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The current Shooting Sportsman issue has an article by Diggory Hadoke about the new OU from Westley Richards. The article states the gun is not proofed for steel shot, because, apparently, WR believes if you can afford six figures (plus) for a shotgun you can afford to shoot bismuth through it, which doesn’t require steel proof. Can Hevi-Shot be used? The guns are Teague choked. WR made a business decision to not proof their guns for steel shot, which I find extremely short sighted. Maybe the new guns can’t handle the requirements of steel? Am I correct that Purdey and H&H now proof their guns for steel? Seems a shame to spend that kind of coin on a top of the line gun made with sophisticated manufacturing applications when it can’t handle modern ammo. Comments?

I really hate to see people accepting the silly idea that steel shot replacing lead ammo is inevitable.

I don't accept that any more than I believe that an end to the 2nd Amendment and the private ownership of firearms is inevitable. But it does take paying attention to the threats from the anti-gun and anti-hunting Liberal Left Democrats. It is no secret that's where virtually all of the threats to our gun rights come from.

It might just be smarter and better to volunteer to be a poll watcher than shopping for guns that are proofed for steel.... unless you are the type that just gives in to woke nonsense and insanity. The men who wrote the Bill of Rights into the Constitution weren't that type.

I’m with WR on this one.

He posted 2, the J.D. Stettler & Son is mine.

WR makes a good point. If you can afford their guns, then you can also afford more expensive nontoxic options than steel.

That would be the wrong tool for the job.

Near as I can tell, the best grouse shots are using dynamic guns with five and 15 construction, muzzle light,

There’s a reason grouse shooting shotguns evolved into what they became.

A target gun is too slow.

I have friends that go to England/Scotland often and shoot classic, if not real old SxS. They said the additional cost for non toxic shot, in the scheme of things is not enough to make them change guns.

My understanding is that the reluctance, by WR to proof for Steel lies in the belief that making barrels for steel shot can result in undesirable handling qualities . Quoting from their blog post last summer:

“It is the barrels that impart so much of that fabulous handling quality into the guns we love and shoot. We should look after them; and that means, for now at least, picking up the ‘phone and ordering a few slabs of bismuth in cartridges of the appropriate case length, swallowing the cost and getting on with enjoying our season.“

Your Stettler and son gun is beautiful nice engraving.

You are correct Larry.

Shooting a few hundred rounds of bismuth is an insignificant cost when shooting driven game on the estates that require no lead ammunition.
Modern copper plated bismuth cartridges are great ammunition.

I shot three days on driven grouse this fall, where non lead was required, doublegunning, shot about 500rounds,
Ammunition cost never once entered my mind.

It is an expensive endeavor, it has a high barrier to entry, you know all that before you start.

Westley Richard’s is one of the companies waiting for you when you decide to start.

No one who pays 6 figures for a gun cares about the difference in price from steel to bismuth.

I can’t afford a 5 figure gun, never mind 6 figures and I don’t shoot steel out of anything.

What a gun. Enjoy

IM;

That is indeed a beautiful gun.

Kindest Regards;
Stephen Howell

No. Currently the alloy is steel and tungsten. Tungsten is denser and harder than steel. Steel has three times less rigidity than tungsten. Gil

I saw the photos and wondered who ordered it…shoot it in good health! Great decision to not proof for superior steel in harm the dynamics of the gun.

Is it me!! Or is Westly Richards think rather a lot of themselves. Have I got this right they want customers to pay a four figure plus sum for a gun that will not handle steel, who the hell do they think they are the one and only Gods gift to the shooting man! Other high finish makers can produce barrels that are proofed for steel. If a gun maker wanted to charge me a four figure plus for a gun I would want it to be able to cope with steel shot to Camel dropping's and every stop in between. And if that is going to be their sales policy they can stick their gun up in a place where the sun dont shine, I am sure that I will be alone in thinking this so lets see how long this idiotic sales tactic lasts.
Ernie. The sometimes cantankerous old git who knows when someone is trying hard extracting the piss.