Rusty and Broken WW1 Revolver Restoration (Webley Mk VI)

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In this video I'm doing some maintenance on a WW1-era british Webley Mark VI revolver. The original finish is gone, the grips are discolored, the cylinder rotates freely and it seems something is wrong with the ejector. I'll try to solve all that and bring it back into shooting order. Since it certainly needs rebluing, I'm taking the occasion to show yet another way of rust bluing.
A special thanks goes to Michelangelo Neri Orliani for helping in the making of this project
If you can and want to help me making videos like this, you can directly support me on Patreon:
/ backyardballistics
with your help, I can keep making educational content without having to give up my freedom of speech to the advertiser's needs.

[@Backyard.Ballistics]

Stay fully informed on issues from around the world and across the political spectrum at ground.news/backyard. Subscribe for unlimited access to media bias, blindspots and comparative media coverage.

[@ground_news]

Another incredible restoration! Thank you for partnering in making our mission more accessible. For those wanting to be better informed, compare news coverage and spot media bias, click the link in the description and let us know if you have any questions.

[@yeetyateyote5570]

@@ground_news I keep meaning to sign up with you guys, of course I also saw your partnership with Lazerpig, both these channels give a overview of your site and what I see is what SHOULD be the norm, ethical reporting speaking. Any time I can reasonably support that kind of practice I like to

[@dan725]

Your segway into your sponsored segment was PERFECT. Well done! And I’m so glad you are getting quality sponsorships too that appear to actually be great products (like ground news) to follow!

[@ground_news]

@@yeetyateyote5570 So glad to hear this! Let us know if you have any questions once you sign up. Thanks for supporting our mission :)

[@biddinge8898]

I have an idea for a projectile. A ceramic slug. I hear that the properties of ceramic at high speeds and temperatures are different so i was wondering how it would react out of a gun.

[@ElvenMetalhead]

'The same reciprocating power of a 13- year old boy' That had me snort out my hot chocolate. Been waiting for your next video for quite some time! Amazing work!

[@polybiusv7299]

had me actual laughing out loud too

[@logotrikes]

I laughed once I got it LOL.....

[@jakebrowncollection1772]

Funny as hell 👍👍👍

[@erniebrown6196]

Bit weird sounds like you all enjoyed imagining that

[@ontheglo.28]

What time stamp

[@fewes17]

"It's not Guy's fault", cut to target labelled "Guy's shitty reloads" LOL. Great vid as always mate. The Webley is such an interesting looking revolver. The casing ejection action in particular is very satisfying to watch.

[@therogers4432]

You beat me to it... 😁 Seeing "Guy's shitty reloads" written on the target made snot come flying out of my nose 😅😂🤣👃🍃

[@Crowbars2]

Ahahaha lmao, I didn't even notice that until I read this comment.

[@Destinylover14]

to those saying this dudes videos are fake Backyard Ballistics is the guy that EXPOSED the fake videos and how to spot that they are fake he's been doing this for a long time and a lot longer than it was popular. this guy is NOT faking.

[@5cbryant]

Another great video with an awesome new technique. For those of you who are serious about learning gun restoration, I strongly encourage you to consider becoming a patreon at the 50 BMG level. Carlo is very responsive and answers all questions in great detail. He walked me through my last two projects and was quite patient with my many questions. Couldn’t have done it without him. Highly skilled and wonderful to work with. Highly suggest becoming a patreon. You won’t regret it.

[@Backyard.Ballistics]

Hello again ;)

[@MrTheBigNoze]

Thank you for your commitment to honesty and trustworthy approach to the format. I’m glad you haven’t sold out at the cost of your values. That’s why I will always be subscribed and support your work. Thanks!

[@dd11111]

And this gun was quite clearly fine until SOMEONE let it rust. Who would benifit from letting a gun rust so they could clean it up for veiws?🤔

[@Bozoized]

@@dd11111 3:06

[@notnowchief.3089]

you are seriously going to be in for a surprise when you learn these examples are almost always INTENTIONALLY Rusted.

[@origami26]

best gun restoration channel, hands down: informative, skillful, no fuss, no clickbait. Keep up the good work, my friend!

[@colinj5291]

No fake rusting or aging. Best part.

[@Erich-bx9vg]

"Reciprocating power of a 13 year old boy" I was caught so off guard by that

[@karansingh1154]

what does that mean though?

[@bjeremy75]

13 year old boys are well known for their reciprocating power.

