Part of our problem at Westley Richards is we are never quite able to say NO when an interesting project is offered, the Rafiki 700/500 and the pair of 4g guns immediately spring to mind. So when we were asked by a long standing client Dallas Safari Club convention some years ago to build a new falling block rifle, we said YES!
Three years on we have finally completed the work and the first Take Down Farquharson rifle we as a company have built in many years is ready for delivery. I am not sure exactly how many years since our last, but I don't think I would be far out if I said 100 years.
Projects like this are very good for a gunmaker, perhaps not financially but certainly it is an opportunity to show the diversity of skills and the ability to build guns and rifles 'off price list' or non standard guns, bespoke gunmaking just as it should be. It is always good to show something new and unusual and I do know enthusiasts love these classic single shot rifles.
After sending the first photos of the rifle to the client last night, I anxiously awaited his first reaction and was relieved this morning to get his response.
"It looks magnificent and thanks to everyone involved for sticking with it when I am sure you would rather have given up on it. That's the problem with WR your word is your bond and you keep your word!"
19 comments
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Citizren on April 21, 2023 at 3:42 pm
Magnificent.
Instant bucket list 1st place.
Matthew Schmidt on May 28, 2016 at 1:35 am
Simon, I can’t stop coming back and looking at this rifle. The stock work is particularly nice especially around the action. Many falling block riffles have have to much curved wood around the action, but yours is very subtle, it looks perfect.
Do you have any other photos from different angles ?
Matt Schmidt.
DL on November 12, 2015 at 3:38 pm
What a wonderful piece of Engineering and Art. Well done to all involved.
I’m in the fortunate position of knowing your illustrious client and have travelled this wonderful journey with him albeit watching from the wings, and if I behave might even get to shoot it (hopefully).
When will this model become a stock item!
DL
Neill Clark on November 12, 2015 at 6:52 pm
This is a lovely thing Simon. I normally associate single shot rifles with the very niche Austrian gunmakers, and to see one being built in this country is very refreshing.
G. Wells on November 12, 2015 at 6:54 pm
If anyone says bespoke guns aren’t made like they used to be, I would say that might be so except at WR. If anything, yours are better than in the past and the best being currently made in England. The Farquharson as well as the matching takedown bolt action rifles rival anything made anywere. The case made for those is phenomenal. Likewise, the detachable lock shotguns are still probably the best designed and made today.