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This .318 that we recently acquired has been round all the gun makers, each one, in turn, taking his time to admire the shape, feel and form of a classic Westley rifle, hand crafted by their predecessors 104 years ago. They cannot but appreciate the skills they possessed, feel a sense of pride that this is 'one of our own' and then try and work out how they are going to acquire it for themselves! It's really quite special to have this rifle back in our possession and a rarity to say the least.
The .318 is a thing of legend and its credentials needs no questioning. Formidable for its size and a firm favourite for many a hunter, with its 250 grain bullet, it's conquered the largest of game and has been used around the world. Even after the release and rise in popularity of the .375 H&H Magnum it was still a hugely popular calibre and other gun makers built bolt action rifles in this calibre, proving the success and demand for this round.
This rifle, which is a really super example in characterful condition was completed in 1913, features a 22" barrel with our combination foresight, raised express sight with one standing 100 yard and four folding leaves regulated to 500 yards. The action is engraved with bold scroll, chequered bolt grip, has a flag safety and a hinged magazine plate with release latch. The full pistol grip stock measures 14 1/2" to the centre of the steel plated butt and has a grip cap with trap, side panels with points, horn forend tip, cheek piece and a neat peep sight fitted into the nose of the comb. The rifle weighs 7lbs 14oz, has been tested on our range and shoots a 1.5" group at 50 yards. It will be on our used gun site soon!
Neill on April 28, 2017 at 5:07 pm
What a lovely thing, and in a classic calibre. I'm sure it will go to a good home and hopefully be used as intended.
David Hodo on April 29, 2017 at 3:16 am
Another first for me! The peep sight folding into the comb! All done more than 100 years ago! Westley wonders never cease! Another beautiful rifle!
Thanks Ricky
David Hodo
Peter Buckley. on April 29, 2017 at 11:08 am
Dear Ricky
What unashamed elegance this rifle possesses, and to say it's returned home after more than 100 years and still grouping like that, no wonder your colleagues are wondering how they could acquire it, what a wonderful classic rifle this is.
Tell me when you tested the .318 on your range did you use a rest or purely offhand, merely interested in how you achieved the results ?
The 'Lyman' sporting sight fitted in the nose of the comb, great addition for longer sight base, quicker target acquisition for faster shooting rather than the more deliberate use of the formal sights, having said that what bugs me most is when fitted you loose quite a bit of the timber and the pure lines of the stock but hey most of the quality rifle builders of the time did just the same, what was wrong with striker mounted sights.
Another great post Ricky, how else would we be able to view such a testament to Westley Richards past craftsmanship!
Kind regards. Pete.
Ned Cowell on April 30, 2017 at 11:00 am
Absolutely fantastic! It must be great to belong to such a distinguished liniage.
It looks like a great rifle. What is the muzzle velocity of this round out of the short barrel.?
All the best. Ned.
Steve on August 28, 2019 at 6:32 am
These are a very elegant rifle in every way, I have one similar same barrel length, but no cheek piece or engraving and no flip up peep sight,
Cheers
Steve
Afzaal.M.Khan on November 7, 2022 at 7:02 am
I inherited one , though not been used in a hunt for over 70 years ,still Has a lovely click to the bolt . The craftsmanship is simply superb.