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A Pre-Owned .470 NE Droplock at the U.S. Agency

One of the most desirable double rifles in the world today is a modern Westley Richards & Co. droplock. Consequently, it is also one of the hardest to come by. With our new gun orders way past numbers we have previously seen, it simply takes longer to have a one of our bespoke gun or rifles made. For those who cannot bear the wait time, it is nice to have a pre-owned rifle to offer in its place, but it is quite rare for a modern W.R.&Co. of any sort to be for sale when someone is in a hurry or slightly low on patience.

Using the word “modern”, I am referring to guns and rifles made by Westley’s in the last 30 years or so. This is when I believe the firm entered this present “golden era” it finds itself in. If I am lucky one or two pop up in a year.

The most recent arrival at the U.S. Agency is this rifle that was built in the early 2000’s (ca. 2005) and features Westley’s patented Model “C” doll’s head fastner, snap lever work, beetle back” safety button, and of course, a hinged cover plate and hand detachable locks. Along with being able to remove the locks without the need for tools, the option to order an extra set of locks with our droplock double rifle is a large part of its allure. While this has always been an option, for whatever reason, it is rare to encounter a vintage or modern droplock rifle with an extra set of locks like this rifle has.

One of the distinguishing features of modern Westley Richards guns and rifles from this era is the high quality engraving found on them and this rifle is an excellent example of that. A modern interpretation of the rifle the firm has been making for well over 100  years, each side of this rifle’s action has very well cut, traditional small scroll engraving and the maker’s name inlayed in gold in a flowing banner. The cover plate features a highly detailed game scene of a mud-caked trophy size Cape buffalo with an ox pecker perched on his back. The vignette has a nicely engraved border and is surrounded by more traditional small scroll. The game scene is simply superb, and the scroll expertly done. The engraving is signed “V. Grojean” to the right of the triggers. Veronique Grojean is a highly regarded Master Engraver from Belgium and the true-to-life depiction of this Cape buffalo, a notoriously hard animal to capture in engraving, is evidence of her talents. Wonderful engraving by a world renowned engraver; a hallmark of modern Westley Richards guns and rifles.

One of the distinguishing features of modern Westley Richards guns and rifles from this era is the high quality engraving found on them and this rifle is an excellent example of that. A modern interpretation of the rifle the firm has been making for well over 100  years, each side of this rifle’s action has very well cut, traditional small scroll engraving and the maker’s name inlayed in gold in a flowing banner. The cover plate features a highly detailed game scene of a mud-caked trophy size Cape buffalo with an ox pecker perched on his back. The vignette has a nicely engraved border and is surrounded by more traditional small scroll. The game scene is simply superb, and the scroll expertly done. The engraving is signed “V. Grojean” to the right of the triggers. Veronique Grojean is a highly regarded Master Engraver from Belgium and the true-to-life depiction of this Cape buffalo, a notoriously hard animal to capture in engraving, is evidence of her talents. Wonderful engraving by a world renowned engraver; a hallmark of modern Westley Richards guns and rifles.

The rifle is stocked for a right hand shooter, has a good LOP over a leather covered pad, and trap grip cap. The 25” chopper lump barrels have Westley’s trademark combination foresight with rear-folding hood and 1 standing/1 folding rear sights inlayed with a golden triangle on the standing bar and a gold line on the folding leaf. The maker’s name, caliber, and regulation are inlayed in gold on top of the barrels and rib.

The rifle comes complete in its mid-tan lightweight leather case.

This rifle is available for immediate delivery.

This is a very rare opportunity to get a modern Westley Richards double rifle, with a host of upgrades, without the wait.

Westley Richards has an outstanding reputation for supplying a comprehensive selection of pre-owned guns and rifles. We pride ourselves on our in depth knowledge of the many sporting arms built over the last 200 years, placing particular emphasis on big game rifles, like the 577 Nitro Express, 505 Gibbs and 425 Westley Richards. Whether looking to grow or sell your collection of firearms, or simply require a trusted evaluation, our team from the sales department would be delighted to hear from you. To view the latest available, head to the used shotguns and used rifles pages, and for those interested in new firearms, explore our custom rifles and bespoke guns pages.

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