How it Works - The 'Drop-lock' Shotgun

The classic Westley Richards game gun of the first quarter of the twenty-first century is built on the same principles as it was in the first quarter of the twentieth, indeed, the mechanical systems governing the gun’s functions can be traced back as far as 1875. Innovation and experience have perfected the various patented designs so that the current model combines beauty of form with the lively and instinctive handling that discerning game shot’s demand, coupled with reliability, low maintenance and a long service-life. If handled correctly and given a little basic care, a Westley Richards shotgun will provide over a century of sporting pleasure; as our guns built in 1900 and still in regular use prove. This guide explains the basic working principles and directs owners regarding assembly, use and maintenance. The Action & Locks The gun is built on the Deeley & Taylor hand-detachable modification of the Anson & Deeley lock-work, patented in 1875. The limbs are few and they are robust. They are located on a steel plate and inserted into their slot in the action, via hinged floor plate. The Forend The forend houses the ejectors and connects to the cocking levers at the knuckle, causing the locks to cock when the barrels fall open. When the gun is fired, the ejector trips engage and cause the fired cartridge to be automatically ejected when the gun is opened. The forend is attached by a Deeley & Edge patent catch, which pulls out a bolt that engages with a hook in the loop, where it is attached to the barrels. This enables the forend to be lifted clear. The Barrels. The barrels are made from steel and are attached to the action using a circle-jointed doll’s head rib extension, bolted by a Westley Richards-patent, top-lever, sliding-bolt. In addition, it is bolted through the lumps by a Purdey-patent, sliding under-bolt. These bolts are retracted by means of a top lever, which rotates to the right. The Stock The stock is hand carved from slow-grown and carefully seasoned walnut. It is bolted to the action (via the trigger plate) by the breech pin and further braced between the trigger-plate and top-strap by the hand pin, with two further wood screws attaching the guard. The Single Trigger. The single trigger is selective. With the selector in its rearmost position, the right barrel fires first. With the selector in foremost position, the left barrel fires first. The single trigger is a complex mechanical device that fires the first barrel with one pull of the trigger, it then stops the second pull (there is an involuntary second pull, induced by recoil every time the gun is fired) from firing the second barrel (this would be felt as a double discharge). The second barrel is fired with the third pull. In practice the shooter is unaware of this and it feels like he is only pulling the trigger twice. TAKING THE GUN APART First place the gun on a flat surface, like a table, with a soft covering, like a twice-folded blanket. This ensures that no part will fall onto a hard surface and be damaged, if dropped. Ensure there are no hard surfaces or objects that could come into contact with the barrels or stock while the gun is being dis-assembled. The Forend First remove the forend by placing the gun, with triggers facing upwards, on the table. Place a forefinger into the forend catch and pull upwards. The forend will spring off the barrels but will still be engaged at the knuckle. Grip the forend at the sides between thumb and forefinger and lift it clear of the barrels. Hint: if the catch feels stiff and you struggle to release it, grip the forend tighter onto the barrels with your free hand. Then pull the catch. The Barrels Grip the gun by the hand of the stock with your right hand and by the barrels with your left. With your left hand, turn the gun away from your body so the side is slightly upward facing. Now place your right thumb on the flat face of the top-lever and push it until it comes to a stop. This dis-engages the bolts. Next, rotate the barrels as if opening the gun and the barrels will come off the action. The stock and action will now be in your right hand and the barrels in your left. Hint: if you do not fully disengage the bolts, the barrels will not detach. Make sure to push the top-lever to its fullest extent of travel. The three main components of the gun are now placed on the table: stock and action, forend , and barrels. For most sportsmen this is all the dis-assembly they will ever need to do. The Locks There is no necessity to remove the locks and unless there is a need to do so, we recommend they be left in place. Should it become necessary, perhaps if the gun has become very wet or dirty, removal is as follows: Place the stock and action on the table, triggers upward, gripping the hand of the stock in your left hand, butt seated against your thigh or midriff. With the right index finger, pull the floor-plate catch towards you, it will disengage and rotate on its hinge until it comes to rest against the trigger guard. The locks are now exposed. Place your index finger on the