mike Taylor. We were both drafted into the US ARMY during the Vietnam War. What kind of Webley revolvers would you buy if you could?

[@miketaylorID1]

@@robertrobert7924sorry Robert. Was meant to be a top level comment but somehow I ended up replying to yours. But then this gives me the opportunity . There’s this thing I’ve been doing for a bunch of years basically since I learned how y’all were treated when you got home. So it’s me saying “welcome home trooper. Y’all did it right! - that is unless I know you are a Marine, then it’s a hearty Semper Fi Devil Dog. And thank you. I was born in ‘66 back when Michael was the most popular boys first name and when Taylor was the 5th most popular surname. So yeah. There’s a whole lotta Mike Ts out here. It’s great for getting lost in a crowd! As for the Webley. I think maybe a WG. A Government issue. That or a MkVI that has not been shaved. And if this beggar is choosing. Anything prior to 1918 That’s got it I thinks. Anyways Cheers Just reread your comment. Trooper it is!!!👍🏼

[@robertrobert7924]

@@miketaylorID1 I have always wanted the same. It is truly unfortunate that the cylinders were shaved on imports to the USA.

[@paulbervid1610]

Great historical conversation

[@FlamingRobzilla]

One of the things I love about these obsolete BP weapons is that it helps to make history come alive for me. I'm so glad you are back making videos. You were very much missed, but we all understood why. Thanks for everything.

[@TheGunfighter45acp]

Well done! I always appreciate the references to add to my reading list. 👍👍

[@JG-six-gun]

I just ordered my first 1851 navy yesterday!!! It’s supposed to come tomorrow!

[@chairzombie8378]

You'll love it and you'll end up with seven more in short order

[@JG-six-gun]

@@chairzombie8378 most likely 😎

[@gunflint1776]

Excellent presentation Mike! Very educational. Thank you!

[@fredjacobsen5025]

Thank you Mike! Once again you hit it out of the park! I am loving it!😊

[@dennismcatee1313]

Mark Novak is a gunsmith in SC who works on all kinds of stuff. See a few webley videos on his site. Used to be called Anvil but looks like name of utube site is now Mark Novak.

[@ericcraig-j5b]

I was wondering. Thx

[@sinisterthoughts2896]

great video as always. good to see you getting around and making content again. this is one of those special corners of the internet where people can learn something, and here interesting history, and the comment section isn't full of drivel. you have cultivated quite a nice community, and it is nice to see you keep with it despite the youtube drama, the legal battles and of course your injuries. thank you for all the hard work!

[@franksmodels29]

Morning coffee with Mike watching another great vid, I’m finishing up a case in response to you deringer vid will send pics when done 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@josemfernandeza5979]

Never once in my life had I had interest in the Irish or British police forces and their weapons... Until now. Great video Mr. Mike.

[@paulregner5335]

Looking forward to the upcoming videos you mentioned. I'll be staying tuned!

[@julieanddavidmyers6641]

Loved the bonus!

[@danperry3116]

Thanks Mike, I appreciate your history lessons.

[@tomcleave2622]

Always good to see you Mike, thanks for what you do !

[@beeboop1726]

Interesting you mentioned about Robert Peel, we still know the police as “peelers” in Belfast!!

[@JasonPollington-s6g]

Great info Mike!

[@mrdinme.4768]

Yes, I did enjoy this presentation! You take your time, take care of you, no rush. Am however looking forward to next videos. Thanks Mike

[@midnight4540]

Good info ! Thanks and take all the time needed to get back on your feet! Thanks and take care

[@anthonygalliart1789]

Years ago I bought an Enfield revolver I believe was a WW1 or 2 top break in .38 S&W. The pistol was a grey parkerized finish and had a 5" barrel. I only paid $100. and a neighbor of mine offered me three times that the very next day so I let it go because of the harder to get and more expensive ammo. Also the fact that you only had to things to choose from, Remington or Winchester 145 gr LRN moving slow as molasses in a snow storm. But over the years I wish I had kept it as it was in excellent condition almost like new. Your excellent video makes me regret my decision. Thanks for cranking them out. You always do such a good job on your research and if you don't own an example of the firearm you at least have very good quality photographs. Heading down the rabbit hole I would love to see someone do a video on the Taylor's and Co Cattleman in .44 magnum. What amazes me about the pistol is it has a firing pin that drops or retracts into the hammer when the trigger is released allowing you to safely carry a full 6 rounds. I have never seen another SAA like this and the bonus is you don't have to pay Ruger a royalty like the EAA Bounty Hunters manufacturer has to do with their SAAs (I own 6 of their .44 mags, one of every finish & barrel length) but I appreciate that they take Colt aftermarket parts and have the Ruger safety from the Blackhawk. I did see your excellent video on the Bounty Hunter but if memory serves you had the .45 Long Colt model with the free floating firing pin and that would also allow a safe carry of 6 rounds as well. Now Traditions is importing .44 mag SAAs from Italy. I just need the 5.5" to have a pretty complete collection. P.S. I appreciate you being my scapegoat whenever my wife asks why I need another .44 mag SAA I always tell her Mike made me do it!!! God bless and hope you recover from whatever ails you quickly. 😃

[@colinasquith]

Excellent info, thank you. Great great grandfather was RIC. Early Mark era.

