Westley Richards Droplock
Westley Richards & Co. · Shotgun · In Production · 1897
Also known as: Westley Richards Hand Detachable Lock Shotgun, Drop-Lock, Droplock Box Lock
Overview
The Westley Richards Droplock is a best-quality British side-by-side double-barrel shotgun built around Leslie B. Taylor's hand-detachable-lock action, patented in 1897 and perfected by 1909. An evolution of the Anson & Deeley boxlock, its mainspring, sear, tumbler and cocking dog are mounted on a steel plate that can be withdrawn through the floorplate without tools, allowing the locks to be inspected or swapped in the field in three movements. Combined with the Deeley ejector and doll's-head top extension, it remains one of the most coveted bespoke sporting guns in the world.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3180 g (112.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1146 mm (45.12") |
| Barrel Length | 711 mm (27.99") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Double |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12ga, 12 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Open Double Barrel
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Automatic Safety
- Features: Hand Detachable Locks, Doll Head Locking Extension, Deeley Ejectors, Deeley Edge Forend Latch, Bespoke Build, Tool Free Field Strip
Production
Production years: 1897-present
Continuously hand-built to bespoke order since the 1897 patent; no mass-production figures
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: Leslie B. Taylor
Notes
Each droplock is hand-built to order in Birmingham with frames scaled to the gauge, so dimensions vary per commission. Quoted specifications reflect a typical 12-bore game gun configuration. Available from .410 up to 12-bore.
Background
Company lore holds that Leslie Taylor conceived the detachable lock after asking a foreman whether the unsightly lock pins piercing the sides of the action could be hidden; the resulting pinless, tool-free design became the pre-eminent British sporting gun, favoured by royalty and aristocracy for over a century.