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 26, 2013 at 9:23 pm
Allan and Simon
Firstly I am pleased others are interested in these wonderful rifles, and indeed shooting them in whatever context, game or competition.
The idea of a modern Westley Richards Rook Rifle built to perfection fills me with great interest, if this idea were to get off the ground I don’t think there would be any lack of interest when the word got around.
Please let me know if I need to remorgage ?
PS, at least then you would aquire the correct fitting case!
Pete.
RICHARD COUSINS on November 8, 2013 at 4:01 pm
Great condition little rifle. I think all things come to him who waits. I have one almost the same but sleeved to .22 hornet. It is the most fun rifle to take to africa. Quite possibly have shot more things with the little hornet than with the big boys.
Simon Clode on November 21, 2013 at 6:51 pm
You would of course be welcome and I am sure we can see exactly what you mean when you show it to us!
Simon
Derek Stimpson on November 27, 2013 at 6:33 pm
Dear Simon,
This delightful correspondence was referred to me by our HBSA forum moderator and I could not but add my two pennyworth!
I have a Westley Richards top lever break action Rook Rifle in .300. It is a non selective ejector with Metford rifling, S/N 1963.
I also have a Martini Sherwood takedown in .300 Sherwood.
Both are featured in the Wal Winfer/Tom Rowe book which is vol 8 (hammerless) in their British Single Shot Rifles series (vol 7 is ML, hammer etc). See pages 12 and 282.
These little rifles generally shoot extremely well with the right loads and the HBSA shoots organised by Allan Kirk and Paul Smith are increasingly well attended. Standard of shooting is high.
I do owe you a visit and won’t fail to call and organise that in the New Year.
with kind regards
Derek Stimpson
Peter Buckley. on November 21, 2013 at 2:11 pm
Simon,
I had to have another look at the rifle when you said it could be a non ejector, it is an ejector rifle.
Now I remember when I first shot it, I found to my surprise that it ejected as well.
Whilst checking to see if it ejected, I looked with a very critical eye again at the stock around the area of this “pin”, top strap, trigger guard, I could see no evidence of damage or reason why it should be there, maybe one day if I come into Birmingham
I should call in and let you see it for yourself.
Kind Regards Pete.