[@brandonha]

@@karansingh1154 why do 13 year old boys suddenly start taking long showers? They’re pleasuring themselves

[@aaronskuse2207]

It means spanking a man’s trouser snake.

[@nicholashodges201]

You've obviously not lived around a 13 year old boy with access to a Victoria's Secret catalogue...

[@ground_news]

Another incredible restoration! Thank you for partnering in making our mission more accessible. For those wanting to be better informed, compare news coverage and spot media bias, click the link in the description and let us know if you have any questions.

[@Backyard.Ballistics]

The pleasure is all mine!

[@dan725]

LOL “reciprocating power of a 13-yr old boy.” I WAS NOT expecting that, especially from you since your presentation style is always one of straightforward amazing informative lecture.. so I had to pause the video because I bursted out laughing. Yet another insanely informative and entertaining quality restoration! Thank you again for sharing this with us! You are awesome!

[@indibrothers2433]

It's great to see a restoration video that isn't faked. There are so many restoration youtubers that just bury stuff in their backyard for a month and then dig it up and restore it. Thanks for not making low effort content.

[@Joeded]

This is the weapon of an English Officer. Not as clumsy or random as a L86A1; an elegant weapon for a more civilized age.

[@antonisojka9120]

What's the problem with the L86 and it's cousins? I've always heard they are shit but not a lot of specifics

[@gasmasksammy]

@@antonisojka9120 well multiple things were wrong with the L85’s when they were first adopted. They performed fine in testing conditions yet while in Desert Storm, they were a bane of British soldiers. L85A1’s had an over exposed mag release which could release the mag when firing or running. Sand and grime made the weapons jam every couple of rounds (some reports say EVERY round). They were just a nightmare, so much so that it had to be completely remade into the L85A2.

[@thermicdude9164]

Insert Han Solo quote here...

[@TheDjcarlos67]

Civilised? It's a gun for killing humans

[@gasmasksammy]

@@TheDjcarlos67 r/woosh

[@saskafrass1985]

Nice. From the thumbnail I thought it was another webley air pistol video. I only clicked because it was your channel and gave you the benefit of the doubt. Not disappointed.

[@FrFr224]

Thanks god your back I just had to watch someone sporterize a kar 98 cause I couldn’t find anything else to watch

[@VilleRuokonen]

I'm trying to kick the habit, quit smoking, and your videos like this are just what I need to relax and take my mind elsewhere. Thank you for your continuing effort and mission to bring back what restoration actually is!

[@Backyard.Ballistics]

I'm gonna have to upload more then, otherwise I'll have you on my conscience!

[@VilleRuokonen]

@@Backyard.Ballistics Hahah, don't worry, I still have a couple more videos of yours to watch =)

[@robcarnaroli269]

One of only a few "ads" I've ever felt compelled to follow! Thanks.

[@Backyard.Ballistics]

Great to hear!

[@diamondcreepah3210]

Love the love and care you put into each firearm. I've grown tired of voiceless people taking a seemingly stone age AK, sandblasting it, putting polymer furniture on it and calling it a day

[@Backyard.Ballistics]

And don't forget to use cerakote paint in some funky color in place of bluing. Looks cooler, doesn't it!?

[@diamondcreepah3210]

@@Backyard.Ballistics powdercoating 😂

[@KoolKyurem25]

You're one of the only firearm restorers I watch due to how honest and direct you are. You also provide relevant information concisely, which is appeciated as well. Love your work. Nice to see an old british bit of kit get fixed up

[@LouisL1963]

Classic British Army revolver - they were still using them in WW2 & Korea. Great restoration - you really know your stuff behind the science of the weapon & the ammo.

[@andydixon6873]

I'm currently going through SDI gunsmithing school and I love that your videos show me the same things I'm learning in school. But since I've always been a more visual learning you're videos help me actually see what my course materials are teaching me. Thank you for all your hard work and I can't wait to see your next video.

[@Backyard.Ballistics]

Glad these videos are helpful!

[@Toolness1]

LOL the 13 year-old comment came out of nowhere. Your attention to detail and trying to preserve history is admirable. Love the vids.

[@stevenfrost6441]

One of the many reasons I choose your channel over other firearm restoration channels is your honesty and practicality. Thanks for being REAL and always KEEPING it REAL! 👍

[@notnowchief.3089]

LMFAO.. I hate to break it to you...But You do know these guns are INTENTIONALLY Rusted with Salt water and Vinegar. No so Honest huh

[@moonscript4675]

I love that you actually talk about what you’re doing. So many restoration channels just… don’t speak. So I’m glad you actually tell us about what you’re doing

[@KrillMister57]

I love restoration videos, but yours are my favorites. You are so honest, knowledgeble and you have such respect for your projects.

