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With such a reputation for large calibre rifles it is a genuine pleasure to get to build the first and probably only .22-250 Remington calibre take down magazine rifle in the history of the company. This fine little calibre can trace its ancestry back to the 1930's and the boom in wildcatting that our good friends in the USA were running with. In essence the .22-250 is the .250 Savage case necked down to take the .224 bullet. It was officially adopted by Remington in 1965 and has been chambered in production rifles by most of the major rifle manufacturers ever since.
Principally a varmint (sorry 'vermin' for us Brits!) calibre it is also a devasting Roe deer calibre north of the border here in Britain. Unusually and much to our gratification, this rifle is intended for use here in the Uk which makes this an extra special build for the factory as most of the guns and rifles we build head overseas.
A Swarovski 1" Z3 scope in old school claw mounts sits well on the rifle making use of the original rear square bridge.
When building a rifle of this scale in British terms the key to the build is in the action. You need something small and being a British riflemaker that traditionally has to be a Mauser '98. Now modern small 'Kurz' (short) actions are available, but with a project this unique you really need to look for something special. So it was that we pulled from the depths of the factory an original Mauser Oberndorf Kurz action with a rear single square bridge still retaining its original factory fittings for a quick detachable scope system.
Taking things a step further it was decided to build the rifle as a takedown, the smallest of which we have built. This in itself was an interesting excercise as we opted to review the takedown release catch traditionally found on the right side of the forend, to use a revised underside catch fashioned in the shape of our famous Deeley forend catch so giving the rifle that classic Westley Richards touch.
Case colour hardening predominates tthe finish of this rifle enhancing the unusual 'Byzantine' design.
Engraving wise the client requested a design based around 'Byzantine' motifs. The Byzantium period in history is said to span over 1000 years so clearly there was a lot to chose from so with the aid of the client, a geometric border (found commonly on gold jewellery of the period), combined with a floral motif was used as the basis for the engraving with the family crest set in the centre of the floorplate surrounded by a design that was taken from an architectural feature. To cap it all of the clients initials for both the stock and case disk were engraved from the Uncial alphabet!
Looking down on the rifle the elegant lines are enhanced by the rich black, electric blue and vivid case colours of the final finish.
In its finished state with the addition of a case colour hardened floorplate and magazine box the rifle is a wonderful mixture of the old and the new. The original Mauser '98 Kurz action was without doubt the right way to go with such a project and we trust that complete in its traditional lightweight canvas case this unique little rifle will give its owner decades of fun and pleasure.
A close figured exhibition grade piece of walnut furnished with heel and toe plates sets the rifle off.
Ned Cowell on June 14, 2019 at 9:51 am
That is absolutely stunning. What a delight to see it.
neil mcveigh on June 14, 2019 at 11:17 am
It sure is a beauty!I applaud the new owners taste and courage!To build a take-down in 22-250 is not for the faint hearted.Many years of pleasure to him/her.
Trigger its not the traditional WR take-down system, can you enlighten us please?
Neil
Trigger on June 14, 2019 at 11:54 am
Hi Neil
The rifle is small through the forend and so rather than fit the usual side version which has quite a large box, we opted for something different that was slimmer and less obvious. It shapes up really nice and works very well. They'll be a few more coming through.
All the best
Trigger
Ken Hill on June 14, 2019 at 7:02 pm
Trigger,
Quite a nice unique rifle! The engraving compliments the rifle really well. I really like the looks of the takedown. How is the electric blue finish done?
Best,
Ken
Trigger on June 18, 2019 at 9:10 am
Hi Ken
The secret of the electric blue is held by the St.Ledger brothers who do our case colour hardening as well.
Best regards
Trigger
Christopher Sarpy on June 15, 2019 at 6:52 pm
It truly is a stunning rifle. I love the forend release at the bottom. Makes me want a take-down rifle!
Peter Buckley. on June 17, 2019 at 3:10 pm
Trigger
Well isn’t that just an amazing delightful rifle, the client and the Westley team must be extremely satisfied with themselves to design and build such a unique instant classic!
When l saw then thumb depression in the left receiver wall I instantly thought that rifle is UK bound, another very interesting combination is the left shoulder mounting (master left eye) right handed bolt, can honestly say l can’t remember seeing that combination on another rifle, again for me unique ! Beautiful rifle.
Best regards
Peter.
Alan Wallis on December 17, 2019 at 9:49 pm
I've got quite a few guns made for me by Josef Just and Ludvick Brovnick...they are beautiful but this rifle is fantastic.