The classic hallmarks of the Westley Richards hand detachable lock (droplock) action, scroll back, hinged cover plate, wide top lever with model 'c' dolls head fastener, single selective trigger and distinctive safety button.
The real beauty of this project was the patience and trust that the client showed in Westley Richards. What originally started out as a 'test' piece for his relationship with the company, developed into a 'well clearly you know what your doing, I'll keep out of it now'. And so with that kind of trust placed upon us we set out to deliver a unique piece of work that we very much hope surpasses all of his expectations!
Exceptionally fine detail in the engraving of this gun continues to raise the bar here at Westley Richards. This particular work was executed by Vince Crowley.
Beautiful French fitted lightweight leather case with hand made tools.
Projects such as this really are great fun for all involved as they develop into much more than delivering 'just another gun'. Talking through our own ideas with the client turns this into something very personal and as you will have seen from blogs posted in recent months, every gun and rifle we now build has some individual twist, in our opinion the very essence of having a 'bespoke' gun or rifle made in the first place. To those brave enough to trust us we say thank you and to this particular client we say 'wait until you see your next project!'
Glorious Turkish walnut finished with a Woodward grip and heel and toe plates once again demonstrates Westley Richards commitment to producing the truly 'bespoke'.
Bespoke leather upright cartridge magazine made to complement the gun case and complete a fantastic all round package.
Neil McVeigh on August 24, 2018 at 10:18 am
Exquisite!Once again you guys have hit the ball out of the park.What a lovely gun.Years of enjoyment to the new owner.
Gary Duffey on August 24, 2018 at 10:36 am
A stunningly beautiful outcome for all involved and congratulations! There is simply no room for improvement to my eye. Well thought out, perfectly executed!!
HARTLEY KITTLE on August 24, 2018 at 11:50 am
Beautiful, My only hope is that it will used and enjoyed.
vance daigle on August 25, 2018 at 9:33 am
Good Day Trigger,
Lagniappe: A french work that means getting extra.
Trigger... everything about my guns falls into the category of Lagniappe.... getting extra. My gun is over the top in every sense of the word. Extra in my mind means that there was not a single item goes untouched. Every part of my gun received special attention. You and your team has achieved perfection on my gun. I could not leave LD McCaa out of the equation. After all he helped create this masterpiece and is the guy that had to listen to me talk about my project thought out the build, here as the US agent. LD has become a very special friend to me. A Straight Shooter!!! Your team has hit a grand slam with my project!!!! Words do not do justice to my project, fortunately Westley takes world class pictures to show the beauty. As I am so happy to share my gun to the readers.
I want to take a moment to describe my build. Being a guy with a strong type A personality as I am sure most of Westley's clients are. The key to my project was in leaving the experts at Westley build the gun. Complete trust of LD and you Trigger, has far exceeded my greatest expectations. Not certain how to get the best engraving to suit my taste, I gave y'all a theme and let you show your exceptional taste in building and choosing the correct engraver. Mr. Vince Crowley your skills as an engraver are spectacular!!!! Thank you Sir!!!!!! I requested that my gun come with a matching Cartridge case, allowed you to build it without any directions from me other than I would like the case to be different and a bit smaller. The gun case and the cartridge magazine have the same wonderful detail as the gun iteslf. Thank you Trigger and LD for a wonderful journey building this shotgun. I look forward to our next adventure, Trigger you have set a very high bar with this gun. I read where you wrote wait until I see the next gun Vance. Baited breath... Sir!!!! waiting with baited breath.
Gratitude that isn't expressed doesn't exist!!!
In Christ
Vance,
Trigger on August 25, 2018 at 3:10 pm
Very many thanks indeed Vance for your kind words. All those involved will be most grateful. This little gun has allowed us once again to show what can be accomplished with genuine care and attention to detail. Your confidence in Westley Richards is a credit to you.
Best regards
Trigger
Peter Buckley. on August 26, 2018 at 1:01 pm
Hi Vance
Congratulations on your individual choice of a very beautiful gun, I’m sure you will enjoy every shot taken with it. The case, the magazine, the tools, so individual and bespoke for ‘you’!
Best regards
Peter.
Peter Buckley. on August 25, 2018 at 12:32 pm
Hi Trigger
The coming together of the best materials the best combined workmanship and engraving, that case, has produced what can only be described as, yes you said it ‘Magnificent’!
That’s the first new cartridge Magazine I’ve seen on the ‘Explora’ beautiful.
I know you will have test patterned it but my feelings are it needs to be put through a more rigorous testing, just send it up to Yorkshire with a full magazine and I personally will give it a good few outings to make sure it’s right for the client!
Best regards
Peter.
Ken Hill on August 25, 2018 at 12:47 pm
Trigger,
A great looking example of WR's efforts. Everything looks spectacular including the accessories and case. The engraving is very interesting. Who developed the shell motif and engraving pattern for this gun?
Best,
Ken
Neill on August 29, 2018 at 11:24 am
That is a seriously fine looking gun, Vance has secured a gem! I think Westley's have to be the best totally independent gunmaker these days including the Austrian companies.
Dogs and Doubles on August 30, 2018 at 12:05 pm
Beautiful gun. Congratulations.
Is the action/lockwork scaled down all around for a 28g?
And why did you decide to color-case harden everything?
Thanks,
Gregg
Trigger on August 31, 2018 at 6:44 am
Dear Gregg
All of our double guns and rifles are built on true scaled actions to meet with traditional weight and balance for calibre/bore.
Full case colour hardening can look spectacular and really enhance the overall look of the engraving. Very much for show!
Best regards
Trigger
Dogs and Doubles on September 4, 2018 at 8:33 am
Thank you.