doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Classic & Custom Single Barreled Sporting Rifles @ doublegunshop.com Westley Richards Deeley and Edge 450-3 1/4"

I picked up a great Deeley & Edge actioned Westley Richards 450 3 1/4" at the Louisville show yesterday. This is my first experience with a single shot and I need an education. Load data, reference material, recommendations etc.

Photos will follow, but briefly:

One side reads, "Manufactured by Westley Richards and Co., London & Birmingham", the other side reads (paraphrased), "Deeley & Edge Patent action".

Not sure of all the variations, but this one has a lever with a spur jutting to the right ~3/4" that pulls away from the trigger mechanism. Speaking of the trigger mechanism, it has a blade in the middle of the trigger shoe that looks like Glock copied it (sorry). The trigger cannot be pulled without the blade being depressed.

It has one standing sight, 6 folders marked from 100 - 600 yds and a ladder sight in front of that. I can't tell you how many Quiggly comments I got from the gun show regulars.

It has a 95% bore with Henry patent rifling (so marked on the left side of the barrel).

On the top of the action is the Westley triangle mark with the year 1883 below it.

It still has what appears to be the original wiping rod mounted on a full bottom rib and a wide full rib on top of the barrel.

The action is fully scroll engraved.

A great stick of wood to a trap buttplate.

Overall outside condition ~65%, but inside is beatiful. A very sound gun that may or may not receive some restorative (word?) attention on the outside.

Thanks for any help,
Bryndon

Hello Bryndon,

First, Congratulations on owning a great British Single Shot rifle. You will find info on this rifle action in Frank DeHaas's book, Single Shot rifles and Actions and also in Wal Winfers book on Westley Richards Single Shot, Falling Block Rifles.

There was more than one 'Deeley and Edge' Patent. You can find these through Google Patents on the www.Just to see which model you have.

I'm jealous, Aggghhhhhhh. lol.

Harry

Bryndon
Pictures, pictures, pictures...oh ya congrats sounds interesting to say the least.

Harry, what is this great British Single Shot stuff when you are building a Borchardt? Just kidding. How is that finger doing?

Is this a side lever operated action? Similar to the operation of a Hepburn but much better looking?

There's alot of load data available in "Shooting the British Double Rifle". Both Black and NFB that stay within the pressures it needs.

It isn't the side lever like the picture SDH had on the cover of Precision Shooting Magazine (search this site for Westley Richards Deeley & Edge). Mine has an underlever similar to a Farquharson, only much more streamlined and less gangly when opened. The trigger stays with the action when opened and there is a "safety" lever that feels like it blocks the trigger and locks the lever.

Pictures will follow tomorrow. Got busy blueing last night and didn't fool with the camera.

I have a D&E by WR that is side lever. I't a robust action but much smaller than what I think you have. It's shown in Chapter 39 of DeHass's SS Rifles and Actions.
I look forward to seeing yours.

Let's try this. Engraving is not nearly as washed out as it looks. It was late and I had to use the flash. Furthermore, I am NOT a photographer.

Apologies to gasgunner for taking a SS post back to the top.

Also, I have ordered a copy of Kirton's book "The British Falling Block Breechloading Rifles", but would like to find a copy of Winfer's Vol 4 Westley Richards book. If anyone knows where I might find one I'd much appreciate it. This is a completely new realm for me & I usually get the book first, but I placed the cart in front of the horse this time.

Brandon. anybody who likes guns. Appreciates you posting the pictures of your rifle. I know I do and I like it.That was a great find.
Maybe gasgunner was just having a bad day.But personally at 74 any day I wake up. It's a good day. Whitey

What a beautiful rifle, congratulations on your purchase.