[@chrisgosling6083]

another cracking restoration, its nice to a young guy taking an interest in classic firearms and it is refreshing to see a firearm video not produced by an American with bad facial hair 😉thank for the content!!!

[@jacobroundtree5588]

I have this exact gun that my grandfather gave me, and it makes me super happy to see a video like this on it. Luckily it's still in good firing shape

[@e-jesus7401]

I wish more people were as respectful to other people as you are with your restorations. Wonderful work, never stop doing this.

[@seannb7861]

I went back a few times to listen to your deadpan delivery of "the same reciprocating power of a 13 year old boy."

[@feuerfrei7070]

I once had the same issue with the bullet leaving the barrel with a velocity that you can see it in flight. I forgot to turn my powder dispenser back on after refilling powder. It reloaded 5 cartridges good (because there was still powder in the hopper) but in the sixth cartridge, the powder seemed visually low (i look at each case for powder fill) I noticed the mistake and turned the powder back on. But finished the cartridge anyway to see what would happen, if i had overlooked. (I also put the other five finshed cartridges to the side and fired them with the low powder round) Keep your eyes open while reloading guy :)

[@Backyard.Ballistics]

I think the dose he was using was too low, I don't think any of the rounds contained much less than expected, it's just that in those condition even a tiny imperfection can lead to combustion instability

[@Eastonitus]

had a good chuckle at that round that you could see leave the barrel

[@roondoger]

Backyard Ballistics: "It's not Guy's fault" Also Backyard Ballistics: *writes "Guys shitty reloads" on target*

[@JanTuts]

What a nice palate cleanser after just seeing another channel restore _and sporterise_ an interbellum (+-100 year old) Mauser rifle, including simply throwing away the original stock because "I'm not a woodworker", hacksawing and rewelding the bolt handle at an angle, and also falsely passing it off as being a K98 for getting more clicks (it actually was a Mauser Standardmodell / Model 1924).

[@timarc9895]

Very nice firearm, I appreciate the respect you give to these old beat up bits of history. Great work!

[@-Sirens-]

Much respect for not over doing it and making the gun look flawless, its like you just simply undid the damage, nothing more, nothing less.

[@jasonesler2716]

Great job! Definitely my favorite KZbin restoration channel. You care about the artifact. That’s why I watch you.

[@needleonthevinyl]

Your videos make me want to polish and blue every piece of steel I own

[@cadetleo1696]

Honestly One of the best Gun/History channels I’ve ever came across🤟🔥💯

[@therogers4432]

Yup... ^THIS^... 😁 Fantastic work Carlo 😊👍 -your zero-bullshit approach combined with total honesty is why your channel is THE best restoration channel on KZbin ☺ and makes all the "Economic With The Truth" 🙄 channels look sad and ridiculous... 😭🤡😖 Best wishes from the sadly/pathetically unarmed UK 🇬🇧😕, and I plan to use your methods when I finally get around to restoring the sadly butchered Weirauch HW77 air rifle that I bought dirt-cheap because the previous owner had put it away wet 😡😤🤬 and then removed (most of...) the rust AND 90% of the blueing with a wire brush and coarse wire wool soaked in WD40 before giving-up on it and selling it as a "project"... 🙄 It still shoots beautifully 😁 since I found a set of original iron sights for it on ebay, but it looks an absolute frikkin disgrace... 😥

[@Backyard.Ballistics]

Well, thank you all for the kind words, and good luck with the Weirauch Rogers!

[@dannyrivas40]

I love the commentary. There are alot of channels that do restorations but usually don't give much details. Thanks for going to much detail and interesting facts.

[@johnsig7100]

Dude, I've watched your videos almost since you started making them. I absolutely love your restoration vids. Proper technique that even Mark Novak would enjoy. Seeing that you uploaded another restoration today made my shitty day far less shit. Thanks man

[@Backyard.Ballistics]

Glad I made your day less shitty ;)

[@malelpn37]

Short of watching Mr. Novak you are definitely the best firearm restore that I have watched. You have certainly earned a subscriber today!

