Here’s a nice looking hammergun — too nice, really. Old doubles like this are like bird dogs – one is good, more is better. So if you buy this W. Richards and two years from now you have 4-5 more old doubles like it in your safe, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
W. Richards has been in business for over 200 years. According to their website, the firm was in Liverpool for most of their history (today they’re in East York).
W. Richards (Liverpool) Hammergun 12 Gauge: Trim action is adorned with fine scroll covering 60% of the action with perfussion-style fences for added flair. It is barreled with an exceptionally fine-patterned damascus finished in black and white. It’s stocked with a nicely figured piece of walnut and ends with heel and toe caps. The fore end fastens with a nicely engraved Rigby-style lever fastener.The gun locks up tightly on face with double under lugs and a doll’s head top fastener. Barrels were nitro proved at 18.9 mm (.744) in 1993 and remain at this diameter to date. Observed minimum barrel-wall thicknesses measure .022 on the right barrel and .028 on the left. Chokes measure .009 in both barrels. The gun is cased in a nice leather trunk case with the appropriate W. Richards Liverpool case label. Price: $1,999.99
| Manufacturer: | 1879 |
| Caliber: | 12 gauge |
| Chambers: | 2 1/2 |
| Metal Condition: | Shows an elegant damascus pattern in black and white. No patina. |
| Wood Condition: | Numerous marks though none through the finish. |
| Bore Condition: | Bright and shiny |
| Barrels: | 29″ damascus |
| Triggers: | Double |
| Stock: | Straight-hand |
| Stock Dimensions | 14 3/8″ LOP. 1 3/8″ DAC. 2 1/8″ DAH. |
| Fore End: | Splinter with lever fastener |
| Butt Pad: | Checkered butt with heel and toe caps. |
| Weight: | 6 1/2 lbs. |
| Chokes: | IC/IC (.009/.009) |
