While it can be an interesting debate as to what might be the ideal rifle for the “one gun world wide hunter” the notion that one rifle could cover all situations is probably not such a practical idea. But a two rifle set could achieve this superbly.
In this post we look at a two rifle set by Westley Richards that would, without doubt, be a practical solution to the problem of “what rifles do I need?”
Fast Facts
- Westley Richards were and still are one of Britain’s most trusted and prestigious gun and rifle makers.
- Westley Richards trademark double gun action is their “Hand Detachable Locks” action, commonly referred to as a Droplock action.
- While it can be fun to fantasize about the ideal rifle for the “one gun world wide hunter” it is perhaps even better to consider what two-rifle set one would choose for world-wide hunting adventures.
- Westley Richards were commissioned to make just such a two-rifle set as this back in 1903. The set comprises a double-rifle in 577 3″ Nitro Express, and a Mauser ’98 based bolt-action magazine rifle that was originally chambered for the Westley Richards 318 Accelerated Express.
- This two rifle set is coming up for sale by Rock Island Auction at their Premier Auction to be held over December 6-8, 2024.
For an international hunter intending to hunt all manner of African or Asian game there was not one rifle style or caliber that would prove to be ideal for the variety of hunting situations one might find oneself in.
In his book “African Rifles and Cartridges” John Taylor suggests that his ideal rifle for the one gun world wide hunter would be a double rifle chambered for the 375 Holland & Holland Flanged Magnum, and fitted with both open sights and a detachable 2.5x riflescope.
While Taylor’s suggestion is entirely sensible it is self evident that a hunter would be rather better served by two rifles; a heavy caliber double rifle for dangerous game, and an accurate bolt action rifle chambered for a smaller bore high velocity cartridge perfectly suited to longer shots on plains game, or for mountain hunting.
Would it be possible to create such a kit that would fit into one rifle case? The answer is yes, and this two-rifle kit created by London gunmaker Westley Richards is the proof that it could be done, and done successfully.
The resulting case is of course rather heavy, but the two rifles fit neatly into one compact unit making transporting them a tad less complicated than managing two separate cases.
Contained within this rifle case is a Westley Richards “droplock” double-rifle chambered for a proven stopping cartridge, the 577 3″ Nitro Express, and a bolt-action magazine rifle originally chambered for the 318 Westley Richards Accelerated Express, and now chambered for the 30-06.
Droplock Double Rifle
Westley Richards double rifles were and still are among the best in the world. The most famous of the Westley Richards double rifle actions is their Hand Detachable “Droplock”.
Unlike a double rifle with a sidelock action, the Westley Richards lockwork is installed internally in the middle of the action, as one might find on a boxlock for example.
The difference is that if the rifle is taken down by removing the fore-end and the barrels, then the bottom plate of the action can be hinged open to reveal the locks, which can then be lifted or dropped out depending on whether you have the rifle action right side up or upside down.
In addition to the obvious advantage this offers in terms of being able to pull the locks out and give them a decent cleaning and light lubrication, this system also allowed the owner to carry a spare set of locks in case of catastrophic failure, or loss.
It is also possible to disable the rifle with ease simply by removing the locks and carrying them separate from the rifle when traveling.
The double-rifle that forms part of this set is chambered fore the quite common and undeniably effective 577 3″ Nitro Express. This cartridge in its original factory loading packed 100 grains of “Axite” (i.e. Cordite) behind a 750 grain bullet for a muzzle velocity of approximately 2050 fps depending on barrel length, and muzzle energy of 7,000 ft/lb.
Suffice to say that the 577 3″ Nitro Express was and still is regarded as a really effective stopper on anything that the hunter is likely to encounter, and that it provides the capability to resist deflection by bush and vegetation to continue to its target.
Recoil for a 13lb 14oz rifle such as this Westley Richards is a solid 83 ft/lb, so this is not a rifle for someone of slight build, nor for someone with scant experience of heavy recoiling rifles, but for a seasoned user of heavy caliber big game rifles it should prove to be comfortably manageable.
