Can You Help a 78 year Old Man Choose His 80th Birthday Present?!

A few weeks ago, an old friend, client and supporter of our company for many years, contacted me and told me he wanted to order himself an 80th birthday present for himself, he had worked hard all his life and deserved the treat! The only problem was he didn't know what he wanted most, a 28g shotgun or a small bore single shot rifle use on his ranch in Texas. Of course he needs neither, it is just a desire to have something bespoke made as a treat for oneself as he reaches the 80th year, something to look forward to receiving 'on the day' .

We make, on a quite regular basis, the 28g hand detachable lock shotgun, it is a very popular gauge and one that I am particularly found with, the size, scale and handling is superb if I say so myself! The single shot rifle is something we have never actually made under my tenure here, I have always wanted to, but have never actually pushed the 'go' button, there were other projects taking up the R&R budget or whatever!

I decided in the end to photograph the two possible choices together and send them to him, ones that I had in safe and that were not examples of what he may have wanted but would invite comment. I suggested that I should put them on The Explora for a vote of confidence and see what the people say, he agreed, so here they are!

A single shot vintage Westley Richards rifle in .360 which is a larger frame than we would want but can be scaled down and made hand detachable lock, together with one of the favourite 28g hand detachable lock guns we have made over the years.

I look forward to hearing the advice our readers can give! Single or Double?!

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Comments

11 comments

SN

steven nashon November 04, 2025

steven nash on May 13, 2016 at 1:30 pm

I’m for the rifle. I’ve no idea what a Texan ranch has on it but I would imagine to use the shotgun you would be needing to walk with dogs, whereas to use the rifle you could be in one place patiently waiting or at least moving more slowly. At the age of 80 I know what I would prefer and at least if nothing came into range one could look at ones present as opposed to constantly looking out for your footing (but then I only shoot squirrels and roes!)
SC

Simon Clodeon November 04, 2025

Simon Clode on May 13, 2016 at 10:36 am

Thank you all for the advice but I think you are all taking the easy route! Of course both, but lets say the budget and time frame allows only one or other!!

Simon
CN

Clive Newmanon November 04, 2025

Clive Newman on May 13, 2016 at 10:19 am

I agree with Tim and Neil,don’t think about it you got have them both enjoy.
NM

Neil McVeighon November 04, 2025

Neil McVeigh on May 13, 2016 at 7:16 am

I agree with Tim.There is only one thing better than a new WR gun and thats two new WR guns.You can’t take it with you so enjoy life to the full!
P

paulon November 04, 2025

paul on May 12, 2016 at 9:03 pm

start building that single shot ASAP and in a classic rimmed cartridge,,, there are enough 28 gauge shotguns in this world!!!!….paul