Inspired by a memorable expedition to the Central African Republic, the rifle makes a statement immediately with its very size. Chambered for the mammoth .600 Nitro Express cartridge, it fills the hands and pulls on the biceps, even when simply cradled for inspection.
Although Westley Richards single-triggers have been built successfully into .577 double rifles for over a century, the pragmatic decision to opt for two triggers removes the possibility of a miss-fire and preserves the double rifle’s claim to be two separate rifles on one stock.
Five years in the making, the forest rifle is engraved by Bradley Tallett to honour the people and beasts of the forests of Central Africa.
The background jungle foliage is life-like, rather than stylized, and the animals featured are its natural inhabitants, like Western bongo, lowland gorilla, colobus monkey and pygmy hippo.
The trigger bow sports a depiction of a Baka pygmy; the most remarkable human inhabitants of the forest and a people who have been hunting the featured animals since the dawn of humanity.
The hand-detachable (or ‘drop-lock’) action is ideal for a big rifle, being simple, robust and perfectly engineered. The .600 NE is as much of a beast to tame as are the quarry it is intended to pursue.
The 3”, slightly tapered case is tipped with a blunt-nosed, 900-grain bullet, which is pushed at up to 2.050 fps and delivering 8,400 ft/lbs of energy.
It was developed in London in 1899 by W.J. Jeffery and has always been a specialist’s tool. Today, the US Government classes it as a ‘destructive device’!
Large it may be but crude it is not, every facet of this rifle speaks of care and attention to detail and the greatest artistry in execution.
Originally commissioned to be finished bright, the St. Ledger case colours add a degree of forest greens and sun-dappled yellows that enhance the engraving to another level of realism and atmosphere.
It was, therefore, decided not to brush them back.
The Forest rifle, like the ‘Africa’ and ‘India’ rifles recently featured in The Explora, demonstrates beautifully how an inspired theme helps create a special rifle, which this certainly is.
Of course, a statement rifle like this must be presented in a suitably impressive case.
We opted for a black alligator outer, scarlet goat skin interior, French fitted with best tools and accessories, with the maker’s details embossed on the lid’s inner lining, in gold.
The result is quite breathtaking.
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.