foremost part of the lock, which stands proud, at the knuckle (this is the cocking dog). Pull this gently but firmly, lifting the front of the lock. When you feel resistance, stop pulling. With thumb and forefinger, grip the exposed lock and pull it away from the action, in the direction of the muzzles. It will shift forwards about an eighth of an inch. Then, lift the lock upwards and pull it free of the action. Repeat for the other lock. PUTTING THE GUN BACK TOGETHER The Locks If both locks are removed, first check which goes in each side. The locks cannot be fitted incorrectly. For visual reference, the lock plate should face ‘out’ and the open lock-work should face ‘in’. First fit the trigger sear (the rearmost limb). Gripping the lock between finger and thumb, slide the sear into its recess in the stock. Once fully inserted, press the rest of the lock downwards into its slot. Once both locks are inserted, push the bottom plate back down, until it stops, then pull the catch to close it fully and press to ensure it is properly located. The Barrels Grip the hand of the stock in your right hand and the barrels in your left. First engage the projection on the knuckle with the slots in the extractors. This will enable the lump to slide into its slot in the action, and the hook to locate the hinge pin. With your right thumb, push the top lever. The barrels should now easily rotate on the hinge-pin to close onto the action and snap shut. The Forend. Place the forend iron on the knuckle to engage the cocking dogs with their slots. Now rotate the forend towards the barrels, until they come into contact with the loop. Squeeze or press the forend to the barrels and the catch will snap into place. Now open and close the gun to ensure movement is free and smooth. Hint: The gun is a snap-action; the bolts close under spring tension. Do not touch the top-lever when closing the gun; just lift the barrels onto the action firmly and smoothly. USING THE GUN A Westley Richards gun is designed and made to be instinctive and easy to operate. In use, it need only be opened, loaded and closed, then fired. To open the gun, hold the hand of the stock in the right hand and push the top-lever with the flat of the thumb, the weight of the barrels will begin to open it, press down with the left hand on the barrels to fully open the gun, if necessary. Once open, the fired cases will eject. Place a cartridge in each empty chamber and close the gun. Hint: Holding the barrels further forward and bracing the stock against your hip will make the operation of closing firmer and smoother. Ensure your muzzles remain facing the ground as you close the gun. The Safety Unlike our double rifles, the safety on our game guns is automatic. Every time the gun is closed, the safety is automatically re-set to ‘safe’. Before you can fire the gun, the safety must be pushed forward until it covers the word ‘SAFE’ on the top-strap. The function of the safety is to stop the gun from being fired by inadvertently pulling the trigger. Hint: The safety does not guarantee against mechanical failure, wear or dirt affecting the sear and does not negate the necessity for maintaining good muzzle discipline at all times. Never allow your gun to point at anything you do not intend to kill. The Trigger Selector The trigger selector allows the user to decide whether he wants to fire the right barrel or the left barrel first. This is useful when one barrel is more tightly choked than the other. For in-coming quarry, such as driven grouse, the tighter-choked barrel may be preferred for the first shot, while for departing quarry, such as walked-up rabbits, the more open choke. The selector is a slide, located on the trigger plate, to the right of the single trigger. To select right-barrel-first, firmly push the selector back, until it stops, with a firm ‘click’, indicating it is correctly located and the ‘R’ letter is fully covered. To select left-barrel-first, press the slide forwards, until the ‘click’ is heard and the letter ‘L’ fully covered. LUBRICATION & PROTECTION Westley Richards recommends the use of a silicone-impregnated cloth for wiping the metal surfaces of the gun. This seals the metal parts and prevents rust, without leaving excess oil residue. For bearing surfaces, a dab of Vaseline helps ensure smooth movements and minimizes friction and wear. Hint: Mineral oil damages wood finishes and eventually rots the wood. Over-oiling is a common cause of damage to sporting guns. Never pour oil into slots or recesses in the action, where it will congeal and hold dirt and dust or seep into the open grain of the woodwork. Blood and dirt should be wiped off as soon as possible, with a damp cloth, then dried. The stock and forend wood have been finished with a traditional hand-rubbed oil finish. This will soften with time, use and exposure to the elements. If the gun is used in wet conditions, the wood should be wiped dry with a cloth and allowed to air at room temperature until fully dry. When dry, buff with a soft cloth. Hint: Never use a fire or radiator to dry wet wood; it could cause it to warp.

