Designed as a roe-stalking double rifle and engraved to suit by Anja Dammenheyn, with bold foliate scrolls framing naturalistic vignettes of roe deer in natural settings, this is a lightweight woodland rifle of the very highest quality.
It was finished in April 2026 and represents a relatively rare example of our small-calibre double-rifle manufacturing output. We make far more big game stoppers than we do rifles of this scale.
At first glance it looks like a sidelock but it is in fact a standard hand-detachable lock, mechanically. The side-plates are just that. They provide more of a steel canvas upon which the engraver can work and some customers simply prefer the look of the action with these additions.
It is not a novel idea; side-plated boxlocks were made by several gunmakers very soon after the 1875 patent first emerged. There are even examples of Dickson’s famous ‘round action’ trigger-plate gun being made with dummy side-plates and filed up to resemble a London pattern sidelock.
It may be unlike most Westley Richards drop-locks but it is certainly a very handsome rifle.
Another unusual feature of this particular 7x57 is that it is chambered for the rimmed version of the cartridge. This appeared shortly after the original cartridge to replicate its performance but allow for easier extraction when used in single-shot and double breech-loaders, rather than magazine rifles.
We regulated this particular rifle for the RWS Kegelspitz (KS) 162 grn bullet, with the iron sights set for 50, 100 and 200 yards. Smaller, faster travelling bullets are harder to regulate than larger, slower moving ones. So, our team rose to the challenge and got this one shooting as it should, using our indoor range at the Birmingham factory. That equates to about half an inch (right barrel-left barrel) apart at fifty yards.
A small double in 7x57 makes for a characterful and handy woodland stalking companion. Quick to shoulder and acquire targets at modest ranges, it also performs very well on moving game, when used with open sights and swung like a shotgun.
In quality terms, this is the Westley Richards ‘Modele de Luxe’, a designation we have used for well over a century to describe our best work with special engraving and finish.
In addition to the open sights, the rifle is fitted with our own pattern, quick-detach, one-inch mounts and a Swarovski Z3 (3-10 x 42) ‘scope.
The comb of the stock is left a little higher than usual to facilitate ‘scope use.
The 25” chopper-lump barrels and 14½” stock help keep weight down to 8lb 2oz (9lb 2oz with ‘scope). However, as the order was to keep the rifle as a ‘lightweight’ build (below 9lb), several other refinements to the quarter-rib, bottom rib, sight block and action were incorporated to this end.
The exhibition-grade wood of the pistol-grip stock, with cheek-piece, and slim horn butt-plate, ensures the walnut, with its beautiful figure and colour, complements Anja’s exquisite engraving. Finisher Jules has applied his trademark high-gloss finish, using seemingly countless coats of oil to achieve the desired deep sheen for which Westley Richards’ stocks are justly famed.
A marvel of engineering and traditional bench-craft, this atypical and stunning little hunting rifle in a classic calibre is sure to bring a lifetime of cherished memories to its owner, in pursuit of European roe deer.
Whether for the discerning collector or the avid sportsman, Westley Richards firearms represent the epitome of excellence in the world of bespoke gunmaking. Known for the droplock shotgun, over and under shotgun, double barrel rifle and bolt action rifle, the company has achieved an illustrious 200 year history of innovation, craftmanship and artistry. As part of our best gun build, clients can choose from three levels of gun engraving: the house scroll; signature game scenes; and exhibition grade masterpieces. All Westley Richards sporting arms are built at their factory in Birmingham, England. Discover more about the gunmaking journey at our custom rifles and bespoke guns pages.
