Help me choose please; Webley vs Ruger

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The Doc

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Gentlemen,

Greetings from India !
I will be grateful if you help me decide between a Webley & Scott .32 cal, B-series, small frame, 3" barrel revolver, manufactured 1978-79 (which I own)
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and a Ruger Super Single Six convertible .22LR & .22WMR with a 5.5" barrel, manufactured 1980.(which has been offered to me in exchange for the Webley)
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Both pieces are in equally good (read excellent) condition . Webley frame is much smaller than the Ruger. What is your take on a .22 WMR round (fired from a 5.5" barrel) as compared to a .32 S&W long round (fired from a 3" barrel) ?
I don't carry everyday and hunting has been banned in India for the last several years. Also the import of firearms has been banned in India since mid-eighties and most imported firearms available are pre-owned. Calibers like .38, .45 and 9 mm are prohibited for civilian use .

best
 
Well not sure in India but here in the USA the 22/22mag are both found anywhere they sell ammo the 32 S&W not so.If you dont plan on carring it much and cant hunt with it I would go with the one I shot the best if ammo is no problem.The 22mag is the most powerful of them I believe.I know it is the fastest.
 
I think most of us in the states are going to say get the Ruger. You are getting a big upgrade with the Ruger sights and they can't be beat for durablity. Here's what the .22 WMR will do with various loads listed here:

http://www.brassfetcher.com/22WMR.html

They do not offer any tests on the .32 S&W long but the .32 H&R Mag. will not penetrate to the depth of a .22 WMR.
 
They're both just fun shooters from the looks of it, so get the one you enjoy shooting more. And be aware that ammo for 32 smith and wesson long is not super easy to find. As far as ballistics, 22 wmr out of a pistol is about as hot as 22 lr out of a rifle. 32 long isn't moving as fast but the bullet is about twice as heavy.
 
Ordinarily I'd say no trade, since the Single Sixes are easier to find. But that's stateside. Where you are, the major concerns seem very different. I'd say first off part with NO firearm, but buy the Six if you can. If that's not an option and you're not able to find ammo for the Web, then it might be a good trade.
 
That must have been one of the last revolvers Webley ever made, as they ceased firearms production in 1979, so it might have collector value (Webley is now completely gone, driven out of business by anti-gun insanity and a government run by the lunatic left; sad.).

From a practical point of view, the Ruger would be the better choice. The .22 Long rifle ammunition is less expensive and more widely available, the gun is simple almost never has any problems, but parts are available for repairs if needed. The .22 WMR is far superior to the .32 for defensive purposes.

Jim
 
wow, glad i don't live in India. I personally would go with the Ruger. Seems like if you can't import, then both would be collectors items there.
 
Thank you for your inputs gentlemen, there are a few points I need to clarify.

The commonest civilian handgun calibers in India are .32 S&W long and .32 ACP. The ammo. therefore is readily available, both Indian and USA made. The US brands are approx. 4-5 times more expensive.

The Webley in .32 caliber is a commonly available handgun in India , the Rugers are less common. Both I am afraid do not have much collector's value here, the Webley though manufactured towards the end still has around 6200 pieces which were manufactured after it . The price of firearms in India is insane ! The Ruger being a single action and .22 would be a little cheaper than the Webley.

For repairs one has to rely on the local gunsmiths . Import of barrels, slides, cylinders, magazines etc is also banned.

The only reason why I want to give the Webley is that I am not comfortable with its grips , They are too small for my hands. I tried fixing commercially available synthetic grips but they always develop a little play after some usage. The size of Webley frame on the other hand is of advantage, it fits in easy in the front pocket of regular jeans .

best.
 
Sounds like sticking with the Webley is your best bet. If the grips are a problem for you, you might try having a new set made, or wrapping them in some kind of athletic tape to make the grip wider and give you a little more to hold onto.
 
For sheer practicality it seems that the Webley would be the best choice. I really want to say go with the Ruger. Rugers are generally durable guns but I did break one once - so they're not infallible. Also, I'd think that .22 ammo is cheaper everywhere so you'd be able to practice more. But if there's a chance you might need to carry it or even just stick it in your pocket, as much as I hate to choose something over the Ruger, I think the Webley may be a better choice.
Are speedloaders available to fit the Webley?
 
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If I were you, while I would like to acquire the Ruger, I would likely not be willing to give up the Webley to get it. It might be significant that the other fellow is wanting to give up the Ruger to get the Webley.
 
@ goon - Yes speed loaders are available for the Webley.

In fact one of the negative points about a Ruger Single Six is the loading and extraction of the shells . Webley being a "break-top" revolver and having an extractor makes life a little easy.

best.
 
"...not comfortable with its grips..." Hi. They are little things, so they are. Any woodworkers near you? One of 'em might be able to make you some bigger grips. A knife handle maker, maybe. Using the inside of the stock grips as a model. Any hardwood will do. Indian craftsmen are a talented bunch.
As to the trade, don't think I would, but it'd be about the availability of ammo.
 
Aha - Webley Speedloaders! You learn something new every day!
Since reloading is much faster with the Webley and you're so comfortable with it already, I'd definitely keep it.
Look into getting replacement grips made. It's not rocket science and I've heard your country has many skilled craftsmen.
 
I agree to keep the Webley. The 22 has a higher velocity but the other's projectile is twice as heavy. God forbid you ever have to use this thing for it's purpose, but if you do you're probably going to be hitting meat with it. Plus since the Ruger is single action well that's just one more thing you have to do besides draw and fire. Personally I think Ruger is an awesome brand but I just don't think this particular gun will serve your needs.

If the grips don't fit your hand, make them. Use some tape or something and fatten them up. It may not look pretty but if your ugly gun would feel better in your hand then it's worth it. You can always have some grips made for it when you get the opportunity.
 
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