Enquire
Bolt Action rifles play an important part in every sportsman's battery and we always have a wide selection in production here at the factory and we currently have 23 of this model in production in calibres from .275 - .505 Gibbs. We have 404's, .425's, .318's and some other nice classic calibre's like 500J. It is interesting for me that the 'modern' calibre's are perhaps less popular than the classic, proven ones!
Westley Richards 7mm Remington Magnum.
Westley Richards Take Down in .375 Magnum.
Larry on September 14, 2015 at 3:16 pm
I think the classic cartridges are chosen for a couple reasons: the heritage that goes together with a great English rifle in addition to the accessibility of ammunition. Nothing is more romantic than shooting a WR rifle in a proprietary cartridge or a true African hunting classic like the 375HH. In addition, it's quite hard to find modern cartridges while in Africa... But, one can generally locate some 375 or 30-06 without a problem. That being said, I've taken every plains game animal I've hunted with a 7mm Dakota. ;)
Peter Martisson on September 14, 2015 at 5:12 pm
Mr. Clode
Is there any guidelines regarding the weight for different calibers that you try to follow?
As for classic cartridges my personal dream battery of rifles has to be a .275 a .375 and a .505 , cartridges that has much more charisma than modern stuff. Regarding scope mounts is there any practical difference between the two types used on the 7mm and the 375.
And once more I have to congratulate you and your team for building the most beautiful rifles that I have ever seen.
Best regards
Peter
Simon Clode on September 15, 2015 at 7:20 pm
Thanks Peter for the question. I don't think this is an exact science, it is like everything else with a bespoke rifle, a matter of choice, and of course the 'customer is always right', old, young, big small all come into the question. That said we do try and 'suggest' the weights a rifle should be for comfort or which we know we can achieve in the lighter calibre's. Sometimes people will insist on a light .500 for instance, and perhaps regret it. It is as always a balance between carrying the rifle for hours and taking the shots well. I think in many cases the practise rounds are what have to be taken carefully with a big rifle, especially if light. When hunting you will not remember the recoil, but 10-20 shots on a range with a lighter than normal rifle and the recoil may just give you a flinch.
On the scope mounts the 2 rifles have the same system, this is incorporated into the square bridges of the rifle action, they have covers so are 'hidden' when not in use.
Peter Martisson on September 15, 2015 at 8:45 pm
Thank you Simon
Best regards
Peter
Neill Clark on September 14, 2015 at 6:56 pm
I love these, I have said before that bolt action rifles are my favourite, and these are the best.
On cartridges, I think it's that the older rounds combine bullet weight and velocity very well. A lot of the modern stuff seems to be chasing ever higher velocity simply for the sake of it. Accuracy and reliability are key, let's face it, W D M Bell took most of his elephants with a .275, he knew where to put the bullet.
vancedaigle on September 15, 2015 at 3:07 pm
Morning Simon,
Just settling back into the office this morning and looking for the ole sweet spot for my bottom side in my chair. I have been in England longer than any place I have ever been bless to go...What a trip it was!!!!
I would like to take a moment and tell all your readers about the two days I was able to spend at your Factory. Simon you were more hospitably than anyone should be with a guest that stays that long....I was kinda like a mother in law I feel.
But the Pilgrimage far exceeded my expectation. You showed me everything that a man could want to see and the entire process of building a Best Gun. For a gun junkie like myself it was the greatest fix of all time. I was able to see your craftsman at there best....building a gun. Heck you even have a shooting range on the premise. I would have loved to take all the puppies on the workers desk home. Of course that is not possible and even if it were the journey of building a gun is the only thing I can think of that rivals the taking of a great trophy.
For you guys that read this blog on a regular basis I would like to say I will now be getting my vision of a great Package, two take down rifles one in .425 and one in .318. Interesting that Simon has just written with these bolt action how it was getting more popular to have guns built in a Proper cal for the manufacture. The guns will be in a proper dimension for both cal the 425 having the long magazine protrudeing on the bottom, and several sight blades. The 318 a lighter gun that can easily be carried all day.
Both of these guns will be housed in a two gun motor case. My vision of the surprise, of what will be when you open the case expecting to see a pair of shotgun. Only to have two take down Rifles.
For those you of that have read the things I have posted in the pass you may know I am enthusiastic about guns...Especially Westley Richards, but do let that fool you, If you have a opportunity to go there and see the operation I strongly recommend the trip. Everything about it exceeded my expectation and Simon is a gentlemen in the truest since of the word. I will end by saying that I was able to order a few gun while there. So my adventure doesn't stop for a while. Thank you Simon and I wish my humble ability to put into words were better, to express my appreciation. Sadly the best I really have is to say.... thank you for giving this ole asphalt man the adventure of a life time!!!!!! Guys if you ever have a chance to order a WR, I strongly advise you to finish the experience buy visiting the facility.
In Christ
Vance,
Simon Clode on September 15, 2015 at 7:23 pm
Thank you Vance, it was a pleasure and we hope that more people will make the time for the Trek! I appreciate we are not convenient to London visitors but I hope that the message slowly gets out that it is well worth the day trip as so much to see. I will be trying to do a visual 'visit' to WR on the blog soon in order to tempt more of you here!
Simon