Westley Richards Connaught
Westley Richards & Co. Ltd. · Shotgun · In Production · 1965
Also known as: Connaught Model, Westley Richards Connaught Boxlock
Overview
The Westley Richards Connaught is a best-quality British side-by-side shotgun built on the company's classic scalloped Anson & Deeley hammerless boxlock action. Hand-built to order at the firm's Birmingham factory and offered in 12, 20 and 28 gauge, the Connaught features hand-engraved scroll work, selective ejectors, double triggers and a figured walnut stock. The 20-gauge version is a light, fast-handling game gun weighing around 2.5 kg with 26 to 28 inch barrels chambered for 2 3/4 inch shells.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2500 g (88.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1130 mm (44.49") |
| Barrel Length | 700 mm (27.56") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammerless |
| Trigger Type | Double Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 20 Gauge · primary — also known as 20 ga, 20 bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Open Barrels
- Safety mechanisms: Automatic Safety, Intercepting Sears
- Features: Anson Deeley Boxlock, Scalloped Action, Side By Side Barrels, Selective Ejectors, Hand Engraved, Straight Hand Stock
Service history
Operators
- Sporting and game shooters
Production
Production years: 1965-present
Built to individual order in small annual quantities at Westley Richards' Birmingham works
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: William Anson and John Deeley
Notes
Westley Richards produces only roughly 40-45 guns per year, all custom ordered, so barrel length, choke, stock dimensions and gauge vary by commission. The Connaught name denotes the firm's scalloped boxlock model line.
Background
The Connaught is built on the Anson & Deeley boxlock action that Westley Richards patented in 1875 (patent no. 1756), the design credited to action-shop foreman William Anson and managing director John Deeley which became the template for the hammerless game gun worldwide.