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Jul 28th, 2025
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 16
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 16 |
I wanted to get some thoughts/opinions on barrel sleeving done in the UK generally and by Westley Richards specifically? I'm interested in the quality and durability on a gun to be used for hunting and occasional clays shooting. I've seen a number of nice sidelocks at affordable prices which have sleeved barrels. Any opinions appreciated.
Thank You
Tim
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 20
Boxlock
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Boxlock
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 20 |
The work done by Westley Richards is top notch. The guns I have seen the joining is almost undetectable. I struggled with the question myself and missed a very nice, affordable Charles Lancaster because of my indecision. The gunsmiths doing the sleeves are probably the same ones who are building the bespoke guns. Another note it that a lot of the classic guns are 2 1/2" chambers, however, they all have to be proofed before leaving the shops. Just my humble opinion. DK
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 7,306 Likes: 613
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 7,306 Likes: 613 |
Currently Westley sleeving or vintage work? Some of the work done in the past was horrible. Current work is top drawer. Sleeved guns can be an excellent buy if you are looking for a field gun.
Firearms imports, consignments ![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/Ez9oz9Rl.jpg)
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 634 Likes: 127
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 634 Likes: 127 |
I have had several sleeved doubles. Some have been excellent. One the weight is the same as when it was made. Others were a little heavy and the dynamics weren't just right. With effort they can make the appearance undetectable
This ain't a dress rehearsal , Don't Let the Old Man IN
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,679 Likes: 24
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,679 Likes: 24 |
The process is not cheap but it provides the opportunity to salvage an otherwise marginal or worthless set of barrels. Keith merrington in Kerrville, tx. is about as good as anybody. Look at spending about 2k. Gil
[IMG]
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 627 Likes: 80
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 627 Likes: 80 |
Agree with Steve (SKB). WR started sleeving guns in the late '50s or early '60s. Quite a few improvements (e.g., TIG welding) have been made over the years. Is the gun being sleeved originally damacus? If so, the reblue of the damascus breech may not exactly match the new tubes, but it can be very close.
If you have a gun sleeved in the states by Kirk Merrington, the only potential drawback is it won't be proofed.
Ken
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 11,571 Likes: 165
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 11,571 Likes: 165 |
If you have a gun sleeved in the states by Kirk Merrington, the only potential drawback is it won't be proofed.
Ken I don't believe it will be marked as sleeved either.
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 16
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 16 |
To clarify, im looking to buy a sleeved gun , not have one done.
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,540 Likes: 328
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,540 Likes: 328 |
I believe that in order to purchase a sleeved gun, it would have to be handled to be certain that the balance hasn't been upset after sleeving.
Karl
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,954 Likes: 12
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,954 Likes: 12 |
Like all guns, you must evaluate the gun as it currently exists. I think it counterproductive to worry about how the gun currently compares to how it might have been when OE. The better question is how it suits you as it is. Well made sleeved barrels are perfectly acceptable to me. Toby B. just did a really satisfactory one for me. Just like all other repairs/restorations, not all sleevings are equal. Shoddy work usually looks shoddy.
As for handling dynamics, handle enough guns where-in you pay careful attention and learn what you really like/need. Then "fugidaboud" the sleeving and decide if the gun meets your wants/needs.
DDA
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