[@earlshaner4441]

Good morning from Syracuse NY brother and thank you for sharing history brother

[@els38-ze3lt]

Awesome video, nice guns, great hat. Good luck finishing the barrel.

[@independentthinker8930]

Great video as usual!!!

[@michaelkaminsky9914]

Glad to see your making some more videos Mike, I'm happy for you!

[@_Steve_W]

Mike, love that you make long format videos. Very interesting!

[@bigchiefleatherworks7245]

More great content. Keep them coming, slower is better than none at all.

[@JohnTBlock]

I knew about the "Peelers" moniker, but somehow didn't connect "Bobbies" to Sir Robert. Cool.

[@TheGravitywerks]

Hey Mike! Thank you for the videos...huge help with understanding black powder revolvers (and others).

[@charliesierra6919]

Great vid and loving the Bowler Mike!

[@Socraticmethod01]

I love these vids, Mike. I love hearing about how history impacts industry/technology/policy surrounding the firearms you discuss and show. Gives me greater appreciation for 'em.

[@Bistoink2009]

Very interesting and informative! I love the look of Webley revolvers and confess that I'm a sucker for the romance of these weapons. Very well done, glad you're back and mending, now please do a video on your hat!

[@craigweyna4072]

Another great video Mike!

[@heavy6355]

Great video Mike! Glad to see you doing better.

[@deceptivepanther]

Great research. It's very difficult to go shooting in Ireland and deactivated pistols can be very expensive, so this was really interesting. ☘

[@jeffgrier8488]

Thanks for the video Mike, i found it really interesting! Thanks for showing us your current projects!

[@45auto]

I don't have insomnia I just love the information! I've never seen a video on Webleys so thanks for that as well.

[@jackgreenstalk777]

You and Othais at c&rsenal do such a great job with firearm history. Ian at forgotten weapons as well

[@Snuffy03]

Mike, good to see you back!

[@ww321]

I have a Belgium Frontier Army in 44 Winchester that's a knock-off of that first Webley you showed. It's a little different but has the same firing mechanism. I did a video on the parts i had to make for it. Thanks for the videos. Good to see you up and running again.

[@JohnTBlock]

There's something stylish about a bright-blued gun with a brass grip frame! Looking good, Mike.

[@rodneywhitfield5754]

Dang, I’ve always wanted a Webley..

[@JamesGraham-v1u]

Mike I love the information you share to us all I love Listening to your channel helps me through out the day love the history 😊

[@DocHolliday68-bu2sv]

Another great video. Thanks Mike.👍

[@catyear75]

Absolutely GREAT Hat !

[@lloydg4942]

Thank you Mike! Another good history lesson. you site is just my speed (love he hats) :)

[@jlthearcher]

Good content as always. Best wishes, Mike.

[@RobertAdams-wd6pt]

Great show ,Mike

[@71simonforrester]

Loved this video, I've not had your videos suggested for too long! I can't wait for your Webley video, as a Brit I have a soft spot for those big ugly hunks of iron!

[@deniskozlowski9370]

Great video, as always. A history of NYPD sidearms of the 19th century might be cool.

[@rustyauerswald1069]

Still good to See your getting better ,my Friend

[@christophermccormick2714]

Great video, Mike, thanks! Please do a video on British military revolvers! I love that Mark VI!

[@user-ub9xw8ro3y]

Being of Irish decent and a 26 year deputy sheriff, I found this video particularly interesting. I wish I'd picked up a Webley or two back in the day before the prices went through the roof. BTW, you're looking very dapper in that Bowler! 😄

[@anthonydexter262]

I love these videos, sit down in the shop for history lessons 👍🇬🇧

[@76kz400]

Great show, Mike! Kind of full circle as I first found your channel when looking for videos about loading .455 Webley’s. I have a MkIV that has been shaved for moon clips. I load lighter loads with a HBRN bullet and .45 AR brass. I call them .45 Fauxbly as a joke!

[@robertcrosser5946]

Thanks Mike you read my mind I've been fascinated these Webles for at least 50 years keep up the good work I'd also like to know the load details of all the British cartridges 450,476 etc.

[@stewartstone3926]

Ian at Forgotten Weapons also has a good posting on the Constabulary and "The Troubles" from both sides

[@danravenna2974]

Good vid, thanks for the bonus clips!

[@redsky8509]

your videos are always well worth watching. However you hat, is FANTASTIC!

[@whomagoose6897]

The more I learn about history and all things from yesteryear. The more I appreciate the modern era. Flip out cylinders, speed loaders or moon clips were some of the most important developed technologies used in modern revolvers of today. All my revolvers are modern revolver types. Even the modern cartridges used today are far better than long ago.

[@jonathanquinlivan6911]

One of my gun club friends found a Winchester pump action 12 gauge with RIC markings.

[@vaquerojoel2026]

Excellent video Mike. Othias from C&Rcenal or Mark Novak might be able to help with the Constabulary Webley. Hopefully you can get it fixed

[@roblynch2809]

Looks like the price of webleys is going up.great to see them getting some attention.thanks Mike

[@craigbranstrom4749]

Thanks Mike.