Innovation and experience have perfected the various patented designs so that the current model combines beauty of form with the lively and instinctive handling that discerning game shot’s demand, coupled with reliability, low maintenance and a long service-life.

If handled correctly and given a little basic care, a Westley Richards shotgun will provide over a century of sporting pleasure; as our guns built in 1900 and still in regular use prove. This guide explains the basic working principles and directs owners regarding assembly, use and maintenance.

The Action & Locks

The gun is built on the Deeley & Taylor hand-detachable modification of the Anson & Deeley lock-work, patented in 1875. The limbs are few and they are robust. They are located on a steel plate and inserted into their slot in the action, via hinged floor plate.

The Forend

The forend houses the ejectors and connects to the cocking levers at the knuckle, causing the locks to cock when the barrels fall open. When the gun is fired, the ejector trips engage and cause the fired cartridge to be automatically ejected when the gun is opened.

The forend is attached by a Deeley & Edge patent catch, which pulls out a bolt that engages with a hook in the loop, where it is attached to the barrels. This enables the forend to be lifted clear.

The Barrels.

The barrels are made from steel and are attached to the action using a circle-jointed doll’s head rib extension, bolted by a Westley Richards-patent, top-lever, sliding-bolt. In addition, it is bolted through the lumps by a Purdey-patent, sliding under-bolt.

These bolts are retracted by means of a top lever, which rotates to the right.

The Stock

The stock is hand carved from slow-grown and carefully seasoned walnut. It is bolted to the action (via the trigger plate) by the breech pin and further braced between the trigger-plate and top-strap by the hand pin, with two further wood screws attaching the guard.

The Single Trigger.

The single trigger is selective. With the selector in its rearmost position, the right barrel fires first. With the selector in foremost position, the left barrel fires first. The single trigger is a complex mechanical device that fires the first barrel with one pull of the trigger, it then stops the second pull (there is an involuntary second pull, induced by recoil every time the gun is fired) from firing the second barrel (this would be felt as a double discharge). The second barrel is fired with the third pull. In practice the shooter is unaware of this and it feels like he is only pulling the trigger twice.

TAKING THE GUN APART

First place the gun on a flat surface, like a table, with a soft covering, like a twice-folded blanket. This ensures that no part will fall onto a hard surface and be damaged, if dropped.

Ensure there are no hard surfaces or objects that could come into contact with the barrels or stock while the gun is being dis-assembled.

The Forend

First remove the forend by placing the gun, with triggers facing upwards, on the table. Place a forefinger into the forend catch and pull upwards. The forend will spring off the barrels but will still be engaged at the knuckle. Grip the forend at the sides between thumb and forefinger and lift it clear of the barrels.

Hint: if the catch feels stiff and you struggle to release it, grip the forend tighter onto the barrels with your free hand. Then pull the catch.

The Barrels

Grip the gun by the hand of the stock with your right hand and by the barrels with your left.

With your left hand, turn the gun away from your body so the side is slightly upward facing. Now place your right thumb on the flat face of the top-lever and push it until it comes to a stop. This dis-engages the bolts.

Next, rotate the barrels as if opening the gun and the barrels will come off the action. The stock and action will now be in your right hand and the barrels in your left.

Hint: if you do not fully disengage the bolts, the barrels will not detach. Make sure to push the top-lever to its fullest extent of travel.

The three main components of the gun are now placed on the table: stock and action, forend , and barrels. For most sportsmen this is all the dis-assembly they will ever need to do.

The Locks

There is no necessity to remove the locks and unless there is a need to do so, we recommend they be left in place. Should it become necessary, perhaps if the gun has become very wet or dirty, removal is as follows:

Place the stock and action on the table, triggers upward, gripping the hand of the stock in your left hand, butt seated against your thigh or midriff. With the right index finger, pull the floor-plate catch towards you, it will disengage and rotate on its hinge until it comes to rest against the trigger guard.

The locks are now exposed. Place your index finger on the foremost part of the lock, which stands proud, at the knuckle (this is the cocking dog). Pull this gently but firmly, lifting the front of the lock. When you feel resistance, stop pulling.

