However, it was our Managing Director, Leslie Taylor, who took the design to its zenith of strength, beauty, and function with the introduction of the very first hand detachable lock in 1897.
124 years later, Westley Richards & Co. continues to build the hand detachable lock, or “droplock” as it is commonly known, in both our double rifles and shotguns. The lock work, the parts that work in harmony to make the gun fire when the trigger is pulled, are removable from the gun without the need for any tools. The locks are very simple with only four component parts - cocking lifter, hammer, mainspring, and sear - and taking them out couldn’t be more straightforward.
Simply cock the gun by opening the barrels then take off the forend. Open the cover plate on the bottom of the action by pressing the catch at the leading edge and lift the hinged plate. Each lock may then be lifted out for inspection, cleaning, or in the unlikely event of a mechanical malfunction, the lock can be replaced with a spare.
Another testament to the ingenuity of the “droplock” is how well it scales up and down among the different shotgun bore sizes. In fact, the “droplock” is available in everything from the behemoth 4 bore to the diminutive .410 bore, as well as 8g, 10g, 12g, 16g, 20g, and 28g and each one is built on its own dedicated frame, scaled appropriately to its bore size. Whether it is a 10g for wild fowl, a pair of 16g for grouse, or a 28g for quail, Westley’s “droplock” shotguns are not only built to be reliable, but they are scaled to retain elegant lines and excellent handling characteristics.
The biggest and the smallest. A pair of Westley Richards 4 Bore “Droplock” shotguns compared to a Westley Richards .410 Bore for scaleAll of Westley Richards’ “droplock” shotguns are also fitted with Westley’s unmistakable snap lever and Model “C” Doll’s Head third fastener.
Westley Richards Distinctive Snap Lever and Doll’s Head Third FastenerFinished with traditional bone and charcoal color hardening and blacked furniture, our “droplock” shotgun comes adorned in a modern interpretation of our traditional House engraving used on Best Quality Westley Richards shotguns for over 125 years.
Westley Richards Traditional House EngravingWestley Richards only makes bespoke guns, each one stocked to the customer’s measurements in Super Deluxe walnut, which has become a hallmark of modern Westley Richards guns and rifles. Each gun is also barreled and choked to the customer’s preferred length and constrictions and the traditional gold stock oval is engraved with the customer’s initials.
Westley Richards uses only the finest walnut, a hallmark of modern Westley Richards Guns and Rifles.Over and above the standard features included on our Best Quality guns, there is a host of additional options and upgrades to choose, so each gun is tailor made to fit the individual customer’s needs. Such upgrades include our famous “One Trigger”, Teague Precision chokes, grip and butt styles, handmade cases produced in house, and of course, engraving.
A Modele De Grande Luxe with exhibition engraving, just back from engravingThroughout Westley Richards & Co.’s illustrious history, the firm has been highly regarded for its ambitious, often avant-garde, exhibition engraving projects. The Modele de Grande Luxe, our highest level of embellishment, has been offered by Westley Richards since the turn of the 20th Century. In this same tradition, Westley Richards & Co. continues to produce highly embellished guns and rifles of a level few gunmakers have ever achieved, especially with such diversity and high standards.
An engraving masterpiece on a 28g “Droplock” and the engraver’s renderings done in the process.This has become a specialty of Westley Richards & Co. as more and more customers commission exhibition work, believing that a Westley Richards shotgun with hand detachable locks is the most deserving canvas to express their own tastes and preferences in the art of the gun.
The Hand Detachable Lock action requires no pins through the action body to hold the lock work, leaving an uninterrupted surface for engraving and allowing a subtleness of shape to the action that is distinctively Westley Richards.With a high degree of skill required to make the droplock, it is one of the most unique guns made in the World and demand for our shotguns is as high today as it has ever been. At the same time, rarely, if ever, do they appear on the second-hand market. With a demand that far outweighs the supply, the only reliable way to get a modern Westley Richards shotgun is to commission one.
A Westley Richards 28g Modele De Grande Luxe Droplock Shotgun with Spare Locks, Teague Chokes, and Best Quality Lightweight Case lined in blue goat skin.We would be delighted to discuss the building of a new droplock shotgun with anyone interested in exploring the possibilities.
To make inquiries about our droplock shotguns or to schedule an appointment to talk further about your own commission, please contact:
Managing Director, Anthony “Trigger” Alborough-Tregear
+44 (121) 333-1904
or
U.S. Manager, Duke ‘L.D.’ McCaa
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.
