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Jul 28th, 2025
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 303 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 303 Likes: 1 |
I have had a Westley Richards double rifle for several years stashed in one of my gun safes. I bought it used from Westley Richards in the US as a 450-400 3". I shot it with the rounds appropriate to it--no problems. Now I have started thinking about taking it to Africa.
The questions start. The barrel markings are, "400/35/400 cartridge." Nowhere does 450/400 appear. The spent cartridges and a chamber cast confirm 450/400. The barrel flats have British proofs and," Cordite 55-400 Max." What do you make of this? I am concerned that if going through customs in some African country, a problem could occur with cartridges not matching gun. Africa would be in 2024 so no great rush. Multiple other guns available.
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Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,200 Likes: 550
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,200 Likes: 550 |
The “400/35/400 cartridge “ marking is puzzling. Does it appear to have been applied by Westley Richards or later?
If time is not of the essence a visit to a good engraver might be worth while so Customs officers can be sure that the rifle matches the ammunition,
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 306 Likes: 28
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 306 Likes: 28 |
I would contact Westly Richards with good quality photos for clarification.
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 303 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 303 Likes: 1 |
The “400/35/400 cartridge “ marking is puzzling. Does it appear to have been applied by Westley Richards or later?
If time is not of the essence a visit to a good engraver might be worth while so Customs officers can be sure that the rifle matches the ammunition, It looks to be similar to the other engraving on the barrel. I think that I am going to need to get examples of how WR marked their 450-400's and contact an engraver familiar with guns. I would hate to be held up/arrested at customs. Thanks!
Last edited by Richard Saloom; 02/28/23 12:11 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 303 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 303 Likes: 1 |
I would contact Westly Richards with good quality photos for clarification. I bought it about 20 years ago and all the information from them. A few moves have spread many things around multiple boxes. I will have to give them a call. Thanks!
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 378 Likes: 33
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 378 Likes: 33 |
I find the "35" to be the most confusing.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 7,308 Likes: 615
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 7,308 Likes: 615 |
I think the "35" is actually a 55.
400 bore/55 grains of cordite/ 400 grain bullet.
Firearms imports, consignments ![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/Ez9oz9Rl.jpg)
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3 members like this:
Parabola, BrentD, Prof, mc |
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 94 Likes: 2
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 94 Likes: 2 |
I agree, SKB, 55 and 60 appear to be common designations on all my 450/400's.
"A Stranger is a Friend we haven't Met"
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 378 Likes: 33
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 378 Likes: 33 |
That would make sense. My 3 1/4 is a 60. An easy restrike;-)
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 4,939 Likes: 343
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 4,939 Likes: 343 |
Does anyone have a 450-400 2 3/8"? If so, does it take 35 grains of Cordite? Just wondering if the rifle had been re-chambered and regulated for the 3" version, bullet diameter differences, if any, not withstanding.
Mike
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