doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com New Westley droplock

It seems to me the value of a hand detachable lock (drop or side) is in the ability of the user to quickly replace the lock while on a trip with a spare. If you don't have spares, it would seem that the design is simply a novelty that is expensive to build.

You know Chuck, that women don't have to look the way they do to get the job done....but it sure enriches life that they do. I think the droplock is in a bit of a similar category........if it didn't exist there would be less beauty in the world. Maybe an expensive novelty but I WANT ONE!!! ;-)

Bob,
After some thought, I agree.

I am convinced that doublegun men are expensive novelty addicts. Myself included.

Hey, Chuck.

The Drop Lock seems a bit of a solution chasing a problem, but the locks can be more easily serviced; same as a sidelock. And, that complaint has been leveled at boxlocks many times.

DDA

I DID find it a bit humorous to see someone giving Dig a "lesson" on Westly Richards - sort of like given Winston Churchill a lesson in leadership - funny. By the way, the UK Westley Richards website has "Droplock" as one of the selections to click when looking at new guns.

www.westleyrichards.co.uk/GUNS-Shotgun/Shotgun-Detachable-Lock-Droplock

I dont own a WR drop lock but would like to have one. They are really beautiful guns. On further analysis, however, they are really just a high priced and glorified boxlock. I would like to have one but I really see no advantage to this gun over a generic boxlock. For example, if a lion or buffalo is charging you and the gun fails, it would be too late before you could change your hand detachable lock no matter how expeditious you are in changing them out. Rather, I would prefer a standard sidelock gun for a similar amount of money or a generic boxlock for a whole lot less. Why not just get a sidelock which are proven and excellent guns?

Sidelock or boxlock failure in a hurry will not help, thus you have a PH as backup for such a contingency. Different is if you can replace a brocken lock to continue your safari. Then makes sense that WR offers detachable lock guns plus a set of extra locks, putting this kit in equal footing to a sidelock with detachable locks (plus extra lockplates). Giving equal reliability to both systems, still a new WR droplock + extra locks (�50.000) is more cost/efficient than a new London best sidelock. Same should apply to second hand guns of similar condition and age.

EJSXS

Buzz, we're talking about Westley Richards here. They have been building dangerous game rifles for over 150 years. Their muzzleloaders were hunting dangerous game in Africa before we were barely a nation. Kind of puts it in focus don't it?

Treb, You are right. Westley Richards hand detachable lock guns are FINE guns. I want one! I don't need one though....I have too many guns. They are very, very fine guns and I have handled one. I don't have anything bad to say about one. I'm more than glad they are still in production! But they are still a boxlock and not a sidelock, if that counts at all!

How many sidelocks with extra locks have you ever seen?

The pint of the hand detachable locks is that should it be required, the locks can be replaced without tools. Very useful if going away for years into rough country. Probably academic to most today.

Boxlocks have fewer moving part than sidelocks of any type. They have bigger limbs and are more robust. If made well they are almost indestructible, do not require maintenance for years and years.

Buzz, go and find a new, cased sidelock with extra locks, of similar quality for the �56,000 that this one cost.

Personally, I rate these as the best double rifles for the money available anywhere, indeed, they are the practical choice of many of the most experienced dangerous game hunters today. They are beautiful and very tough and functional. Also regulated beautifully.