Rigby Refurbishment
Although repairs and refurbishments have always been a part of the Westley Richards repertoire, in recent years, following record numbers of new gun and rifle orders, we have sadly had to reduce the amount we take on. Repairs can be disruptive to the steady flow of new gun manufacture and often, on vintage guns of various makes, can be time consuming when machining and fitting new parts. Even the small amount we now do results in our production manager pulling his hair out trying to work out quite how he’s going to fit it in his extremely busy new gun and rifle schedule and without wishing the poor chap to be bald before his time, we have to be selective on what we take in. On the odd occasion I do manage to sneak a few into the workshops and one such rifle we have recently completed is this superb Rigby .450 Nitro Express Farquharson rifle. I thought the readers of the Explora would enjoy a few before and after photos of this stunning rifle.
Ben Arrowmith on May 16, 2019 at 6:35 am
What a superb refurbishment, i bought many years ago a W-R 1869 patent improved Martini from W-R in 577/500 no 2 which had been brought back from India by Mr Clode, it had been fully scroll engraved and was cased with all the reloading tools and accessories but in poor condition, it was deemed to be worth saving and went through W-Rs workshop. The transformation was unbelievable.
Craftsmanship at its finest !.
Rex on May 17, 2019 at 3:54 am
Amazing work!
Peter Buckley. on May 16, 2019 at 5:00 pm
Ricky
The Farquharson rifle has got to be one of my favourite rifle’s, it’s just so stylish so quintessential.
My only regret is that I didn’t see it before the original remaining finish was removed so the comparison could be made, obviously it required refinishing.
But the before and after changes are phenomenal just shows what the lads at Westley Richards are so capable of. It’s now one of those rifles you just couldn’t walk past without asking to fondle it, Fabulous I want to take it home. Guarantee the client is well chuffed!
Best regards
Peter.
David Hodo on May 16, 2019 at 3:01 am
Hard to believe the ability of your gunsmiths (artists) can transform a well used rifle into a thing of such beauty and to appear as it has never even been to a range let alone hunted. So far above my understanding with how they do this and at the same time, so admired and appreciative that WR has employees that can work this magic on a daily basis when requested.
Just Wow!
Chris Buckingham on May 31, 2019 at 10:04 am
A wonderful restoration, and in a very nice calibre, my 577 WR is a bit of a handful at such a light weight, but .450 is powerful enough, and with not too much recoil, my other Farquharson is in 475 No2, which is just brutal! I see the St Ledgers have added their special magic in the hardening ! Chris B.