Friday at the Factory

As another busy week draws to a close, we've brought you a selection of photos from the Westley Richards factory floor. Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, in accordance with government guidelines and strict social distancing measures, the gunmakers have not stopped working and the factory has been running full bore! A steady flow of new guns have reached completion and we are very grateful to our gunmakers and outworkers who have kept the wheels turning through such a difficult time. Fingers crossed we are through the worst of this virus and we are pleased to say the showroom is now open and the majority of WR is business as usual. So please feel free to drop us a line to discuss anything gun, clothing or hunting related!

By Ricky Bond

The traditional gun making skills, which are unchanged for the last 100 years, are still very much common place in the factory. A smoke lamp is used by each gunmaker on a daily basis to identify the bearing parts of two adjacent surfaces.

Engraving an action with traditional Westley Richards Scroll.

We currently have a strong team of apprentices coming through, working on a variety of component parts.

An action back after case colour hardening

A collection of stunning walnut blanks ready for selection by clients.

Final assembly of a newly completed droplock shotgun.

A pair of shotguns in the white, ready for live testing.

Jointing the barrels of a double rifle to the action to create a gas tight seal, ready for proof.

A double rifle in the white ready for regulating.

Various stocks drying in the finishing room.

Heading the action into the stock requires extreme patience and minute adjusts to fit the metal work exactly into the wood.

Final check over and inspection of a completed droplock shotgun.

Whether for the discerning collector or the avid sportsman, Westley Richards firearms represent the epitome of excellence in the world of bespoke gunmaking. Known for the droplock shotgun, over and under shotgun, double barrel rifle and bolt action rifle, the company has achieved an illustrious 200 year history of innovation, craftmanship and artistry. As part of our best gun build, clients can choose from three levels of gun engraving: the house scroll; signature game scenes; and exhibition grade masterpieces. All Westley Richards sporting arms are built at their factory in Birmingham, England. Discover more about the gunmaking journey at our custom rifles and bespoke guns pages.

By Ricky Bond

2 Comments

Marcus Lindfors on June 20, 2020 at 6:11 pm

Fantastic pictures. Real things. Thank you.

/Marcus

Reply
Peter Buckley on June 23, 2020 at 8:18 pm

Ricky

Thank you for your absolutely fabulous montage of reality photos making one feel like we’re on a personal tour conducted by yourself of all aspects of the factory and it’s workings, talented creative hands at every stage !

It gives the viewer/reader a sense of reality of how individual stages are achieved, and how these talented craftsmen work together to create masterpieces. That’s not just a Friday at Westley Richards that’s history and heritage in the making !!

Very best regards

Peter.

Reply