[@AR_119]

This channel is azing for a lot of reasons, but the biggest is how honest, not fake, and educational it is. I respect the fact that you don't fake anything so much. Keep up the amazing work! 👍

[@conradrawhouser2257]

The same reciprocating power of a thirteen year old boy 😂. You do the best restorations

[@waltonchan3931]

The research and experimentation that goes into these videos is impressive, and they're fun to watch too. Great work and candor, you should make document your techniques/bluing recipes/discoveries in a journal or book!

[@KataIIama]

The only legit restoration channel. Plus it’s about guns.

[@StiffPvtParts]

Man, I'm loving these restorations of yours! Can't wait to see more!

[@manofkentcatapultsgunsando5069]

Quality video, well done , I found one of them behind a water tank in a loft about 40 years ago

[@Dustmadeout]

This channel deserves much more views and subscribers. Amazing content!

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Two thumbs way Up on this restoration!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@chrisoliver4757]

Fascinating, the gun used to shoot Rasputin was a Webley .455

[@Backyard.Ballistics]

Really? I'm not that surprised he didn't die then 🤣 Sorry for the black humour, it's the british influence...

[@chrisoliver4757]

@@Backyard.Ballistics excellent, your content is brilliant, thank you.

[@LarryDeSilva64]

Another really great restoration of a very underpowered cartridge gun. The British did great with rifles but hand guns they sort of fell on their face. I have an old H&R pocket pistol .32 cal revolver about the same age that I have to restore it is not worth much just be for practice really. I mostly restore rifles and have done a couple of Martini Henry Rifles from 1878 and one I regularly shoot made in 1887. The ammunition is obsolete but was able to find a box made in 1943 by Kynoch and even with that age still fired perfectly. Great channel and a lot of great information Carlo thank you so much.

[@Backyard.Ballistics]

The pleasure is mine, thank you for sharing!

[@Roflcopter4b]

Underpowered? They got the power precisely where they wanted it, and it was very effective. Because it's slow and has no jacket, the bullet will stop in whatever it hits with minimal penetration, transferring 100% of its energy to that target. Most bullets will pass straight through, transferring only some energy.

[@LostShipMate]

Webley's have always been a favorite of mine. Smooth shooting and easy to handle, especially the 38 S&W versions.

[@user-en9zo2ol4z]

Somehow, the Webley revolver is the quintessential pistol to my mind. It bears a classic form with many aspects of design brilliance.

[@MrHoward222]

Thanks for the explanation of what music aka piano wire is. Makes total sense; I've been using the stuff in r/c aircraft for decades, I knew it was special but I was never quite sure why! Thanks again.

[@Braniel]

Im deadass saving up for one of these, I love break action revolvers

[@mauriceholder1386]

Beautiful restoration. Thank you for restoring history.

[@fizz576]

I love old hinged revolvers.

[@fokkerd3red618]

I'm not a gunsmith, but your work is impressive. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@udon8630]

I really like your videos because all of those processes are well explained with no missing steps, making those processes easy enough for viewers to replicate.

[@johnfrancis2215]

That box of Eley cartridges goes back a long way a great collector's item

[@EricDaMAJ]

I’m glad you didn’t try to convert it to .45 ACP. A lot of guys have and with disastrous results as it’s too high pressure.

[@REXOB9]

Wonderful video. Watching you do a restoration is fascinating.

[@ParkerFriedChicken]

Wow, showed up for some ASMR and interesting gun stuff and got a potential, new news source. It's rare to find people even giving lip service to principled honesty these days.

[@christopherwilson3242]

Masterful restoration of my favourite pistol!

[@anomonyous]

I love Webleys too. Lovely pieces. Just as an aside, you can't really name revolvers "pistols." Since a defining characteristic of a pistol is to have a stationary integral chamber. And to have a revolver, it must have the characteristic of multiple "revolving chambers." If you want to be correct, you ought to call a Webley a "revolver" or just a "handgun," if you will. If you know that and you still want to call it a pistol, that's up to you. I just thought it'd be an interesting factoid.

[@jaylenmercado607]

“Guys shitty reload” on the target killed me the whole video is gold but I hope your channel blows up you deserve it for the work you put in and you really know the math behind it too

[@allanburt5250]

Beautiful job and great history 👏

[@nathanboerner2256]

Mmm thanks for the brutal honesty, it makes for a much more informative experience and better entertainment

[@Punisher9419]

Fantastic work as normal. End result is great.

[@benbiber4135]

Love the passion ,application and dedication - respect

[@rcreynolds6186]

Such a beautiful weapon. I have lusted for a Webley for years. Gonna get me one. Nice job!

