Rifles

Military Rifles

Miltary contracts for both weapons and ammunition played a significant role in the early history, fortune and development of Westley Richards. From its earliest beginnings Westley Richards was at the forefront of military weapon design including, the first flip up tangent sight, the first breechloading carbine (Monkey Tail), as well as considerable improvements in rifling, cartridge case and bullet design.

By 1870 such was the increase in Westley Richards involvement with the military firearms market that an associated company had to be set up to deal with the volume of orders being supplied. This fine reputation for military arms was to continue during World War I when Westley Richards re-barrelled thousands of rifles.

Single Barrel Rifles

Aside from military single shot rifles, Westley Richards has always had a reputation for its sporting and competition single-shot rifles. Westley Richards patented its first falling-block rifle in 1872 and was to see a further 8 patents culminating in the new underlever model of 1897.

Monkey Tail Rifles

Unquestionably one of the most famous firearms to be invented in the 19th century was the Westley Richards Breech Loading Carbine of 1858, more commonly known as the 'Monkey Tail' Carbine. Its numerous variants and respective cartridges kept it in manufacture until 1881 with more than 20,000 being produced for military use. It was to set new standards in rifle design as it was the first breech loading rifle with combustible cartridges.