'The Explora' was the name given to a propriety shotgun with rifled chokes which was first introduced in 1905. Its design purpose was to put in the hands of the explorer and hunter a weapon that could shoot both solid projectiles and shot, thus negating the need to carry 2 guns into the jungle or bush. It was a remarkably effective weapon, providing both protection from large game and the ability of putting small game in the pot.
This blog will aim to explore the world we operate in, the products we make now and have made in the past. We will talk with and show guns built by other gun makers from around the world as well as meet the craftsmen who continue to keep this tradition alive, the barrel makers, actioners, stockers and finishers, learning from these people how the best guns come to be. We will see how the specialty trades like engravers, hardeners, blackers and case makers take the gunmakers canvas and help us pull the individual commissions together to completion.
Hunting destinations are discussed in our offices on an almost daily basis either by customers visiting, recounting their latest escapades, or people calling in with their news from the field. We will share this first hand knowledge as well as other findings and thoughts on new places to hunt and new people to take you there.
We hope that the things we perhaps take for granted, running this business day to day, will give pleasure and add interest to those of you who count this as your sport.
Kevin Cordell on May 6, 2015 at 2:12 am
I have an Explora in almost pristine condition. Have yet to fire it. Can you still get factory records for it? Can you provide any hints into any ball ammo that can be used?
Troels Pedersen on March 17, 2015 at 6:52 pm
Hello.
Thank you for making this interesting blog. I like it a lot!
I try to make a list, as complete as can be, of Roald amundsens equipment, used on his explorations. That of cause includes his guns. On the journey to the South Pole he brought with him a Zeiss binocular, a Norwegian Bergans rucksack, a Glasshütte Watch, a set of Burberry gabardine suit, and a set of Greenlandic selskin suits for each member. But little is known about his guns. A Nagant revolver, made under licence at Husqvarna in Sweden is though known to have been among them. But what and from where from do you know of his W-R Explora shotgun?
Thanks in advance for any answer!
Simon Clode on March 17, 2015 at 7:43 pm
We know of his order for an Explora gun from our records, even a few years ago I was contacted by someone who had this gun. I know from ‘stories’ passed down that he had the gun to protect against polar bears but I have no proof other than we delivered the gun to him!
Simon Clode on April 23, 2014 at 10:58 pm
No we do not manufacture the Explora. The Explora and Paradox are both designed to perform with a specified cartridge. A 470 will go off in a 500 but it won’t work properly (Don’t try it). It is a common factor in all gunmaking that we make specific guns for specific ammunition and Proof our guns accordingly.
Simon Clode on April 28, 2014 at 5:00 pm
You can use standard 12g ammunition in an Explora too, by this I mean shot filled ammunition.