With the international following that Westley Richards has, most of both the new and pre-owned guns and rifles that we sell never return to the factory, having been shipped out to some far flung corners of the globe. On the odd occasion, guns that are sold slightly closer to home can sometimes end up back in our hands, generally with more character and a few more war stories to tell.
One such example in this classic William Evans .500 nitro express, boxlock ejector, double rifle. Sold to an Englishman by Trigger and Simon through our Grange Road factory 22 years ago.
Completed in 1912 for Consul General Christian Thams it was built as a plain, 2nd quality boxlock ejector double rifle with 27” barrels with a raised, engine turned top rib with ramp foresight, flip up moon sight, 100 yard standing express sight with two folding leaves regulated at 200 & 300 yards. A 14 3/8” pistol grip stock with no cheek piece, grip cap and traditional recoil pad. The fixed lock, double trigger action interestingly is fitted with an automatic game safety and is engraved with a small coverage of fine scroll. The barrels are engraved; William Evans (From Purdey’s) “500 3" Solid Taper Case”
63 Pall Mall St. James’s London 80 Grs Cordite 500 Grs Soft Nose Nickel Bullet.
The rifle has seen a great deal of action and has been to Africa many times. It’s a true workhorse, a classic, no frills big game rifle of the African bush. It’s easy to see why the English boxlock ejector was the go to rifle for client and PH alike. It’s also testament to the strength and durability of the Webley action, the rifle performs faultlessly, the action is tight as a drum, the club head barrel extension is as strong as they come, and the rifle points with ease. On first inspections, the bores look a little frosty, but the rifling is good and as they say, the proof is in the pudding; this test target shows just how accurate the rifle still is, after all these years and many a safari.
William Evans ledger from 1912 showing rifle No. 9897
It’s hard not to admire an old rifle like this, although simple in design and engraving, it’s just a very cool, classic double that has been there, done it, got the t-shirt and after 106 years, is ready to do it all over again.
9 comments
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Neill on January 12, 2018 at 9:54 pm
A rifle built for a purpose, and used as intended. Lovely, nothing beats that. Thanks for the post.
Peter Buckley. on January 16, 2018 at 10:26 pm
Hi Ricky
“Yards” wonderful !! How did we ever accept changing to metric?
Another perhaps strange request, please let me apologise profusely before I ask this question, has" Westley Richards " ever regulated a rifle in metres? If you find this question repulsive please ignore my ramblings.
Kind regards. Peter.
David Hodo on January 12, 2018 at 1:27 am
Hi Rickey
Love all the history this rifle implies……if it could only talk! A new owner will only continue to add pages to this history book which apparently can only happen with English made rifles from a hundred or so years past!
David Hodo
Peter Buckley. on January 15, 2018 at 1:00 pm
Hi Ricky
Timeless ‘William Evans’ (Webley) classic rifle, well used but not abused!
As a matter of interest was the test target shot (on your own range) at 100 yards?
Kind regards. Peter.