318 Westley Richards “light model”

[PaulB]

I’ve been on a quest to own every variation of pre war Westley 318’s. This is one of the rarer offerings I’ve been able to get.

Westley Richards produced fewer than 40 examples of the .318 Westley Richards bolt-action “Light Model” rifle in the forend-catch takedown configuration, making it one of the rarest variants of the entire .318 line. Unlike the far more common take apart sporting rifles, this specialized version required intricate hand-fitted at the latch and stock. Because of the labor, cost, and time, very few clients ordered this configuration, and surviving rifles are exceptionally scarce today. Highly prized by collectors for both their rarity and their mechanical elegance.

 

[DaddyFlip]

My God; look at that island sight and that bolt handle and that barrel. LOOK AT THAT BOLT HANDLE. Paul, I will be satisfied if you will say you operate that bolt with your palm and not your fingers. I'm so tired of videos showing amateurs grabbing the bolt handle with their fingers. It's not the Maharaja, but there's a basic beauty of line here that inspires confidence. With the case, a total success. Great example!

 

[baxterb]

Very nice. Clever take-down mechanism. Where is the 'one pin" they say needs to be removed?

 

[Arac]

Outstanding! What a beautiful rifle.

 

[Tintin]

Absolutely magnificent Paul.

Thanks as always for sharing.

IIRC the USOG gentleman also has one.

 

[PaulB]

My God; look at that island sight and that bolt handle and that barrel. LOOK AT THAT BOLT HANDLE. Paul, I will be satisfied if you will say you operate that bolt with your palm and not your fingers. I'm so tired of videos showing amateurs grabbing the bolt handle with their fingers. It's not the Maharaja, but there's a basic beauty of line here that inspires confidence. With the case, a total success. Great example!

Haha
Most assuredly the palm.

 

[PaulB]

Very nice. Clever take-down mechanism. Where is the 'one pin" they say needs to be removed?

There is a little pin (or tab) that tucks underneath the safety shroud.

 

[Kdgj]

Paul,

Another nice rifle you have acquired. Interesting that WR made it in a “take apart” vice their standard lug type system. What does the rifle weigh?

Ken

 

[dgr416]

Awesome beautiful gun

 

[Don458]

Amazing

 

[pjaln]

Westley Richards rifles spent a lot of time on the bench before they sold , the little things that you won't find on a rigby off the same period are usually the standard with westley

 

[PCC600]

Westley Richards rifles spent a lot of time on the bench before they sold , the little things that you won't find on a rigby off the same period are usually the standard with westley

Absolutely agree with you . The WR rifles pre WW2 had some really nice touches and I can attest that they shoot well . Incredibly they were half the price of a Rigby .

 

[Tintin]

Here’s the USOG video looking at this model.

 

[cm76]

Another lovely rifle Paul, congratulations

Chris

 

[MS 9x56]

Palming the bolt is how I was taught by my Dad and uncles, while the rifle remains on the shoulder.

 

[PaulB]

Paul,

Another nice rifle you have acquired. Interesting that WR made it in a “take apart” vice their standard lug type system. What does the rifle weigh?

Ken

It weighs 7lb 3oz

 

[PaulB]

Awesome beautiful gun

Thank you

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

That is nice, but then I don’t think I’ve seen a bad rifle in your collection
Gumpy

 

[alby]

Shes an absolute beauty Paul,
One of my favourite calibres!
I notice the PP projectiles in photos, ( or are they just props?) you don't use the 250gr RNSN projys in her?

 

[PaulB]

Shes an absolute beauty Paul,
One of my favourite calibres!
I notice the PP projectiles in photos, ( or are they just props?) you don't use the 250gr RNSN projys in her?

Great spotting. I run Woodleighs through all my vintage 318s, but after I had all the lighting just right for the pics, I realized I don’t have any loaded up for my pic. I have a few new 318s that I shoot modern projectiles with, so I grabbed them for the photo.