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Forums10
Topics38,473
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Apr 27th, 2024
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 303 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 303 Likes: 1 |
I have had a Westley Richards double rifle for several years stashed in one of my gun safes. I bought it used from Westley Richards in the US as a 450-400 3". I shot it with the rounds appropriate to it--no problems. Now I have started thinking about taking it to Africa.
The questions start. The barrel markings are, "400/35/400 cartridge." Nowhere does 450/400 appear. The spent cartridges and a chamber cast confirm 450/400. The barrel flats have British proofs and," Cordite 55-400 Max." What do you make of this? I am concerned that if going through customs in some African country, a problem could occur with cartridges not matching gun. Africa would be in 2024 so no great rush. Multiple other guns available.
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Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 904 Likes: 359
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 904 Likes: 359 |
The “400/35/400 cartridge “ marking is puzzling. Does it appear to have been applied by Westley Richards or later?
If time is not of the essence a visit to a good engraver might be worth while so Customs officers can be sure that the rifle matches the ammunition,
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 278 Likes: 21
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 278 Likes: 21 |
I would contact Westly Richards with good quality photos for clarification.
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 303 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 303 Likes: 1 |
The “400/35/400 cartridge “ marking is puzzling. Does it appear to have been applied by Westley Richards or later?
If time is not of the essence a visit to a good engraver might be worth while so Customs officers can be sure that the rifle matches the ammunition, It looks to be similar to the other engraving on the barrel. I think that I am going to need to get examples of how WR marked their 450-400's and contact an engraver familiar with guns. I would hate to be held up/arrested at customs. Thanks!
Last edited by Richard Saloom; 02/28/23 12:11 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 303 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 303 Likes: 1 |
I would contact Westly Richards with good quality photos for clarification. I bought it about 20 years ago and all the information from them. A few moves have spread many things around multiple boxes. I will have to give them a call. Thanks!
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 284 Likes: 25
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 284 Likes: 25 |
I find the "35" to be the most confusing.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,993 Likes: 402
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,993 Likes: 402 |
I think the "35" is actually a 55.
400 bore/55 grains of cordite/ 400 grain bullet.
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3 members like this:
Parabola, BrentD, Prof, mc |
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 92 Likes: 2
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 92 Likes: 2 |
I agree, SKB, 55 and 60 appear to be common designations on all my 450/400's.
"A Stranger is a Friend we haven't Met"
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 284 Likes: 25
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 284 Likes: 25 |
That would make sense. My 3 1/4 is a 60. An easy restrike;-)
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 4,463 Likes: 207
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 4,463 Likes: 207 |
Does anyone have a 450-400 2 3/8"? If so, does it take 35 grains of Cordite? Just wondering if the rifle had been re-chambered and regulated for the 3" version, bullet diameter differences, if any, not withstanding.
Mike
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 303 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 303 Likes: 1 |
I think the "35" is actually a 55.
400 bore/55 grains of cordite/ 400 grain bullet. I thought the same and looked under magnification--it is 35. Could it have been changed by an engraver? I have put in a request with Westley Richards for the gun's history. The serial number puts it in the 1905-1915 range. No reproof markings. Der Ami, where are you located in Alabama? I am between Auburn and Lagrange, GA.
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 4,463 Likes: 207
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 4,463 Likes: 207 |
Richard Saloom,
I am between Auburn and Lagrange. If you don't travel by interstate, between the two, you almost have to go through my town. PM me.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,478 Likes: 16
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,478 Likes: 16 |
Whether you need to be concerned about passing through customs in Africa depends on which country you plan to hunt in. If you are talking to a PH or safari outfitter - ask him.
I took two rifles to Tanzania last fall and cruised through customs with no problem. Opt for the VIP service for a couple hundred dollars and relax.
C Man
Life is short
Quit your job.
Turn off the TV.
Go outside and play.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 737 Likes: 23
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 737 Likes: 23 |
Call Champlin Firearms in Oklahoma. They will get you sorted out.
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