With thumb and forefinger, grip the exposed lock and pull it away from the action, in the direction of the muzzles. It will shift forwards about an eighth of an inch. Then, lift the lock upwards and pull it free of the action.

Repeat for the other lock.

PUTTING THE GUN BACK TOGETHER

The Locks

If both locks are removed, first check which goes in each side. The locks cannot be fitted incorrectly. For visual reference, the lock plate should face ‘out’ and the open lock-work should face ‘in’.

First fit the trigger sear (the rearmost limb). Gripping the lock between finger and thumb, slide the sear into its recess in the stock. Once fully inserted, press the rest of the lock downwards into its slot.

Once both locks are inserted, push the bottom plate back down, until it stops, then pull the catch to close it fully and press to ensure it is properly located.

The Barrels

Grip the hand of the stock in your right hand and the barrels in your left. First engage the projection on the knuckle with the slots in the extractors. This will enable the lump to slide into its slot in the action, and the hook to locate the hinge pin.

With your right thumb, push the top lever. The barrels should now easily rotate on the hinge-pin to close onto the action and snap shut.

The Forend.

Place the forend iron on the knuckle to engage the cocking dogs with their slots. Now rotate the forend towards the barrels, until they come into contact with the loop. Squeeze or press the forend to the barrels and the catch will snap into place.

Now open and close the gun to ensure movement is free and smooth.

Hint: The gun is a snap-action; the bolts close under spring tension. Do not touch the top-lever when closing the gun; just lift the barrels onto the action firmly and smoothly.

USING THE GUN

A Westley Richards gun is designed and made to be instinctive and easy to operate. In use, it need only be opened, loaded and closed, then fired.

To open the gun, hold the hand of the stock in the right hand and push the top-lever with the flat of the thumb, the weight of the barrels will begin to open it, press down with the left hand on the barrels to fully open the gun, if necessary.

Once open, the fired cases will eject. Place a cartridge in each empty chamber and close the gun.

Hint: Holding the barrels further forward and bracing the stock against your hip will make the operation of closing firmer and smoother. Ensure your muzzles remain facing the ground as you close the gun.

The Safety

Unlike our double rifles, the safety on our game guns is automatic. Every time the gun is closed, the safety is automatically re-set to ‘safe’. Before you can fire the gun, the safety must be pushed forward until it covers the word ‘SAFE’ on the top-strap. The function of the safety is to stop the gun from being fired by inadvertently pulling the trigger.

Hint: The safety does not guarantee against mechanical failure, wear or dirt affecting the sear and does not negate the necessity for maintaining good muzzle discipline at all times. Never allow your gun to point at anything you do not intend to kill.

The Trigger Selector

The trigger selector allows the user to decide whether he wants to fire the right barrel or the left barrel first. This is useful when one barrel is more tightly choked than the other.

For in-coming quarry, such as driven grouse, the tighter-choked barrel may be preferred for the first shot, while for departing quarry, such as walked-up rabbits, the more open choke.

The selector is a slide, located on the trigger plate, to the right of the single trigger.

To select right-barrel-first, firmly push the selector back, until it stops, with a firm ‘click’, indicating it is correctly located and the ‘R’ letter is fully covered. To select left-barrel-first, press the slide forwards, until the ‘click’ is heard and the letter ‘L’ fully covered.

LUBRICATION & PROTECTION

Westley Richards recommends the use of a silicone-impregnated cloth for wiping the metal surfaces of the gun. This seals the metal parts and prevents rust, without leaving excess oil residue.

For bearing surfaces, a dab of Vaseline helps ensure smooth movements and minimizes friction and wear.

Hint: Mineral oil damages wood finishes and eventually rots the wood. Over-oiling is a common cause of damage to sporting guns. Never pour oil into slots or recesses in the action, where it will congeal and hold dirt and dust or seep into the open grain of the woodwork.

Blood and dirt should be wiped off as soon as possible, with a damp cloth, then dried.

The stock and forend wood have been finished with a traditional hand-rubbed oil finish. This will soften with time, use and exposure to the elements. If the gun is used in wet conditions, the wood should be wiped dry with a cloth and allowed to air at room temperature until fully dry. When dry, buff with a soft cloth.

Hint: Never use a fire or radiator to dry wet wood; it could cause it to warp.