Westley Richards .577 Nitro Express

PaulB

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Last year I was able to purchase this set of Westley Richards rifles - a 577 Nitro Express and a 318 Accelerated Express. With this post, I'm going to focus on the 577. Few things say “classic safari elegance” like a Westley Richards Droplock .577 Nitro Express double rifle. The WR Droplock has a patented hand-detachable lock system, (this rifle came with a spare set) this design is a hallmark of Westley Richards ingenuity, it’s as much a mechanical marvel as it is a thunderous powerhouse, with a recoil you won’t forget.

In my opinion the Westley Richards .577 Nitro Express Droplock is the pinnacle of traditional British big game double rifles—a masterpiece born from over a century of craftsmanship and adventure, literally built to stop the world’s largest and most dangerous game. This particular rifle has fine scroll engraving, an Elephant engraved on the floorplate, and a lion on the trigger guard, original case colors, with exhibition-grade walnut. This set was completed in 1913 and there is no doubt the original owner spared no expense. Large calibers such as the .577 required arduous regulation to ensure accuracy, making such rifles more than just tools, but true works of art blending heritage with rugged functionality. Whether in the hands of a professional hunter or collector, it’s a symbol of timeless excellence and raw stopping power.

I hope you enjoy.
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Absolutely stunning! Congratulations on a beautiful rifle set.

HH
 
That is a stunning rifle, their drop lock is a thing of beauty. You must hunt elephant with that:A Clapping:

Will also say like the checkering on the 318.
 
It's a great weapon. It's scary to think how much it costs.

But what is known about him? Who were its owners for more than 100 years and did they hunt at all? The set looks as if it was completed not in 1913, but in 2013.
 
It's a great weapon. It's scary to think how much it costs.

But what is known about him? Who were its owners for more than 100 years and did they hunt at all? The set looks as if it was completed not in 1913, but in 2013.
This set was completed for a Lt. Col. Dr. J.R. Mitchel in 1913. As far as I know it was in his family until recently. Also, the gun weighs 13lbs14oz
 
Last year I was able to purchase this set of Westley Richards rifles - a 577 Nitro Express and a 318 Accelerated Express. With this post, I'm going to focus on the 577. Few things say “classic safari elegance” like a Westley Richards Droplock .577 Nitro Express double rifle. The WR Droplock has a patented hand-detachable lock system, (this rifle came with a spare set) this design is a hallmark of Westley Richards ingenuity, it’s as much a mechanical marvel as it is a thunderous powerhouse, with a recoil you won’t forget.

In my opinion the Westley Richards .577 Nitro Express Droplock is the pinnacle of traditional British big game double rifles—a masterpiece born from over a century of craftsmanship and adventure, literally built to stop the world’s largest and most dangerous game. This particular rifle has fine scroll engraving, an Elephant engraved on the floorplate, and a lion on the trigger guard, original case colors, with exhibition-grade walnut. This set was completed in 1913 and there is no doubt the original owner spared no expense. Large calibers such as the .577 required arduous regulation to ensure accuracy, making such rifles more than just tools, but true works of art blending heritage with rugged functionality. Whether in the hands of a professional hunter or collector, it’s a symbol of timeless excellence and raw stopping power.

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You sir have a museum of fine rifles!!
 

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