I think it was early 2000 when these rifles were commissioned. A large bore Hand Detachable lock rifle in .600 NE and a small bore in .243 Winchester, both to be deep carved engraved with scenes of Africa of the .600 and American game for the .243 Winchester. Two rifles which show the range we build in our rifles, from very large to small.
Whilst we have made quite a few .600 rifles in recent years I do believe this is the first and only .243 that we made. I say this cautiously as last time I quoted 'a first' calibre someone turned up a previous rifle we had made in the very same calibre, luckily a bullet variation of that calibre allowed me to side step that embarrasment.
The proportions of a large rifle and a small rifle are dramatically different but perhaps not as much as you would expect. The .243 is a petite rifle, but here looks quite large. The governing factor is the size of the action needs to be able to withstand the proof test pressure of the round being built for. The .243 is indeed a small bullet but with a large case and develops a pressure of approximately 60,000psi whereas the .600 is 36,000psi as a comparison. The .600 weighs 14lbs 8ozs and the .243 8lbs 3oz.
Each rifle is cased in an individual black alligator covered oak case fitted with sterling silver case fittings and with bright red goat skin lining and french fitted Ivory tooling. The rifles are part of the collection now housed here at Westley Richards.
The engraving work on both rifles was executed by Peter Spode. Peter first started working for us in the early 90's whilst at the same time also filling the role of headmaster at a boys school in Malvern. I think I possibly urged him to take early retirement so he could work on our guns full time, something which he has been doing now for many years. Peter is an extremely talented engraver with the rare ability to execute work in a variety of styles and he is also a person who continues with his teaching background by sharing his extensive knowledge and helping engravers entering the field with technique.
The Lion Mask Grip Trap on the .600 Rifle.
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Neill on May 1, 2016 at 7:00 pm
Lovely work, and I agree with Peter, the .243, a.375 and a.600, what more do you need?
Peter on May 1, 2016 at 4:37 pm
Dear Simon
Be it a rifle or a shotgun, bag or some other goods that you produce, it never stops to amaze me how tasteful and beautiful everything is made. A double rifle in .243 may never have been on my wishlist,but after seeing this rifle I think paired with a .600 and a.375 ,maybe that would be the ultimate all around the world trio. As always my lousy English keeps me from expressing me the way I would like to, but a big thank you for showing all the great things you’ve got in your vault.
Best regards
Peter
Simon Clode on May 1, 2016 at 7:46 pm
I will have Rachel contact you and arrange this. Thank you for your loyal following!!
Simon
Mims C Reed on May 1, 2016 at 7:35 pm
I am fortunate to own a beautiful small caliber (250/3000) Westley Richards double rifle finished according to your ledger in 1926.
Come October I hope to use it to take several Whitetail deer at my ranch in west Texas.
It is a pleasure to read and see such beautiful firearms as the 600 and 243 in this dispatch.
Simon Clode on May 1, 2016 at 7:49 pm
Mims it is nice to hear it is still in use, mind you it is not even 100 yet so hopefully it will be hunting the ranch for many years more!
Simon