Despite Jim completing his apprenticeship in the early 2000's, it wasn't until 2020 that he received his signed certificate - in the early days, no such certificate existed. Yet with the programme being far more formalised today, and his return to the company after a period out in the industry, 'The Eternal Apprentice' finally received one on his return. The name remains, with Jim continuing to tell apprentices, new and old, that he is always learning and constantly discovering new knowledge about the world of gunmaking.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Bromsgrove, a semi-rural town to the south of Birmingham. From an early age, I was out and about exploring the local countryside, cycling along the canals and building dens with a freedom probably not so freely given to our children today - this led to many adventures around the world mountaineering.
When did you first learn to shoot?
My first experience of shooting came whilst in the Cub Scouts aged about 9. Air rifle shooting then became a more frequent activity on weekends as a Scout. At 15, I supervised and instructed at my local Scout campsite, and around this time I joined the Bromsgrove Small Bore Rifle Club. I was encouraged by Eddie and Ron Swinbourne and learned to shoot a .22 target rifle. I also attended informal club clay pigeon shoots on a local farm.
Did you always want to be a gunmaker?
Pretty much, yes! My father was an architect and I loved drawing, and though I toyed with the idea of silversmithing or being a luthier, my engineering mind and interest in shooting naturally led me towards gunmaking. I undertook a week’s work experience at Westley Richards Bournbrook factory in December 1992, aged 14.
What did your apprenticeship entail?
Everyone's apprenticeship is a different experience from another's. Due to my keenness and enthusiasm during work experience, I was invited to go back, which I did during every school holiday and eventually Saturday mornings as well. The foundations were built around toolmaking and learning how to repair and refurbish the old guns that Mr Clode Senior was still buying from India. This meant that at 18, after completing my A Level exams at school, I was trusted enough to begin my apprenticeship working on new guns, the first apprentice the company had had for 10 years.
My first taste began with learning how to build Westley foresights. In those days we had to make up the hoods ourselves and construct the springs from solid, taking around three days to complete. Once I met the standards required and could work unaided, I was moved on to ejector boxes. We were still using a lot of old parts and machinings back in the '90's. These boxes could be quite rough and took a good morning to prepare before you could even start to fit components. Kickers and sears were rough machined then shaped and fitted to patterns with the swivels, also made up from solid.
Alongside these jobs, I was polishing barrels for black and carrying out repair and servicing work. At that time, I worked alongside Lee Butler as the company had a large order to build bolt action rifles. Over a relatively short period, he taught me how to build a bolt rifle - fitting ribs and sights, feed work and the like. He could be a hard taskmaster at times but I have fond memories of our time together before he left the company in 1998. His input has certainly held me in good stead over the years and it has been great to pass on this knowledge to others.
During my third year of apprenticeship, I was moved into double gun work. Westley’s had orders for a handful of fixed lock double rifles. Simon soon changed them from plain white hunter models to ejector rifles, with one even having a bolted safety. This was my first proper foray into double gun work, under the tutorage of Ken Halbert. It was a wonderful time, and I learned how to fit lever work and build up the inside parts, fit discs and strikers, and also fit the trigger plate furnitures that I was now also building up. Ken taught me how to fit the Southgate ejector work to these rifles as well. The next step was learning how to build the Westley hand-detachable locks, again with Ken, and in no time at all I was carrying out a fair chunk of work on the double guns and getting them up to proof stage… All alongside building the bolt rifles and being a very busy bee!!
Today, our current apprenticeship programme differs vastly to the old days. There is now a much more structured approach with assessments of all the tasks being learned, schooling the apprentice in a more efficient manner. Apprenticeships are now 5 years long and are more focussed towards specific areas once the apprentice has completed their initial toolmaking training. It is personally very satisfying passing on these hard-earned skills, and seeing the youngsters progress.
How long have you been at Westley Richards?
Since about 5.40am! I first went to the Bournbrook factory in 1992, and started my apprenticeship officially in 1996. I left for a few years, building a handful of rifles for a local dealer and working on repairs, as well as assisting with the build of guns for Boxall and Edmiston, Michael Lingard and a couple of other makers. I returned to the company in 2018 and was thrown in at the deep end helping out with bolt rifles, lockwork and learning how to joint with Sam Banner. All in all, I’ve been in and around the gun trade for 32 years.
Who inspired you to become a gunmaker?
