Westley Richards Fixed Lock Double Rifle
Westley Richards & Co. Ltd · Rifle · In Production · 1995
Also known as: Westley Richards Boxlock Double Rifle, Westley Richards Fixed Lock Anson & Deeley Double Rifle
Overview
The Westley Richards Fixed Lock Double Rifle is a side-by-side boxlock double rifle built in Birmingham, England for dangerous-game hunting. It uses the firm's famous Anson & Deeley 'fixed lock' (boxlock) action of 1875, with the hammers concealed inside the action body and cocked by the fall of the barrels. Reintroduced in 1995 to meet the modern safari revival, it features the Model 'C' doll's head fastener, wide pivoting snap-action lever work, a Deeley forend fastener and the distinctive 'jockey cap' safety button. Each rifle is hand-regulated so both barrels group together at short range, and it is chambered in heavy Nitro Express cartridges such as the .465 Nitro Express.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4820 g (170.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4900 g (172.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1092 mm (42.99") |
| Barrel Length | 660 mm (25.98") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 655 m/s (2149 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 6685 J (4931 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Case Hardened |
Calibers
- .465 Nitro Express · primary — also known as .465 NE, .465 Nitro Express 3¼"
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Action Double Barrel
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Tang Safety
- Features: Side By Side Barrels, Boxlock Action, Anson Deeley Action, Model C Dolls Head, Deeley Forend Fastener, Jockey Cap Safety, Automatic Ejectors, Express Sights, Hand Engraved, Individually Regulated
Service history
Operators
- Professional dangerous-game hunters
Production
Production years: 1995-present
Hand-built to order in small numbers at the Westley Richards works in Birmingham; the boxlock action was reintroduced in 1995.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: Westley Richards
Notes
The 'fixed lock' name distinguishes the boxlock model from Westley Richards' signature detachable-lock 'droplock' rifles. Reintroduced under Managing Director Simon Clode to offer a more affordable hand-built double rifle for professional hunters; the .465 Nitro Express is a period Westley Richards cartridge of 1907.
Background
The Anson & Deeley boxlock, patented by Westley Richards employees William Anson and John Deeley in 1875, hid the hammers inside the action and let the barrels' fall cock the locks. It became one of the most copied actions in firearms history, and forms the heart of the company's 'fixed lock' double rifles to this day.