Beautiful New Westley Richards 16g Droplock Shotgun

The 16 bore gun is one that presents a real anomaly. Never produced in any great numbers by the British gunmakers it has maintained a unique niche in the hearts of sportsmen around the world for some very simple reasons.

By Trigger

The 16 bore is considered one of the finest patterning guns, particularly with the original 15/16 oz loads that were developed way back. Cases then were paper and the loads of more moderate velocity which produced very consistent patterns for traditional driven game shooting. Thankfully British cartridge manufacturers have continued to load in the paper case for the older guns, whilst adding plastic cased cartridges for the more contemporary built guns. Modern loading components mean the 16 bore can be loaded to more current velocities whilst maintaining a smooth recoil.

Weight wise the standard 28" barreled 16 bore can be built at a trim 6lbs. Taking into account that a 12 bore shooting a 1oz load would traditionally weigh at least 4-6ozs more, it is amazing that the 16 bore never took a greater hold on the best gun market. Interestingly on the continent, many drillings combine a rifle calibre with the 16 bore cartridge so allowing for a sensible weight to a versatile weapon.

Today the 16 bore rolls out of the various British gunmaking houses in rarefied numbers. Westley Richards gets to build a few in a decade which makes them quite unusual and certainly worth paying attention to if they come onto the pre-owned gun market.

Multicolour game scene of the clients favourite hunting companion.

By Trigger

3 Comments

Neil McVeigh on January 8, 2019 at 2:24 pm

Great to find a true connoisseur just like myself!We disciples of 16 g are an endangered species.Absolutely long life and enjoyment to the new owner.
What great taste!

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Peter Loam on January 17, 2019 at 4:41 pm

Ooo, I would love that! The 16 bore has got to be the most svelte, elegant calibre ever made and boy, do you know how to make it! Westley Richards droplock and 16 bore, what a perfect combination.

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Peter Buckley. on January 25, 2019 at 11:00 am

Hi Trigger

What a beautiful gun, the darker timber complementing the colour case and blacking.
Guns such as this at that weight are ideally suited for driven or walked up.
I’m guessing the client and his favourite companion ( Orange Belton English Setter ?) just love walked up, even the dog will appreciate this gun and and its superior shooting qualities I know my dogs would certainly appreciate someone who could shoot!

Best regards,

Peter.

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