I remember the day of filming well for two reasons firstly when Clarissa arrived she proceeded to do her wardrobe out of the back of her car in the car park which involved practically stripping off below a row of gunmakers windows which had heads looking out in amazement, remember I said 2 Fat Lady's! The wolf whistles were shrill. Secondly I recall Johnny carrying this small case into the showroom and popping it on the table to "I would like you to have a look at this". I had been expecting an old shotgun that had been handed down for generations and was nearing the end of its life, not an absolutely original little .250 rook and rabbit rifle as was presented. The little rifle had spectacular wood and my whole attention was focused not on the filming but rather how I could buy the rifle!
On the day I was unsuccessful at getting Johnny to part with the rifle, I think my eyes must have lighted up before I took control. I did however let him leave with the knowledge that if he ever wanted to sell or swop it for something more useful I would be a willing customer!
About three or four years later I had a call from Johnny and he wanted to exchange the rifle for a shotgun for his sons 21st birthday, something I willingly did. His son was given a fine detachable lock 12g gun with which to shoot and I ended up with what I consider a very rare example of our patent rook and rabbit rifles, one which had been made to the very highest standards, full traditional WR engraving and superb wood for the period on such a gun.
I never did watch the episode on TV.
Photo by Terry Allen for "In Pursuit of the Best Gun"
Peter Buckley. on November 24, 2013 at 7:58 pm
Simon,
I have emailed the HBSA. (Historical Breechloading Smallarms Association) to try and stimulate some interest. I know there are lots of their members very interested in
Rook & Rabbit rifles, not only to shoot in competition but research into their Historical background and manufacture, maybe quite soon others will be lining up to add comments, information, and to donate their Westley Richards rifles.
Pete.
Peter Buckley. on November 20, 2013 at 1:25 pm
Dear Simon,
Thank you so very much for your reply, I didn’t expect you to reply so soon, if at all.
It has made me retreive the rifle from its slumber in the cabinet to compare it face to face with Sir Johnny’s, there are small differences between the two of them, let me firstly say that I havn’t the same vocabulary in gunsmithing terms that you posess, but I can still appreciate fantastic workmanship.
Looking at your rifle there appears to be three cross pins along the lower edge of the action, mine only has the rear two, on mine beyond the back of the action, in the timber directly above the trigger is an engraved screw ( bolt )? that passes through the stock and is captured by an engraved inletted keeper, what is this screw, bolt, for?, it does seem to have been there from when the rifle was built.
Next question, have you in your extensive stock a case that perhaps would accomodate my rifle and scope?.
Thank you once again,
Kind Regards Pete.
Allan Kirk on November 26, 2013 at 5:30 pm
That’s fine by me – we are a friendly crowd. We also have another event in Stourport-upon-Severn, which is closer for you. I’ll send details after Christmas.
Simon Clode on November 19, 2013 at 11:10 pm
Dear Peter,
What a nice addition to the story that is! Thank you for posting that and of course the same deal applies to your rifle as did Sir Johnny’s! I have room in the safe for another little one!
Kind Regards,
Simon
Peter Buckley. on November 19, 2013 at 10:10 pm
Dear Sir,
The rifle shown is indeed a beautiful work of art made at your famous workshop, and cased to perfection.
I remember the TV series, never missed an episode, particularly the scene in your shop.
I met a lovely lady one day locally whilst walking my dog, she too had a dog of similar breeding, in conversation she asked if I would be going to a local Game Fair, we did, and we met up once again. On meeting she invited me into the hospitallity tent at the BASC stand, to my surprise Sir Johnny Scott was sitting alone and we got talking about different topics including the above Rook rifle.
He told me that he had exchanged it for a gun for his son’s birthday, he asked why I was interested, I told him that I have one I thought was exactly the same as his, but not cased, how wonderful to see the rifle once again on your website.
My rifle has been Parkerifled in .22 Long Rifle, it has an Aldis scope mounted with Parker Hale mounts, it is all in still beautiful condition, shoots tight groups and is my pride and joy, the serial no is 6395.
Its stange after years of remembering that conversation, that it should all be resurected by chance on finding your wonderful website.
Best Regards Pete.