The rifle that forms part of this two-rifle set features 26″ barrel marked as being regulated for the 100 grains of “Axite” behind the 750 grain bullet.
The action is color casehardened with “Westley Richards” signatures and scroll engraving on its sides complimented by an elephant on the bottom plate, and lion on the trigger-guard . On the barrels is a quarter rib with one fixed and three folding rear sights, with a beaded blade front sight with hood.
Length of pull is 14″ and the rifle stock has a significant drop to distribute the considerable recoil into the shooter’s shoulder allowing the rifle to rise up and absorb recoil energy.
The rifle has a pistol grip stock with grip trapdoor, and single trigger. A single trigger is a matter of taste, on a rifle of this type it can help reduce the possibility of accidentally doubling – i.e. setting off both barrels simultaneously, and help to keep the shooter’s trigger finger from being hurt, as can happen with a double trigger on a heavy recoiling rifle.
Rock Island Auction describe the condition of this rifle as follows:-
“Very fine as expertly refurbished, retaining 99% blue finish, 90% original case colors on the action, and some minor handling evidence. The wood shows a few minor scratches and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine as relined and the extra locks are excellent.”
Take-Down Bolt Action Magazine Rifle
The second rifle in this two-rifle set is a bolt-action magazine rifle that was originally chambered for the Westley Richards 318 Accelerated Express, but which has been re-chambered for the much more common 30-06.
This re-chambering was no doubt wise. The 318 Accelerated Express used .330″ diameter bullets, and these were unobtainable for a good many years. Nowadays they are made by Woodleigh Bullets in Australia.
So re-chambering the rifle to 30-06 makes it easily usable and enjoyable.
This rifle is built around a Mauser ’98 action which has the bolt handle turned down and fitted with a horn bolt knob. The action retains the original Mauser type flag safety catch.
This action has the stripper clip loading facility intact so can be speedily reloaded by stripper clip.
The rear sight is a rather nice aperture sight which looks like a Lyman 48 with target knobs: one of the most respected aperture sights in the world.
The front sight is a ramped beaded blade.
The action floorplate is hinged and opens via a lever for easy unloading: and the rifle is fitted with double-set triggers as was common on European hunting rifles right up until the 1980’s.
This is a take-down rifle so the 23″ barrel can be easily removed and fitted into the quite compact two-rifle case.
Rock Island Auction describe the condition of this rifle as follows:-
“Very fine as professionally refurbished, retaining 99% blue finish with minor handling evidence, some minor subsurface pitting, a few minor marks in the wood, and sharp checkering on the stock. Mechanically excellent. This set would bring some old world class and be the perfect companion for any Safari!”
I”m inclined to agree with this suggestion. I think that this is the sort of rifle set that inspires old world class. So, once the day’s hunt is over and the party is back at camp – with the rifles wiped over to remove the dust and sweaty hand prints – I’d be inclined to break out the scotch and cigars and put on the theme music from the movie “Out of Africa” as background to the post-hunt conversation around the campfire, and just enjoy being alive.
This two rifle set is coming up for auction by Rock Island Auction at their Premier Auction which is to be held over December 6-8, 2024.
This set is to be offered on December 6th, 2024 and you will find the sale page if you click here.
Picture Credits: All pictures courtesy Rock Island Auction.
Jon Branch is the founder and senior editor of Revivaler and has written a significant number of articles for various publications including official Buying Guides for eBay, classic car articles for Hagerty, magazine articles for both the Australian Shooters Journal and the Australian Shooter, and he’s a long time contributor to Silodrome.
Jon has done radio, television, magazine and newspaper interviews on various issues, and has traveled extensively, having lived in Britain, Australia, China and Hong Kong. His travels have taken him to Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan and a number of other countries. He has studied the Japanese sword arts and has a long history of involvement in the shooting sports, which has included authoring submissions to government on various firearms related issues and assisting in the design and establishment of shooting ranges.
