William Westley Richards opened his shop in 1812 and quickly forged a reputation among England’s best gun and rifle makers. Over two centuries of continuous trading later, the company remains true to that legacy of excellence and sits comfortably at the top table of bespoke gunmaking and safari outfitting.
A Workforce of Artisans
Housed in our Birmingham factory, on the edge of the traditional Gun Quarter, Westley Richards gunmakers today work much as their grandfathers’ generation did, using files, chisels and secret potions to turn walnut and steel into supreme hunting rifles and sporting shotguns.
“It would be hard to imagine anything much simpler than the Anson & Deeley Fixed Lock action, and it is not surprising that it has retained its place for over half a century.”
MAJOR SIR GERALD BURRARD • The Modern Shotgun magazine, 1931.
A Tradition of Innovation
The guns and rifles we build today conform to Westley Richards’ designs and patents stretching back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The much copied 1875 Anson & Deeley patent became the world’s most popular sporting gun.
Our patent ‘droplock’ action has been revered by sportsmen and professional hunters since 1897. Our magazine rifles helped popularise the concept before the Great War and our proprietary rifle cartridges have endured and become classics.
Modern Excellence with Traditional Values
Westley Richards is a best gun and rifle maker, building around 25-30 sporting firearms each year; every one a bespoke order, made in-house, in Birmingham, by our time-served specialist gunmakers. Every order is unique.
We build side-by-side double rifles in all calibres, side-by-side shotguns in all gauges and several patterns of magazine rifle. Each one is steeped in the traditions of Westley Richards and is the best version of its type available.
“Westley’s hand detachable locks, more commonly known in America today as ‘droplocks’, are nothing short of a stroke of genius.”
VIC VENTERS • Gun Craft magazine, 2010.
Leather Goods of Distinction
Like our guns, our range of travel bags, gun-slips and leather accessories is made in-house, by our established and growing team of talented designers and craftspeople.
Using traditional techniques and the finest fabrics, hides and threads available, Westley Richards offers customers British-made leather goods at a quality standard seen nowhere else.
Outfitting the Sporting Elite
From the golden age of safari to the present day, Westley Richards has equipped sportsmen, adventurers and explorers for life in the field.
Our safari clothing and shooting kit embodies the same spirit as our sporting arms - rugged elegance, artisan craftsmanship and timeless practicality. Each garment and accessory is designed for those who pursue adventure with classic style and purpose.