I wouldn’t say anybody really inspired me to become a gunmaker, quite the opposite in fact! I decided that it was what I wanted to do, and worked hard to make it happen. I'd seen the Greener St George gun in the shooting press and wanted to somehow emulate the talents of the craftsmen behind this beautiful creation - Richard Tandy and David Dryhurst. I have always been fascinated by British gunmaking and the myriad of design ideas across the generations. My family also inspires me every day, and I hope that my children both young and older can follow their own dreams through life and achieve all that they can. My wife, Amy, is my rock, without her love, patience and understanding, all would be for naught!
Who would you count as mentors in the field of actioning?
I’d have to say a big thank you to all the guys from my apprenticeship days. I was always very inquisitive and asked a lot of questions, I'm sure I was the most annoying apprentice ever! Ken Halbert and Peter Stanton hold a special place in my heart, without their expertise and encouragement I wouldn’t have learned my craft. They were both a massive influence on my growth as a young gunmaker.
I also have to say a thank you to Bob & Barbara Turner (behind every great man is an even greater woman), and also David Dryhurst, whom I visit not often enough for help and advice with a sidelock gun that I’m building for myself.
How long did it take to learn the art of building an action?
Years really! I began working on the double guns properly during my third year of apprenticeship, starting to bring together all of the sub-assembly jobs I’d been learning. By around year 5, I’d say I had gained a decent amount of experience. My apprenticeship was the full traditional 7 years of hard work, with a lot of drive and ambition from myself and the helpful guidance and encouragement (and the occasional scolding) from my gunmaking elders and Simon! You never stop learning and there is still so much I’d like to be able to do.
How old were you when you made your first action? And how many actions have you built?
I was 19 1/2 when I built my first bolter with Lee and about 20 1/2 when I built my first fixed lock. At 21 years old I was fitting detachable locks. I honestly don’t know how many actions I’ve worked on, it's a team effort with various craftsmen and apprentices all contributing in varying degrees. I have probably been involved in the production of several hundred Westley Richards guns and rifles.
What are the greatest challenges an actioner faces?
I’d say the greatest challenges are the same as facing life itself. Always carrying on and never giving up, even if things aren’t going well. Being able to accept both criticism and help from others while constantly trying to do your best. It’s all about dogged determination, and above all being passionate about the craft and honouring the skills and achievements of the previous generations of gunmakers behind us...
What do you most enjoy about building an action?
I like the curveball challenges, the jobs that test us. Figuring out how to do something that you’ve never had to do before. I have recently worked on a double rifle that came to us as an incomplete set of parts that would have been recognisable to a gunmaker 100 years ago. I first had to make additional parts from solid and then get everything working. This rifle was a real challenge and a great project to be involved with. That is why I’m building my own sidelock, pushing myself to expand my knowledge and skill set. It’s also a tribute to all of the people who have helped me over the years and the gunmakers from the past who inspire me with their designs and patents.
Tell us about the unique Fixed Lock 470 double rifle, that you have recently worked on?
These guns don’t crop up very often and therefore to follow in the footsteps of William Anson is quite humbling. As a company, I believe that we've only built 6 of these guns in the last 30 years and I’ve worked on 4 of them. As a diligent apprentice, I made patterns and jigs that helped me 25 years later!
Much of this rifle is my work - jointing, leverwork, inside work and ejectorwork etc. - and it's great to have the opportunity to put together much of what you have learned in one project. It's still a team build however, and other people will have their input as well. I know it’s a special rifle for me, but then all our work is very special for every Westley Richards craftsman.
Whether for the discerning collector or the avid sportsman, Westley Richards firearms represent the epitome of excellence in the world of bespoke gunmaking. Known for the droplock shotgun, over and under shotgun, double barrel rifle and bolt action rifle, the company has achieved an illustrious 200 year history of innovation, craftmanship and artistry. As part of our best gun build, clients can choose from three levels of gun engraving: the house scroll; signature game scenes; and exhibition grade masterpieces. All Westley Richards sporting arms are built at their factory in Birmingham, England. Discover more about the gunmaking journey at our custom rifles and bespoke guns pages.
neil mcveigh on February 6, 2025 at 10:07 am
A wonderful interview.I think Jim"s spirit and optimism shines through .Much like WR he simply wants to get better and better at what he does.Myself not long back from SCI in Nashville and talking to many Americans I posed this question.Of all the gunmakers at this show, who's product would you like to own?More often than not the answer was WR.Keep up the good work Jim.