Thread: Awesome Christchurch-based reloading supplier

Hi all. This is a massive and unsolicited plug for Wilhelm Arms & Optics.

I'm about to dive into the murky waters of reloading, and got in touch with them because I'd heard the prices were as good as I was likely to get anywhere. Richard went over & above the call of duty to get some supplies to me (on a public holiday as well) and gave me some sage advice that I have kept on file to refer back to as I progress.

I'd strongly encourage all you Canterbury reloaders to support them - they've got a new customer for life here. Thanks Richard!

Yeah, he got me started too. Welcome to the rabbit hole of reloading.

welcome to reloading, it wont save you much $ as you will constantly be shooting and tinkering with loads

You might think hes wonderful as a new customer......

but, i can assure you if you deal with him "enough" at some point he will piss you off.

Originally Posted by matagouri

You might think hes wonderful as a new customer......

but, i can assure you if you deal with him "enough" at some point he will piss you off.

i havent dealt with richard since he was in upper columbo st pre quake. i always found him damn nice and very professional. he seemed a bit "cold" when i met him but he sure knows his stuff when it comes to optics and reloading. after several months of visits he has a great sense of humour and gets more talkative. (not an insult at all richard)

Richard's a great guy; sometimes just gets a bit technical when a simple yes or no is all thats required.
Incredible knowledge.

Just don’t mention his old shop!

A great guy. Very helpful and knows his products.

He’s absolutely fantastic. Responsive knowledgeable and friendly. Great deals and sells quality stuff eg Dewey cleaning rods.

Originally Posted by outdoorlad

Just don’t mention his old shop!

Or disagree with him

Or get him to fit a scope

I have known Richard since we were both young teenagers in the Junior Deerstalkers in Ch-Ch, and we have hunted together. He knows his stuff and comes from a family involvement in the sporting goods trade. His father was a prominent member of the NZDA and was involved in the sports shop in New Regent Street, Ch-Ch in the 50's and 60's, the name of which escapes me as it was 60 years ago. Like me, he has a lifetime of experience with optics, firearms and ammunition.

Originally Posted by gundoc

I have known Richard since we were both young teenagers in the Junior Deerstalkers in Ch-Ch, and we have hunted together. He knows his stuff and comes from a family involvement in the sporting goods trade. His father was a prominent member of the NZDA and was involved in the sports shop in New Regent Street, Ch-Ch in the 50's and 60's, the name of which escapes me as it was 60 years ago. Like me, he has a lifetime of experience with optics, firearms and ammunition.

like you i always found him very knowledgable and a bloody craftsman.I had two nikko stirling scopes on my rifles(4x40 4x32) and being a budgeteer wondered if he could fit a "sniper'reticle to one and generally recondition both . He did exactly that and I got another 20yrs use before having to retire both.I was put on to him by another guy from NZDA who did some .303 reloading for me.
richards manner I did find a little eccentric at times but we all have our wee quirks.his knowledge -well it was breathtaking to a beginner like me.

I would and have recommended him to a few people as a source for reloading items but also bino repairs and such like.