[@polytzai]

Amazing level of knowledge 👏🏻

[@BLS31]

Oh look, you're back. Neat to see a Webley kicking around.

[@firesfs]

The fact that u are actually honest about not using artificcially corroding compounds to corrode the gun can actually get you more views

[@gene80shits]

love this show. always informative and always great guns.

[@jakemonster001]

Great work sir. I’ve always found Webley pistols to be some of the most beautiful in the world. I’m glad they’re still making some of the models today in India.

[@infin1ty850]

I've seen a lot of different rust removing agents over the years of watching restoration videos, but this has to be the first time I've seen use citric acid. Good job, man, it seemed to work great.

[@Backyard.Ballistics]

Not very fast, but you can't do any harm with it. It's also non polluting and reasonably cheap

[@infin1ty850]

@@Backyard.Ballistics I buy citric acid to make my sour candies even more some so I definitely have no complaints

[@1234redwing]

I'll be honest, I don't mind some pitting on antiques, gives them character.

[@francisphillips53]

Those grips came out nice!! Wow

[@gelb_0139]

Thanks for sharing your blueing process, i was looking for an easy process to restore my pliers

[@PessimisticSkeptic]

"Same reciprocating power of a 13yo boy" LOL this cracked me up so hard! Came outta nowhere.

[@jpallen719]

This is absolutely fascinating work….. such skill is involved.

[@francisphillips53]

That spring winder was cool.. was fun watching you fix this awesome revolver. 😊😊😊

[@galacticmarine663]

I love the note you guys left on the paper

[@wioras603]

I really like to watch your content. Beautiful work. Thanks .

[@ojrmk1]

Along with the Spitfire and the Land Rover, this is one of Birmingham's greatest contributions to the military. Lovely to see it brought back to working order.

[@digschopper9321]

Nice work. I always liked these old Webleys.

[@Jabbop]

Great Video. the editing is nice and the explanations are easy to follow

[@pro_retard5649]

Cool stuff man

[@NickRatnieks]

As a kid in Portsmouth, me and a friend would scour the sand of an old range at Fort Cumberland and I found a fair few of those old lead bullets you show. We also found a load of round nose.303 bullets which I suppose were Boer War era. Anyway, it is great to see an expert in action and quite deservedly, you have plenty of views.

[@tastypastry04gaming91]

This is by far my favourite sidearm

[@willland1243]

May I say your video was enjoyable and very informative as well. I was watching a video game and it had the very same weapon in it. I was wondering who made it and you answered all of questions. It's Remarkable how you turned that rust old pistol in to looking like it just just made. Now this is a restoration video. Thank you for showing it. Have a Blessed day, my friend.

[@madzen112]

There's something about a Webley, just goes so great with a whistle and a lanyard

[@MillwalltheCat]

'Guy's Shitty Reloads'? Haha! Good vid, as always.

[@Backyard.Ballistics]

He's gonna be mad at me for ages

[@user-jy3if7vn8y]

absolutely brilliantly done !

[@wingersfan]

Thanks for the Ground News recommendation. I am checking it out.

[@Backyard.Ballistics]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@allanisaacs4835]

A genuine expert! First class.

[@michaelchristopher4931]

Beautiful piece. Always wanted one.

[@LTCDRRAZOR]

I am very glad that you included the squib load as well as the cautioning about it. IIRC, I believe that it was something similar that led to the accident that killed actor Brandon Lee during the filming of the movie The Crow.

[@Sillu]

The best gun restoration channel, you are the best!

[@domi4531]

Always a great day when we get a new video from you! I appreciate your honesty and focus on attempting to maintain the original condition or at least correctly fixing them! I have a early occupation Cz model 27 that has small pitting and plenty of missing bluing. I’ve cleaned it and oiled to prevent further damage. But I can’t decide if I should leave it as is or go for a restoration. Mechanically it’s nearly flawless, very good rifling with no damage and all parts internally are smooth

[@Backyard.Ballistics]

you can't really do much damage with rust bluing. You don't even have to remove the old bluing.

[@domi4531]

@@Backyard.Ballistics thanks for the reply! I’ll give it a go after I can have enough time for prep and acquiring the materials

[@UnitSe7en]

"Guy's shitty reloads" - Way to make a fella feel accomplished lol

[@Backyard.Ballistics]

Poor Guy, I'm actually feeling a bit guilty now

[@UnitSe7en]

@@Backyard.Ballistics Haha nah. I don't know this Guy guy but he probably agrees with the appraisal and you're a jovial fellow.