This particular gun is one of our signature hand detachable lock or droplock shotguns in 20g built to our 'Modele de Luxe' standard. With scroll back action, double triggers, 28" barrels and a traditional straight hand stock the gun weighs in at a perfect 5lb 12ozs making it as old school as you could possibly be. With the trend for longer barrels and heavier guns in the British market you forget just how nice a traditional side by side gun can be and how much fun it will be on a conventional driven shoot whether at the grouse in the north of the country or hedge hopping partridge in the east and south.
It is always amusing to flick through our old catalogues which often refer to the 20 bore as the perfect 'ladies' gun. How times have changed. The 20 bore has been popular in the male shooting fraternity for many years now and as shooting evolves over the coming years it is likely we will see even more of these small bore guns in the field as shooters look to test themselves and enjoy what the day is really all about - having fun!
Engraving wise Brad Tallett executed a very nice fine scroll with bouquet engraving and carved fences, complemented with game scenes of Pheasant, English Partridge and Red-Legged Partridge, making the gun quintessentially British.
Whilst Covid seems to have knocked the shooting season over here to some degree this season, the gun should with a degree of luck and perserverance get to see some days in the field and of course we all have next season to really look forward to.
The classic British shooting scene with Pheasant soaring over the tree tops. A sight many of out international friends have sadly missed this season but are without question already looking forward to in 2021.
The fine scroll and bouquet engraving complements the delicate frame of the gun very well. Over the years we have learnt to refine the size of the scroll to suit the individual gun.
Red legged partridge fly well down the left hand side of the action. A great game bird in its own right, whether you choose to shoot them here in the Uk or over in Spain.
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.
Peter Buckley. on December 8, 2020 at 1:14 pm
Dear Trigger,
“Oh” so quintessentially British.
The engraving is so perfectly balanced within the diminutive frame.
Great to see Brad Tallett has signed his work, this guy is so talented, what an asset to the company.
Superb gun !!
My compliments to you and all your staff for working through these testing times.
Trigger on December 8, 2020 at 1:28 pm
Many thanks indeed Peter for the kind words. Always great getting a gun out into the British shooting field.
Peter Buckley. on December 8, 2020 at 1:56 pm
Tigger,
May l take this opportunity to wish you and all your so talented members of staff at the factory......
A very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year !!
Let’s hope ‘2021’ is a new beginning for mankind !
Trigger on December 8, 2020 at 2:01 pm
And the same to you and your family Peter! Here’s to new beginnings!!!
Keith on December 23, 2020 at 5:24 pm
Trigger,
I hope that the holiday season finds you, your family and all the staff at WR well.
I admit defeat and must ask, in the picture that corresponds with "Red legged partridge fly well..." there are several numbered parts "1, 2, 5," laid out next to the shotgun with the rest in a purpose made pouch near the bottom left of the picture. What are these?
They appear to be heat treated or colour case hardened. They almost look like flat springs of some sort but I can't find them anywhere to confirm or disprove my theory.
Thank you for answering me if you should choose to do so.
Trigger on December 24, 2020 at 9:33 am
Many thanks indeed for your greetings and the same to you and your family. The items that you see in the image are often referred to as 'peg', 'place' or 'position' finders and are a traditional part of British shooting. Basically the team of guns on any driven day individually pick one to reveal what peg they will be on for the first drive of the day. They will then go up two or maybe three pegs each drive thereafter. A normal line of guns might number anywhere from eight to ten.
All the very best
'Trigger'
Keith Vandal on December 27, 2020 at 9:32 am
Thank you for the explanation, I never would have guessed that!
Cheers.