A Stunning Westley Richards Two Barrel Take-Down Rifle

Then, as now, the most popular of the take-down rifle actions was the Mauser '98. Choosing to incorporate a take-down system is no compromise; the two parts of the rifle fit perfectly tightly and are secured by a bolt in exactly the same place every time it is assembled.

Accuracy is as dependable as a standard magazine rifle. The only concern is the cost. It does require a little more investment to have the take-down.

Westley Richards has applied two types of take-down system over the years; the old bayonet type and the screw-thread, which is used here.

The original bayonet fitting was replaced around 1908 with the screw-thread but we have recently re-engineered the bayonet system using modern machinery, which removes its shortcomings and fashions each section from a solid billet.

We can, therefore, now offer customers a choice.

Customers also have to make a choice of calibre but the beauty of a take-down is that we can supply a second barrel to swap-out seamlessly, chambered for another cartridge.

In the case of this rifle, we have fitted interchangeable 24-inch barrels, complete with forend and sights, in two excellent calibres: .375 Holland & Holland Magnum and .300 Winchester Magnum.

The .300 Win. Mag. was introduced in 1963. It uses the older .375 H&H Magnum as a parent case. The case is blown-out, shortened and necked-down to accept a .30 calibre bullet. It is a brilliant all-round medium game and long-range cartridge. However, it does not qualify as sufficiently large for dangerous game in Africa. For that, the original .375 H&H barrel extends the practicality of this rifle for all Africa's game animals.

With the practical aspects of the rifle secured, we can turn our attention to the aesthetics. The engraving of full deluxe scrolls with a full-body portrait of a hippo on the cover plate with details like a crocodile on the action wall and gold detailing to the rear sight, muzzles, serial numbers and 'SAFE' provide further refinement to an already stunning aesthetic.

The large scrolls extend to the 'scope mounts for the Swarovski optics Z8i (2.3-18 x 56 for the .300) and Z8i (1-8 x 24 for the .375). Even the bolt handle and the grip cap are fully and intricately engraved.

The black background dramatises the floral, almost flame-like, scrolls adorning the take-down catch, which is modelled on the Deeley forend catch traditionally used on our shotguns and double rifles. The lever button is hand chequered and, to effect dis-assembly, it is pressed, releasing the barrels from the action and allowing the screw thread to be wound-off.

Wood-to-metal fit is flawless, as Westley Richards customers have come to expect. Stocking a take-down rifle is more complex, time consuming and costly than is a standard magazine rifle with full-length stock and fore-part. Both forends need to blend with the rest of the stock so that the rifle looks equally correct with either barrel fitted.

The stock is carved from Super Deluxe walnut with our modern Westley Richards profile cheek-piece, full pistol grip hand, with steel grip cap, incorporating a hinged trap, and finished with a brown, leather-covered, anti-recoil pad.

The beauty of this rifle is that the level of adornment in no way detracts from its practicality. Beautiful as it is to behold, the pleasure the customer will take by simply holding it in his hands while anticipating a shot for years and decades to come, it is, none-the-less, a deadly tool, perfect for taking those beasts of a lifetime.

The classic, brand new, Mauser action is refined with a modern three-position safety, facilitating lower 'scope mounting.

Perfectly set-up with three shots touching from either barrel at regulation distance and the test targets to prove it accompanying the rifle to its new home in Dallas, this is a beautiful 'rig' as the Texans say. Not only will this rifle perform flawlessly, it will age gracefully and be as perfect a century from now as it is today.