I love the feel of vintage big bore wheelguns. I have a S&W 1917 in .45 ACP. Since these are rimless rounds, two thin half moon clips hold three rounds each, something like a speedloader. This and the almost identical Colt 1917 were wartime variations of commercial pistols. The original caliber was changed so that they would be consistent with 1911 ammo. Not enough 1911s were available so Colt and Smith began making the modified revolvers for the War Department. They are big beautiful pistols, artisan level craftsmanship, with big 'US GOVERNMENT PROPERTY' on the barrels and '1917' on the bottom of the frame under the grips.
My .455 Webley was made with the precision of a Swiss watch. Most .455 Webleys in private hands were converted to Colt .45 caliber when they hit the surplus market back in the 50s, but mine is original as issued, with its calfskin holster. It came down to me through a family marriage several generations ago.
The unlucky British officer to whom this gun once belonged wrote his name in a clear bold Etonian longhand on the holster's inside flap. I don't shoot this gun very often, but I look at it quite a bit. It fires a big heavy slug very slowly, designed to act like an iron fist to the chest. A deep long BAM as your arm and wrist move implacably upward as if by a magician's trick.
