description

A George Gibbs magazine rifle made between the two world wars and chambered in Westley Richards & Co.’s .318 Accelerated Express. The cartridge is described in Gibbs’ company literature from the 1920’s and 30’s as “the most popular of all medium game rifles”, and it was offered as the .318 Bore “Gibbs” Magazine Sporting Rifle in those same catalogs. Available in Best Quality and Second Quality, this rifle is the latter.  

Original 26” barrel (as measured outside the action’s front ring) with Gibb’s pattern island or “raised” rear sight with 1 standing/2 folding leaves that are platinum lined and regulated at 100, 200, 300 yds just as the catalog says. The “raised” foresight still retains the original folding sight hood and a narrow blade. There is a single sling eye mounted under the barrel. The standard-length Mauser action has a semi-rounded bolt handled, military style bottom metal, and a stippled front ring.  

As was standard for the Second Quality rifle, it has a straight grained walnut stock with a rounded, semi-pistol grip, solid steel grip cap, smooth steel butt plate, and a modest flattop checkering.  

The rifle remains fair, as refinished. Action and barrel have been re-blacked but bore remains excellent. Action is smooth and feeds well, floor plate is easy to operate. Rifle retains its original stock but has evidence of old refinish.  

Condition of finish on metal and wood is fair and mechanically the rifle works extremely well. Still a lot of life left in this rifle that falls into a little-known niche of English made rifles.   

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