However, the passion for hunting elephant and buffalo (the primary recipients of these 750-grain bullets) is, if anything, increasing and our order book continues to feature new-build .577 NE, double rifles, alongside the more usual shotguns, and magazine rifles for deer stalking.
Serial No. 20455 was completed in October 2024 as a Modéle de Luxe, regulated for our 750-grain soft-nose and solid bullets. The mechanism is our own 1897 Taylor-patent hand detachable lock but the external appearance is that of a true sidelock. This is unusual but not unique.
Throughout the history of the hammerless gun, some customers have sought the robust reliability of a body-action gun but prefer the extra metal work the sidelock provides for engraving. Some simply prefer the look of the sidelock.
The big side-plates here provided ample canvas for the engravers to do their work and they have depicted the tree traditional adversaries of the .577 wielder: black rhino, Cape buffalo and an East African Elephant bull.
John Farman carried out the bold scroll-work and carving, while our own Leo is responsible for the incredibly lifelike and dramatic game scenes.
As well as being very beautiful, the rifle has been specified with some very practical features. The exhibition-grade walnut stock is finished with a dark red Silver’s anti-recoil pad and the splinter forend gives it shotgun-like handling, with the security of a well-shaped, full pistol grip stock, which is helpful in absorbing recoil and ensuring the hand does not slip.
The two triggers are set to break cleanly at 4lbs front and 5lbs rear. The overall weight of the rifle is 13lbs 8oz with a 24” barrel and 14 5/8” length of pull on the stock, which also features a cheek-piece and grip cap. It is supplied with a spare foresight bead and a pair of extra strikers. 1” quick-detach sling swivels are fitted.
Unlike many of the big double rifles we make, this one is not heading for the USA, it will be shipped straight to Africa.
A double .577 is not a bench-rest shooting kind of rifle but it would be a mistake to underestimate the precision of the regulation we can achieve, even with these big bullets. Our team regulated this rifle so well that there is barely 1/2” distance between the right and left barrels at point of impact at fifty yards, using Kynoch solids.
That is sufficiently precise to attempt heart or brain shots with confidence, even under pressure. The open sights are designed for fast target acquisition and snap shooting if required. Although set with folding leaves to allow for 100 and 150 yards shots, the vast majority of this kind of game is taken inside fifty yards.
Although a Modéle de Luxe, very little gold was specified in the embellishment of this rifle. It features in the name and address on the rib, the calibre-designation on the top-lever and the company name on the lock plates. Otherwise, it looks quite sober and purposeful, while bearing close Inspection due to the exquisite quality of the engraving.
Attention should be drawn to the strap over comb extension, which, in tandem with the steel trigger guard strap, terminating in the steel grip-cap, provides significant additional strength at the rifle’s weakest point.
If a reminder is needed about the performance of this beautifully built and perfectly proportioned big game stopper, the .577 NE packs 5,400 ft-lbs of energy when it delivers its 750-grain bullet at 1,800 fps. We chronographed this at between 1,830 and 1,871 fps in testing.
Today’s hunters clearly relate to the experiences of the greats of the past, like James Sutherland and J.A. Hunter, who each bagged over 1,000 of Africa’s biggest and most dangerous animals with their Westley Richards rifles in this calibre.
It may not be the biggest double rifle you can buy but many consider the 600NE and 700NE beyond practical use, for most people, and the .577NE to be biggest of the serious hunter’s choices.
We are delighted that there are still customers whose passions cause them to commission these giant doubles today. Their patronage allows us to keep the old skills and knowledge current, ensuring that best quality big double rifles continue to grace the benches of Pritchett Street.
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.
