According to Mr Vicknair, the best made American Classic Double.

Kensal,

Look forward to your book. I did not see it on the listed site. Would it be possible that Westley may have export sales, and import, records, since these were shipped to and assembled by H-R. The barrels would not require proofing in the UK, since they for export. Am I correct in this assumption.

I also passed, unfortunately, on a Pittsburgh Arms SxS that looked to be an exact duplicate of the H-R and was told they too held a license to asemble Westleys. It was every bit as fine, better in grade that the one I inherited, as the higher graded HRs. Never saw another one. I did pick up a set of barrels with a fore end at a garage sale in the Hudson Valley decades ago. The lugs were damaged, a future project, and the seller knew not where the the rest of the gun was.

I suspect these HRs was sold thru the higher-end outfitters of their time. They were pricey. My great uncle told me he purchased his from a "shop in New York(city)" in the 1880s.

Anyway, I look forward to your book.

Mr. Pulis:
Thanks for your most kind interest in my book. It will be out soon. Some minor issues to deal with at the publisher yet to go.

The inside story of H&R's double production will be revealed in the book. Along with photos never before seen. And you've guessed well. The market for this gun was a bit limited by a host of factors. This too, will be revealed.

So please be patient. The book will be out soon! Your kind words are much appreciated.

John, please notify us when your book is available.

Dean





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It's definitely not unfired. I know because I've patterned it (left barrel mod, right barrel full) and put a box of RST's through it at Hausmann's in June.

I thought long and hard about shooting it. Not because of a fear of bulging or blowing up the Damascus barrels but because it is so pristine -- I'd hate to trip and fall and damage it in any way.

My father had the gun hidden in its case up between the floor joists in his house for at least 40 years. I got to look at it about once every other year or so. He never shot it and I do not believe his uncle ever did either. So it was no easy decision to shoot it.

We talked about the gun and if we should shoot it or not. If we never shot it it would remain in my safe until I'm gone. Then it would go to one of my daughters -- then what? Would she sell it or would her kid sell it after she's gone? That didn't seem like the greatest option. I'm never going to sell it so why not shoot it? I also thought it would be pretty cool to watch my 88 yrs young father shoot it for the first time. Which he did earlier this year at our local skeet club.

Mr. Scott:
You are a wise and prudent man. A gun unfired is a gun without purpose. Enjoy the ownership of this historic H&R while you can. And ensure its care for the future.

The salient precaution one must keep in mind is that the stock wood is VERY old and undoubtedly very dry. Even in perfect visual condition, it may not suffer heavy recoil very well.

Still, the story behind this gun will be fascinating and important for sure. As I've already mentioned you own one of the VERY few A Grade H&R's ever made. Enjoy its history and beauty!

Here's a small bit from my upcoming book... with people you may know:

Thank you John.





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Yes John, I’m friends with Ernie and Steve. They both are members of Boylston Skeet Club where I shoot weekly. I’ve seen Steve’s fine collection of SxS shotguns including the 3 H&Rs he owns. I believe one of the three he owns is an A grade (but it is not as nice as mine :) ).

Thank you for the information—I’m looking forward to obtaining a copy of your book. No doubt Ernie and Steve will both want a copy as well.

Article about my shotgun in Upland Almanac
 

I am posting this with the author's permission

Mr. Foster did a fine job. However, John Deeley was a bit more than an employee of Westley Richards. He was Managing Director. Nonetheless, a good view of this A Grade H&R.