Two Rifles To Do It All

No doubt there are many cartridges and rifles that would serve one well on a multi-species safari on the African continent. There are so many hunting opportunities on the continent that its hard to imagine that you could do it with just two rifles. That said, we have two modern pre-owned Westley Richards rifles at the U.S. Agency that would certainly cover any dangerous game pursuits a hunter would have in Africa. I’d even argue these two rifles would serve 99% of all the hunting in Africa.

By LD McCaa

Both rifles were completed in the early 2000’s. One is a Best Quality bolt action magazine rifle chambered in Jeffery’s .404 rimless cartridge and the other a Best Quality double rifle with hand detachable locks and chambered for the .470 3 ¼” NE.

This bolt action is currently one of my favorite rifles in our inventory. Based on a new double square bridge, magnum length Mauser action with Smithson 30mm quick detachable scope rings, a quarter rib with 1 standing/ 2 folding leaf Express sights that are gold lined with Westley’s patented combination foresight and folding sight protector. The bottom metal features a house pattern engraving Westley’s has done on its bolt action rifles for over 100 years with the scroll fully covering the action and furniture. The Maker’s name is inlayed in gold on top of the barrel and the serial number inlayed in gold on the guard bow.

The highly figured stock has a traditional beaded cheekpiece, a trap grip cap, point pattern checkering, a single recoil bar, and an ebony forend tip.

The rifle weighs just under 10 pounds with open sights and a 22” barrel, it is quite lively in the hands. Arguably one of the most popular bolt action cartridges used in the pursuit of dangerous game, part of the .404 Jeffery’s popularity is based on its relatively light recoil vs. its performance stopping big game. This rifle is as suited to the giant Lord Derby eland or the big bodied, short legged Bongo in thick cover as it would be for chasing dagga boys. I also like a magazine rifle in a big caliber on a safari so if I’m out chasing sable one day and stumble across a herd of buffalo, I’m still appropriately armed.

On this same safari, when I am strictly hunting big, dangerous game I might turn to a double rifle for the quick second shot and reliability that comes with a two trigger rifle. I don’t think any of us would turn down this Westley Richards & Co. .470 3 1/4” NE Best Quality Droplock.

Based on Westley’s iconic droplock action with the firm’s distinctive Snap Lever and Doll’s Head extension, two triggers and manual safety, and disk-set strikers. The action, triggers, grip cap, and forend iron are color hardened and the guard bow and cover plate are black. Engraved in the traditional Best Quality motif with the House’s traditional scroll on the action body with the Maker’s name in flowing banners and a game scene on the cover plate of an animal hunt with such a rifle. This rifle features a very well done and highly detailed vignette of an angry bull elephant. The rifle has supporting scrolls on the other metal parts. The word “SAFE” and the serial number are inlaid in gold.

The rifle has 24” chopper lump barrels with Westley Richards’ patented automatic ejectors and “Doll’s Head” rib extension, and Westley’s pattern quarter rib with 1 Standing Express sight, inlaid with a Gold Triangle and engraved “50 YDS”. The foresight is also Westley’s patented combination brass bead/flip-up night sight and rear folding sight protector. The Maker’s name is engraved in the middle of the top rib and the quarter rib has an engraved line border and is hand stippled.

Another highly figured walnut stock with a full pistol grip, traditional RH beaded cheekpiece and and a leather covered pad.

This rifle was ordered with no provisions for a sling, as many hunters opt for no sling in fear it may become a hindrance when the rifle is most needed.

It is complete in its Maker’s O&L case with canvas cover and cased Extra Pair of Locks. The spare locks rounding out the rifle’s reliability with a backup plan.

Weighing just over 10 ½ pounds, this rifle is slightly heavier than the .404 magazine rifle. Appropriately so, as the .470 NE is a well-regarded hammer of a cartridge and very similar to the .404 in its proven performance shooting big game and popularity across the continent.

Modern Westley Richards double rifles or magazine rifles made in the last 20 or 30 years, simply don’t come up for sale very often. Just in time for safari season, we have one of each available for immediate delivery.

Westley Richards has an outstanding reputation for supplying a comprehensive selection of pre-owned guns and rifles. We pride ourselves on our in depth knowledge of the many sporting arms built over the last 200 years, placing particular emphasis on big game rifles, like the 577 Nitro Express, 505 Gibbs and 425 Westley Richards. Whether looking to grow or sell your collection of firearms, or simply require a trusted evaluation, our team from the sales department would be delighted to hear from you. To view the latest available, head to the used shotguns and used rifles pages, and for those interested in new firearms, explore our custom rifles and bespoke guns pages.