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

I'm a Webley fanatic myself. I'm also inclined towards the derby youve got going on there. As for Dr. Watson, I believe it was described by Doyle as his service revolver, and I always took that to be either and Adams or Webley. But a good RIC would fit the bill too. Great thing about literature, the mind is the television screen. Glad you're up and moving around better.

[@ricktaylor5744]

Mike, Wyoming armory Cody, WY 82414 is the new home of the cinnabar gun works. Mark is the owner and one of the best gun Smith's I have ever known. He may be able to help you out. If not he will say so and might steer you in the right direction. Hope this helps you out. Keep up the great work

[@CCM2361-]

Thanks Mike! Nice hat

[@iptfunmik351]

Hi, I'm ex RUC and UN POLICE AMONGST OTHER FORCES. I live here in N.Ireland so the guns I can have as collection pieces is severely limited to Antique & Obsolete Calibre Section 58 (2) Firearms ACT. I have a RIC Revolver in .45 as well as a Detective .32 pocket version. I have these framed in an Easter 1916 era setting. I enjoyed your piece here on RIC Revolver, thanks very much,John

[@tomcurran8470]

Top of the morning to all. I have been listening to Victorian era stories which mention the Webley quite often. I never knew the exact workings of it. I like looking at Cherry's Fine Stuff website which has lots of these vintage stuff which are a mystery to me. Any vids on these types of vintage stuff will be greatly appreciated. Great vid without getting into the politics. With that said, Sinn Fein, LOL.

[@jeffreygardner2591]

Love the bowler, Mike. It scares me sometimes when I watch one of your videos and it looks like you've raided my safe. Uncanny how much our interests seem to align. I have 3 Webley revolvers, a Mk IV and a Mk VI in.455, and a Mk V that's been shaved, but I have one of the spacers that were for sale back in the day. Then you spring the bonus clip talking about putting a longer barrel on your Schaefer which I commented on for last video. Keep up the good work, can't wait to see what pops up next.

[@duelist1954]

I love hearing this. This is why I got out of commercial magazine writing, so I could cover subjects that interested me, even if the editors of the world think they are too niche. I figure that if I'm interested, then there will be other people out in the universe who share that interest.

[@PeterSt1954]

Another meaning of "disposable" is being someone who can be used or allocated - as in I have several men at my disposal. Disposable men were experienced constables or head constables “disposed” or assigned part-time to detective duties. Fantastic video by the way. 5*

[@davefellhoelter1343]

This momentary bolt lock design would be a deal breaker for me. Then if I had any knowlage of other locked bolt contemporary designs, and Now. I never knew of this as a design in this system, THANK YOU! As a black powder lover, I keep my eye out for opportunities of these finds. Love the colt parts, looks like my bench. My "part B?,orC" on my bench are DIY LED's for my RV anti bug colors, with prep for a new cal reloading. I have an Engravers' historiic tool "wasting away" in my shop. About 150lbs gross, or more, of a concarved,convexed, case iron? mount access stability swivel tilting system? Know? Anyone? it needs to keep working! in honor of the dude I got it from.

[@nicklewis7291]

I appreciate the bonus footage. I hope you find someone to fix your bulldog. I need to fix an old double barrel 12 guage that was made in the mid to late 1890s myself. That's easier than getting the Webley fixed for sure.

[@jamesgarland4990]

Awesome video! Thanks!

[@vulpesvulpes5177]

Nice to see you.

[@JamesSmith-is7co]

I do love a history lesson about the Irish! Very Interesting that only they carried pistols on the regular!

[@matthewavery]

There’s a Webley revolver featured in a Sherlock Holmes game I have for my PS4: Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments. There’s only one thing I HATE about its representation: Holmes examines it in Scotland Yard, and he opens the action on it to see how many rounds were fired. When he does, it shows ALL the rounds have the indentation on the percussion caps, yet only 2 were actually fired. You’d think they’d have paid better attention to that. Great video as always Mike!

[@Blackbart5118]

As always, extremely interesting!

[@ivanconnolly7332]

The term Peelers is still in use in the Occupied 6 counties, my grand father was one of the ten percent of RIC members who joined the Free States Garda Siochana(guardians of the peace).

[@ikocher]

Thanks for the video. I can’t do much now that the baby is here so this is great

[@ilfarmboy]

nice bowler

[@nonokodog622]

Gun smith, ask Mark Novak. He'll probably make a video of it !

[@joemolf3894]

Atta Boy Mike enjoyed it!

[@M.M.83-U]

Nice, good video. Very stylish hat.

[@Grundag]

For some reason, I expected that British issue Bulldog Revolver to be a larger framed model. Cool to see that it would fit in the palm of a big Mans hand. Thank you for the interesting and informative video, Sir. ( Had to edit this response: Mike! This is exactly the time of Life for you to travel to England! Heal up a little, Sir and go, Heck, just to see the Tank Museum at Bovington is worth the Trip outside of all the rest of the Historical stuff. )

[@andyeaton6903]

Great video, thank you!!!!!❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉😊