A Classic Westley Richards .425 Bolt Action Rifle.

The Classic .425 Westley Richards rifle has become a scarcer and scarcer item to locate. The distinctive style and performance make it a desirable rifle for both collectors and hunters alike. The rifle has a totally distinct look which is, like the hand detachable locks, unique to our company. The .425 round is a match for the .416 Rigby, Rigby would say their round is more powerful and we would of course claim our is. Both use a .410gr bullet. The .425 is certainly more comfortable to shoot and being built on the standard size Mauser action is also faster to feed and load. The drop magazine was designed to take 'at speed' the contents of the 5 round clips of ammunition by which it was sold.

Finding a .425 rifle like this in its original specification and without having been through poor restoration or repairs is a very welcome surprise these days, it is a rifle I would like to be able to sell frequently but rarely get the chance. This particular rifle has been 'sleeping' in South Africa 'has done a little work' and is now home here at the factory and will be up on our used gun site shortly.

The rifle was built in 1937 and has the original 28" barrel ( 27 3/8" from front ring of which many of which have been shortened to 25-6") stock length of 14 3/8" and weighs 9lbs 15oz. The rifle is not cased and the accessories shown are from my collection of bits and do not come with the rifle. We do make in our leather shop a replica of the sling with hooks and also the belt and ammo holder.

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Comments

15 comments

VD

Vance Daigleon November 04, 2025

Vance Daigle on October 4, 2016 at 1:40 pm

Good Day Simon,
Thanks for showing another rust ole nail Simon, this one seems to have a bit of a different front site…ring around the barrel? Very manly package in my humble opinion. Thanks!!!
In Chrsit
Vance,
SC

Simon Clodeon November 04, 2025

Simon Clode on October 4, 2016 at 9:03 am

All the ballistic testing was done at the proof house with 28" barrels so I assume as peak ballistics were reached with this length barrel they made initial models with this length. Some people get on well with them and in particular the old African hunters seem to like them, they point well and I have used them open sighted with great success in the bush.
SC

Simon Clodeon November 04, 2025

Simon Clode on October 3, 2016 at 3:42 pm

We make the same belt and sling in our leather shop. I will email you a photo of them.
FK

Fredrik Kon November 04, 2025

Fredrik K on October 3, 2016 at 3:34 pm

Cracking rifle! Who made the belt?
FK

Fredrik Kon November 04, 2025

Fredrik K on October 3, 2016 at 3:34 pm

Cracking rifle! Whos made the belt?