.577 Engraving

The carved scenes are beautifully highlighted by gold borders.

When anybody mentions 'museum grade', the assumption is that the rifle is for exhibition or presentation and won't see the dust of the Kalahari or the sands of the Okavango any time soon.

That makes absolutely no difference to us. Every rifle is built, first and foremost, to be the ultimate killing machine. Whatever embellishments and intricacies are added to the finished platform, they will in no way inhibit a serious hunter, should he wish to shoulder this and head off into the bush in search of elephants.

This rifle is made, regulated and tested with live ammunition before it leaves the factory just as carefully as one that we know is going straight into the hands of a professional hunter.

When finished, it will weigh 13lbs 8 oz and be regulated for Westley Richards 750-grain sold bullets.

The style and execution of the engraving, though decorative, retains a purposeful aura; the shapes breaking-up the flow of metal surfaces so that they appear as one. The pin-less lock plates help in this regard.

Pin-less is actually a bit of a misnomer. Of course, the lock still has pins to which all the internal component parts are attached. They are, however, screwed-in from the inner surface into a thicker lock-plate, so the ends never emerge and are, therefore, invisible. All that can be seen is the hole for the tumbler pivot and a retaining pin for the cocking dog.

'Loxodonta Africana' on the rib translates to African Bush Elephant and is flanked by loading data: a 750 grain bullet in a .577 (3") Nitro Express.

The engraving looks deceptively simple because it is so beautifully symmetrical and contoured, it is full coverage and complex, yet every scene is visible. The small gold highlights lift the carving further, almost adding another dimension.

The rifle looks balanced and classy, yet inspection reveals detail after detail in layers. Tallett has excelled himself with the engraving of this rifle.

Detail is often where delight resides and we can find just that on the sight shroud, in the shape of a beetle scurrying among the foliage.

The role of the engraver on a project like this cannot be over-estimated in its importance. He is what elevates a first class sporting rifle into a work of art.

When the customer collects his new rifle and examines it, there is no doubt that he will scrutinise every edge, corner and surface. Every pose, expression and countenance will have to meet with his approval immediately. To harmonise all these design elements and then execute them in relief is a huge and complex task.

The responsibility is enormous; on his work the value of the entire build rests.

The butt-plate, grip cap and forend catch, shown here in high resolution are quite remarkable. In particular, the geographical map of Africa is a level beyond what we are used to seeing. Surely, resting this in the dirt, while leaning the rifle against a tree would be sacrilegious!

The next stage is Finishing. While the wood finish is started and the stock and forend chequered, the furniture and barrels will be blacked.

Then, the rifle will be assembled, test fired in the on-site range and then the final wood finish applied.

Be its fate display in a museum or in pride of place at the head of a private collection, or even, one day, in pursuit of the biggest quarry on land, this .577 will no doubt, draw crowds.