Whilst hunting in Africa a few years back, a very good Professional Hunting colleague asked if we could put together a stopping rifle for him. Naturally the answer was 'yes' and so then came the classic question of calibre? At the time he was using a .505 Gibbs that he had borrowed and found to be adequate and so this was the immediate choice. A fine and reputable calibre, capable of stopping the largest of big game.
The order was raised back at the factory, but then later on a phone call came 'can you build the rifle in .460 Weatherby?' Well those of you in the know are very aware of the 'brute' introduced by Roy Weatherby in 1958. At the time it was the most powerful commercially loaded big game cartridge, capable of pushing 500 grain projectiles well over 2600 feet per second. Its reputation was formidable and whilst the idea of the power impressed many, the ability to shoot it was quite another!!!!!
So, back to the rifle in question. Yes it is a .460 Weatherby and yes it is a beast! That said knowing the history of the calibre we were careful to make sure that the stock was slightly thicker at the forend to obtain more grip, the open sights you will see are unusual style for our rifles and were manufactured specifically as wrap arounds so that the bearing surface on the barrel was the absolute maximum. The rifle is set up specifically for open sights so the stock is shaped specifically for this and set the foresight bead to hit point of aim.
The final result is a very handy and quite frankly devastating stopping rifle made to the PH's exact requirements 'bespoke', like all our guns and rifles.
Just be sure to stand behind it when the 'beast' goes off!
Leon Kachelhoffer on November 30, 2016 at 5:38 am
Chris,
Thanks for your response and I totally agree. The 577 is my absolute favourite for hunting dangerous game. However when it comes to long range back-up shots at fast departing big game or plains game, for that matter, often at less than ideal angles it leaves a lot to be desired. Where the animal must be put down or stopped the 460 and its brethren come into their own.
Thanks for your comments.
Good hunting
Leon
Leon Kachelhoffer on November 30, 2016 at 5:18 am
Hi Vic,
I will do. Time you dust off that 470 and come out of retirement.
Best regards
Leon
Simon Clode on November 16, 2016 at 7:03 am
I will send you some shots of ones we have made and then you can discuss with Trigger if you like any. I am not sure what we have available.
Peter B on November 16, 2016 at 2:54 pm
Trigger
Stunning rifle!, whatever calibre is the customer’s choice, we can see that Westley Richards produce only their very best! and again that timber fantastic!
You spoke about the sights but didn’t mention what distances the rifle sights are set up for, I can see one standing and three folded, am I right in saying this is typical for a rifle of this type and calibre? On the “Ovundo” rifles the sights appear to me to be more of a Military style with sliding elevation? Correct me if I am wrong.
Many years back makers like “Lyman” “Parkers” “Dicksons of Edinburgh” made Striker
mounted sporting sights with elevation and windage that gave a much longer sight base, would this type of sight not be practical on such a rifle, or indeed useful?
Great Post, Fantastic Blog so very interesting no matter what subject.
Leon Kachelhoffer on November 15, 2016 at 7:26 pm
Chris,
Fortunely For me, my decision is based on field experience. Otherwise it would be a tremendous waste of exquisite craftsmanship, time and a substantial investment.
I’m no stranger to the heavy weights, in fact I primarily use a 577. I have a good friend who’s favourite calibre is 600 that I’ve used and seen used numerous times on elephant. I also had and used an eight and half pound 450 Dakota, extensively, loaded to the max with devastating results.
This rifle to me is the epitomy of a stopping rifle.
Good hunting
Leon