It is a small, long-handled implement with a convex hammer head and a smaller flat-ended reverse. The head is hardened and has a high gloss polish and the handle looks suspiciously like it started life as a shotgun cleaning rod.
When actions and other parts come back into the finishing shop, if they have suffered any denting or scratching in transit, the tapping hammer is used to dress the wound.
By tapping a gouge or dent, for example, the hardened hammer head flattens the softer, raised metal; forcing it back into the place from whence it came before the impact which caused it to move.
Once tapped flat, the severity of the blemish is reduced by 80% or 90%, requiring far less metal to be removed when the remainder is polished out by file or emery cloth.
This technique can also be used to refine burred pin slots, making sure they look sharp and clean. The principle is that by using a tapping hammer, less material is removed when dressing a surface.
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, craftsmanship 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.
