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Over the coming weeks we will publish weekly a selection of images specific to the models of guns and rifles that Westley Richards produce to remind you all that when this is all over we still have plenty to look forward to.
Our gunmakers are still in the factory as we speak, credit to them, continuing to produce the magnificent guns and rifles that the name Westley Richards has become synonymous with.
All stay safe and enjoy.
A pair of 'Modele de Luxe' 7 x 57R double rifles with etched back elaborate scroll, carved fences and gold naming. The rifles were fitted with Westley Richards own take on the claw mount system with custom rings and bases scaled to suit the calibre. Small calibre double rifles are far less common in modern gunmaking than their larger cousins so it is always nice to have a couple coming through production.
A beautiful single selective trigger, special lightweight double rifle in 9.3 x 62 depicting various scenes of Roe deer with deluxe scroll, raised carved steel and gold naming. This calibre is a classic for driven big game hunting in Europe as it has moderate recoil, yet still shoots a heavy bullet.
An exhibition .470 double rifle engraved by Paul Lantuch with carved game scenes, elaborate relief scroll and gold naming. All parts of the rifle were vividly case colour hardened to accentuate the engraving. Paul has since completed other masterpieces for Westley Richards which you will see in the coming weeks.
A partly engraved .470 'Modele de Luxe' double rifle, the pattern for which was based on an original Westley Richards shotgun as depicted on page 12 of 'In Pursuit of The Best Gun' the 200 year old history of Westley Richards. This rifle was one of the 'Millennium' series of guns and rifles all of which were commissioned for one patron.
A superb heavy frame .500 double rifle with a subtle variation on the traditional Westley Richards 'house' engraving format. This rifle has carved fences and a carved buffalo on the cover plate which add a personal touch of individuality. When the commission for this rifle was given we were asked to build it on a heavier frame so that a weight of 12lb to 12lb 8ozs could be obtained.
Another very traditionally engraved double rifle in .500/.416 calibre. This rifle we scoped and regulated at 100 yards, making it a super buffalo gun for those trickier long shots.
A 'Modele de Luxe' .500 double rifle that has never appeared on The Explora. When originally completed we were not in a position to photograph it, but thankfully the rifle passed back to us and we able to obtain some nice images. The rifle has elaborate scroll with game scenes in both traditional and carved format, the whole rifle accented with gold detailing.
A fully carved side plated, single selective trigger .500 double rifle. Sadly one of the only images we have of this rifle which was part of a larger collection built for one client.
This mighty .500 Jeffery calibre sideplated double rifle is one of only two built by Westley Richards since the introduction of the cartridge. It is a formidable round that at one time held the status of being the most powerful magazine rifle cartridge.
A .577 double rifle expertly engraved by Vince Crowley depicting various African scenes. The cover plate design on this rifle is unique in that it shows a pair of bull elephant as seen from the air in the Okavango Delta, Botswana.
A stunningly executed .500 double rifle. The original concept for this rifle was designed by Rashid Hadi and then executed by both he and Brad Tallett. Collaborations amongst engravers has become a feature of Westley Richards guns and rifles, taking the very best of skills and moulding them into singular masterpieces.
The .600 remains along with the .577, .500 and .470 nitro expresses, the bulk of the double rifle orders going through the Westley Richards factory. Double rifles are synonymous with the name Westley Richards and have remained in constant production since the development of modern smokeless powder. This rifle combines carved scenes with elaborate scroll and gold lettering.
The only pair of .600 nitro express double rifles built by Westley Richards. Pairs of large calibre double rifles are rare by anyones standards, a pair of .600 even more so. These rifles have genuinely been used and are working tools as much as works of the gunmakers art.
A .243 Winchester and .600 nitro express double rifle original but as a consecutive pair to demonstrate the gunmakers ability to build scaled rifles at the extreme ends of the calibre range. Each rifle was fully carved and came in individual black alligator cases.
The mighty .700/.577 one of only 3 ever built by Westley Richards. The cartridge was developed by Westley Richards and shoots a 900 grain .577 bullet. Each of the three big rifles completed depicted either elephant or pre-historic creatures, as quite frankly thats all you would really hunt with one!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.
Keith Anderson on March 27, 2020 at 7:55 pm
Trigger,
I'm sorry that you and your incredibly talented staff are being prevented from doing what you love.
This post has been a beautiful oasis in the desert of... [dis ease]
Thank you, those double rifles are wonderful.
Everything about them, from the drop lock system (Leslie Taylor, Anson & Deeley), the Westley and Richards top lever, The Woodlouse safety, the foresight, stock and cheek piece lines, the file up with no pin holes and no bolsters... and not least the scaling and attention to detail, just screams out; Westley Richards!
Not to leave out your engravers, the St Ledgers, for the outstanding colour case hardening, and your other exceptional contributers.
I always look forward to new posts on the explora blog, so, in a time that is probably unprecedented in England since the 1640s, thank you for an extra Westley Richards high point.
Rex on March 30, 2020 at 5:08 pm
Great post! Really enjoyed seeing the craftsmanship of several different double rifles - amazing work.
Do you have a list of double rifles produced by Caliber? I believe I've seen that somewhere but can't locate it.
Peter Buckley. on March 31, 2020 at 1:52 pm
Hi Trigger
What a fabulous, stunning array of Droplock Double Rifle’s, the workmanship and engraving is completely outstanding, if in my dreams l was given freedom to choose any of the examples pictured l definitely would struggle to finalise my decision, but l must say the .243 Winchester scaled double does rock my boat somewhat.
Definitely a thank you is in order to you for your time and trouble in compiling this staggering list of Westley Richards triumphs......thank you.
Now at this particularly dangerous time (Covid 19) l do hope that you and all the staff, including all of your families, are safe and well........”stay safe”.
Very best regards
Peter.
Morten Skarra on March 31, 2020 at 3:10 pm
Wonderful to look at ... a 8x57 JSR scoped double for the moose hunts would be a dream come through :-)
Nick Haridemos on April 2, 2020 at 3:13 am
Fantastic craftsmanship and engraving on these gems!
Most uplifting to see these during a rather grim time with this bloody virus.
Good to see the factory team still working and creating such pieces of art.
cheers
Nick
Charles A. Huettner on April 7, 2020 at 6:35 pm
Love your post, those rifles are outsanding and the craftmanship is just truly amazing . Please stay stay safe and be well.