A Distinctively English 28 Bore

The 29” chopper-lump barrels with a concave game rib and Teague multi-chokes are proofed for 70mm (2 ¾”) cartridges. Teague Precision Chokes, the UK’s premier specialist in multi-choke systems for shotguns, is part of the Westley Richards group of companies. Close collaboration on new-build projects ensures all Westley Richards multi-choke guns are fitted with the utmost precision.

The proof test to which the gun was subjected at the Birmingham Proof House is for standard lead shot, for which a Certificate of Proof, as well as proof marks on the barrels, was supplied.

The immediate impression the cased gun gives is of no-expense-spared excellence. The elephant skin case, with its oak frame and French-fitted with a goat skin interior liner is also embellished with a unique lid lining, in leather, embossed in gold with the maker’s name and address and a dedication to the customer.

Alongside the chokes, a second pair of pierced hand-detachable locks is displayed, showing the exquisite detail and finishing applied to even the internal parts of Westley Richards’ best shotguns. In these smaller gauges, the lockwork is especially impressive.

Bespoke engraving often reflects the location, sporting life and interests of the client. In this case, it is distinctively British. We are used to engraving quail and small American game birds on twenty-eight bore guns but the brief here was uniquely reflective of northern England. Brad Tallett executed his fabulously flowing bold foliate scrolls and intertwined within the design are scenes of terriers hunting rats. Foxes, squirrels and other English flora and fauna complete the detail.

Gold is used sparingly and the case colours brushed back to give a silvered finish with black background. Overall it is a splendid representation of excellence with a distinctively English theme and a quality level on par with anything made today.

The joy of a twenty-eight bore is its lightness and speed. It functions especially well in a grouse butt. This gun weighs just five pounds. For a full breakdown, the barrels weigh 2lbs 1 1/2oz, the forend 7.2oz and the stock and action 2lbs 8oz.

The 14 ¾” stock is of deluxe grade walnut and finished with Westley Richards’ trademark high-gloss oil finish.

Every component part of these small-bore guns is perfectly scaled to suit the reduced dimensions of the barrels, action and fences. The forend catch, for example, is a smaller version of the standard Deeley & Edge patent that Westley Richards introduced in the 1870s and which has probably been more widely copied and applied in shotgun manufacture than any other type since.

Springs have to be carefully graded to ensure their power is commensurate with the lightness and smaller dimensions of the gun. Unless that is done perfectly, the opening, closing and ejecting operations will not feel as effortless, yet controlled, as they should.

This is a classic representation of twenty-first-century Westley Richards small-bore shotgun building at its best. The client gave our team free rein to interpret their desire for a unique and fitting gift for the new owner and they have met that challenge with their customary passion and creativity.

‘The rat gun’ as it became affectionately known in the factory during production was given serial number 20169 and will remain long in the memory of all involved in its production. We sincerely hope the actual quarry it engages will be rather more traditional and significantly less odorous.