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A Sublime Westley Richards .300 WM And .375 H&H Take-Down Magazine Rifle

We built a .404 Jeffery for a customer a little while ago and he was so pleased with it that he came back and asked us to build another rifle just like it in either .375 H&H or .300 Win Mag. Being a take-down magazine rifle, we settled on an interchangeable barrel set, so that both rifles could exist on the same platform.

The screw thread take-down system shown in these photographs is the pattern Westley Richards has used since 1938, when the original bayonet type was discontinued. Having re-engineered the bayonet fixing and eliminated any weaknesses that it once had, we are now able to offer both variants to customers, according to preference.

Although this is a classic Westley Richards rifle in essence, it does bear evidence of our constant quest for refinement. Gone is the old release catch for the take-down thread. In its place is our modern, neat, Deeley catch inspired, push-button alternative. This not only looks better, it is easier to operate.

The action is our familiar double square bridge Mauser '98 with modern three-position safety, which is better suited to rifles mounted with a 'scope, as it does not require as much clearance.

Engraving is concentrated on the details, like the bolt handle, grip cap and screw heads, while lustrous blacking and straw and blue case colours contrast nicely to create a sophisticated yet simple aesthetic on a purposeful looking rifle.

The magazine is flush-fitting and accepts five cartridges. The 24" interchangeable barrels each sport a Westley Richards quarter rib and a standing rear sight, with two leaves, set for 50, 100 and 200 yards. The 'scopes are twin Swarovski Z8Is.

The walnut stock blank selected is of Super Deluxe quality with our modern profile cheek-piece, a full pistol grip hand and an ebony tipped forepart. The butt has a traditional red Silver's pad to lessen the impact of firing and protect the butt sole when rested on hard ground.

Finish is our customary red oil enhancement and high gloss, multi-layered oil finish, with hand cut fine chequer panels.

This rifle was finished in October 2024 and given serial number 43738.

The interchangeability of the .300 and .375 barrels is seamless, as the ideal weights for both calibres are similar. The .300 barrel alone weighs 3lbs 8oz, while the .375 barrel is a little more at 4lbs 2oz. That give a total weight of 8lbs 4oz for the .300 and 8lbs 14oz for the .375.

Adding a 'scope to either adds 1lb 14oz for the .375 'scope or 2lbs 2oz for the .300 'scope and mounts.

The appearance of the un-engraved action is lifted by the careful jewelling applied to the bolt and the inlay of gold serial numbers, 'SAFE' and sight ramp.

As with all our best rifles, no detail is left alone until it is perfect, down to the neat engraving of the bolt back and bolt spring.

Configured as it is, this rifle offers a great deal to the African traveller. The .375 with open sights is legal and sufficient to take-on the Big Five and the addition of a 'scope makes slightly longer range hunting more precise.

By screwing on the .300 barrel, the hunter has a perfect plains game rifle for distance shooting. As a deer hunting rifle in Europe or North America, the .300 Win Mag also offers an excellent long range option for everyday use and the .375 makes sense for bigger elk and moose, especially at closer range when hunting in woodland.

The .300 Win Mag has been popular since its introduction in 1963. It is based on the .375 H&H case, shortened and necked-down to take a .308" diameter bullet. At the lighter end of the spectrum, a 150-grain bullet will travel at 3,300 fps, while  220-grain alternative makes 2,875 fps. It benefits from a very good ballistic coefficient and has been used in competition very effectively at ranges up to 1,000 yards.

The .375 H&H Magnum need no introduction. It is the minimum legal calibre for African dangerous game and is a solid choice for red stags or any larger ungulates in Europe and North America. It is sufficient for big grizzly bears if required, which is reassuring when deer hunting in parts of the US or Canada.

The fact the two cartridges share a case is helpful when creating a two-barrel rifle like this, as size differential is not an issue.

We specialise in bespoke solutions like this, building what the customer wants and making dreams into reality. It is not inexpensive to add another barrel to a take-down rifle but it does, in effect, make two rifles for considerably less than it would cost to actually build two rifles.

Depending on quarry and geography, this hunter can pick up his rifle, screw on whichever barrel is most appropriate and take it hunting. Nobody seeing the rifle he is carrying would imagine that another barrel existed and would simply see a perfect rifle of its type.

It would be a mistake to consider this rifle a compromise between two calibres, just because it offers an option; it is perfect in both.

In this case, you really can have it all.


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.

 

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