Westley Richards 20 Ga – DROPLOCK, SINGLE TRIGGER, WOW!

Introduced in 1897, the Westley Richards hand-detachable drop lock won many  patents over the years and is known for strength and reliability. This mechanism allowed for an action that had no pins or screws showing in the sides of the action like other boxlock guns. The hand detachable locks are very simple with only six component parts – lock plate, cocking lifter, hammer, mainspring, sear and sear spring (see attached photo). If you take the locks out for cleaning or to disable your gun for safety or transport, they are impossible to put back into the gun incorrectly.  The hand detachable lock gun allows you to insert replacement locks in seconds, and without tools, in the unlikely event of a problem. If you are out in wet weather or you take a spill in the creek you can easily remove the lock to dry, clean, and lubricate.  The Westley Richards Droplock is the only action that did not follow the basic boxlock or sidelock design.  The Droplock gun is wholly reliable and just plain cool to own.  Of course, a Westley Richards Droplock is the epitome of the English side x side, with lightweight, perfect balance, and dynamic handling characteristics that all others are measured by.  This elegant example, sn17444 built in 1912, has been beautifully restored with historically correct finishes to London standards and remains in 100% new and unfired condition.  Reproofed in Birmingham in 1961 for heavy 1-ounce loads and 2 ¾” shells, this gun is ready for another 100 years and longer service to the discerning sportsman.  The 26” Westley Richards marked barrels are choked LM/F, have tight smooth concave ribs, high-polish London blue, and gold inlaid Westley Richards lettering in the top rib. The barrels are tight as new on the hinge pin and breech face. The action has 80% coverage of the finest English scroll engraving, 100% bone and charcoal case color, hinged bottom plate, crisp single selective Westley One Trigger, strong and well-timed ejectors, the one exposed screw clean and clocked.  The smokey black mineral streaks on honey colored English walnut stocks are eye candy for sure, fit perfectly to the action and metal, retaining all the hand-rubbed oil finish with only a few tiny safe marks.  The English grip stock and diminutive beavertail forend are checkered to perfection with mullered borders and no cracks or issues.  This is a stunning shotgun weighing just 6lbs. and balanced dead on the hinge pin for dynamic handling characteristics and lightning fast to the shoulder in the upland haunts.  The butt is finished in a fine Purdey style pigskin leather covered pad that brings the utmost class to an already exceptional Westley Richards 20 bore game gun.  The 13 ¾” LOP is measured from a rear position single trigger.  If there were a front trigger the LOP would be 14 ½” so the stock is not short and should be comfortable for shooters 6’ tall and under. We build custom-fit gun cases for our clients.  If you want a special case for this gun, please ask.  See specifications below.  We have priced this rare gun to sell, so don’t hesitate to call!  See specifications below.  Thanks for looking