Westley Richards Improved Martini Sights

feeds@yuku.com (mwhite49) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:24:47 GMT

Hi, I have a model 1871 that I am restoring, this one has two holes in the top tang, one for the lower tang screw and then one closer to the receiver that is dished or beveled a bit. I think this may have been for a tang sight but I'm not sure. I know tang sights were in fact mounted on a few of these. If anyone has this model with an original tang sight could you post a picture of it?
Thanks
Mike

Photos-Zulu War Majubas

feeds@yuku.com (JIM 49TH VA) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:36:05 GMT

I just obtained a copy of Zulu War- Volunteers, Irregulars and Auxiliaries from the Osprey Men-at-Arms series, (Oxford, 2003.) It contains two interesting illustrations of Majuba-armed men, one a native levy, (p 10) and one a Boer, (p. 43) during the 1879 Zulu War. Below are the best scans we could manage.

Westley Richards Improved Carbine

feeds@yuku.com (mwhite49) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 10:04:51 GMT

I'm in the process of getting my WR Improved restocked, and in anticipation of getting it I would like to find out about loads for this rifle. Mine is marked 1 1/2 Carbine, I purchased a collectors round just to have to compare with. What can you use as brass? and I need a good starting point for loads. I know these all seemed to use paper patched slugs, is anyone using plain slugs, and if so what diam.?
Any help appreciated.
Mike

577-500 shell holder problem

feeds@yuku.com (casper50) — Mon, 04 May 2009 02:07:53 GMT

I've been having a primer seating problem with my shell holder for the 577-500. I ordered my dies and shell holder from Buffalo Arms and the shell holder they sent me, (marked 58), has the rim thickness slot cut too large. The case will move up and down in the shell holder. So of course the primers won't seat all the way. I have searched on the internet for a correct shell holder to no avail. Does anyone know where I can get the correct shell holder?

Majuba Bandolier?

feeds@yuku.com (JIM 49TH VA) — Sun, 03 May 2009 08:11:15 GMT

I recently purchased an old bandolier on e-Bay from a UK seller. the manufacturer is John Leckie & Co., Walsall, but there is no other mark like a broad arrow to indicate government use. The seller thought it was Boer War vintage, and the condition is not inconsistent with that dating, but the loops are too large for .303 and too small for .577-.450. As the photograph shows, a .500-.450 cartridge fits perfectly.

This is quite a different bandolier than the one we...

577/500 No 2 brass question

feeds@yuku.com (joelblack88) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:37:55 GMT

Have any of you ordered these cases from Buffalo Arms? If so could you please give me all the dimensions.

1871 improved restock finished

feeds@yuku.com (casper50) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:33:11 GMT

I finally finished the stock on the WR 1871.

India hunting photos?

feeds@yuku.com (casper50) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 09:11:05 GMT

I'm looking for old hunting photos taken in India from around 1880 to 1940. I am setting up an educational display that I am going to take to gunshows. If anyone knows where I can look or find some I 'd appreciate it. I am trying to focus on the guns used during that time frame and the game taken with them. Thanks

MDL 1871 what a hoot.

feeds@yuku.com (casper50) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 12:18:55 GMT

I recieved my Westley Model 1871 improved martini in 500 Express #2 back from the stocker a while ago. I still need to put a finish on the wood but I just couldn't wait to shoot it. Took it out back for a couple of shots into a dry hardwood log. After splitting it with the ax the bullet traveled 6 7/8". The load was 130 grains of Goex cartridge black sub, a .515" 365 grain bullet.

...

New M1871

feeds@yuku.com (joelblack88) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:03:06 GMT

I just got this .577/500 No. 2 from a friend of mine. The serial number, 446, is listed in Wal Winfer's book as "No 2 EX Whitworth bore" which is correct.

Preceedings of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers 1871

feeds@yuku.com (Tacolneston) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 12:24:42 GMT

Browsing my shelves this afternoon I rediscovered the extract from the 1871 IME records with W P Marshall's paper on the developments in breech loading rifles. There are a number of line drawings which I'll post in the military history section, but I thought that I would put the WR drawings here - two of the action and one showing the change in leverage between the spring and the hammer.

Westley Richards Improved Martini variations

feeds@yuku.com (mwhite49) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:35:46 GMT

Hi, I noticed one picture of a Westley Richards Improved Martini, I think a model 1872 with a patch box. Now in looking thru the Internet it seems as though there were all kinds of variations to the standard rifle/carbine. It appears to me that most were special ordered with different options. Do any of your rifles/carbines have a patch box? What was the purpose of a patch box on a modern cartridge rifle for that time frame?
Thanks
Mike

1885 Westley Richards .500-.450 No. 2 Musket

feeds@yuku.com (iceman) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 08:49:39 GMT

Hi
I'm searching for information about a Westley Richards number 2 musket (500/450 caliber). The date 1885 is engraved on the rifle witch I assume is the year of manufacture. This rifle has been handed down the family over years and it's in the 3rd generation now. This rifle was fired for the first time after a period of approximately 80 years. It was well looked after over the years and is still in a very good condition. We have no information regarding the history of this...

Westley Richards Model 1871

feeds@yuku.com (mwhite49) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 18:17:17 GMT

Hi, my newly purchased Model 1871 Carbine is missing it's butt plate. Any idea on where one may find one of these, or a different model that would look appropriate on this rifle? I have even seen a Boer war veteran holding one of these with a large brass patch box mounted on the right side of the rifle.
Thanks
Mike

1869 Project

feeds@yuku.com (Bnelson) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 06:32:45 GMT

Back in August, there was a posting here about a WR Martini on Gunbroker. I ended up buying it and found out that it was in need of a lot of TLC. I had to weld the block, repair the sights, make all the springs, and make new stocks, along with some more minor issues. The original stock was barely usable for a pattern. I thought about case coloring the receiver, but ended up blueing it. This one had the square front end that someone earlier said was a "Transitional" model...

Westley Richards Improved model 1871?

feeds@yuku.com (mwhite49) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 11:04:42 GMT

I just picked this one up and need some help. The stock I'm going to have done by the Rifle shop but I'm missing the butt plate. Where could one find a correct style butt plate?
I also picked up a Martin Target pistol. Hope these pictures look OK.
Mike

DIMENSIONS

feeds@yuku.com (CASTER) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 08:34:10 GMT

I am an investment casting mold maker interested in reporducing the Westley Richards 1871. I have several photos and patent drawings, but have no dimensions at this point. Would anyone be interested in sharing dimensions of their rifles with me in exchange for a set of fully dimensioned Autocad drawings of their gun?

Majuba Enthusiasts' Humor?

feeds@yuku.com (JIM 49TH VA) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 11:18:21 GMT

I saw this on the UK eBay and thought you would enjoy it. Would make a nice ammo box label, too

WR Improved.....

feeds@yuku.com (Dantforth) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:49:10 GMT

I was offered this odd looking rifle today. Sorry I haven't been around for a while but life has been busy. Getting back to the odd looking Martini. Rifle has been completely redone and is beautiful. Marked Wesley Richards and in 577-450 according to the owner. Barrel looks new as it has a quick twist shallow enfield type rifling. I have no experience here but it got my attention. I convinced myself to leave it and then tuned in here. I did read here somewhere that they...

Getting the WR 1871 restocked.

feeds@yuku.com (casper50) — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 18:02:57 GMT

I just received a quote from a site recommended stocker to restock my Westley Model 1871 "Improved Martini". The following is a quote: "The cost to to restock ( butt & forend ) is $4800 plus chequering ". Very proud of his work indeed. I don't think I'll send it to him.

Westley Richards Improved Martinis