Take for instance this Westley Richards .318 magazine rifle completed in 1909. It has all the best features of a Westley Richards bolt action of the time including horn tipped bolt handle, wooden side panels, edged cheek-piece and bold scroll engraving. However, of far more interest is the full length engine turned rib which is finished at the muzzle with Westley Richards patent flip over combination foresight that actually recesses into the rib!
The amount of work required to do this would have been considerable and the attention to detail shown by some long lost gun maker is all that we have come to expect of historical Westley Richards.
The story does not end there. Attached to the cocking piece is a Rigby style peep sight which allows for a clear view all the way along the top rib as the actual express sight consists of totally flush fitting leafs regulated out to 500 yards! The peep sight itself has been regulated to match perfectly with these leafs.
The rifle retains most of its original finish including take down cleaning rod in the butt plate and spare foresight beads in the grip trap. To find a rifle in this condition, in this configuration really is a rarity and it always reminds us that you have never seen it all and never know what might just be out there!
Lovely traditional bold scroll coverage.
Horn tipped bolt handle. A classic Westley Richards feature.
Scooped top rib to accommodate Westley Richards flip over foresight protector.
The full length engine turned rib is an unusual feature of this rifle.
Stunning walnut stock with wooden side panels.
Neill on August 20, 2018 at 8:48 am
A real gem of a rifle, I love it!
Neil McVeigh on August 21, 2018 at 2:19 am
Absolutely unbelievable.I am copying my wife on this in case she asks what I would like for Christmas.
Chris Buckingham on August 21, 2018 at 4:23 am
What a wonderful find ! That front sight is a work of art, but then so is the full length rib, it has so much character with those small usage dings in the superb stock wood.
Gary Duffey on August 21, 2018 at 4:54 pm
Not much to say. This rifle is special in every way!
Peter Buckley. on August 22, 2018 at 5:29 am
Hi Trigger
Incredible attention to detail!!
At first sight another Mauser action rifle, not so, just look at the incredible detail achieved by your forebears, that rib, horn bolt handle, that wonderful hooded foresight with the bead (ivory) lined with fingernail grooves, rear elevating sporting sight, grip trap and butt trap, stock details, why such Incredible attention to detail, “because we can”!!
Such a well balanced rifle.
Best regards
Peter.