Thread: Prototype Westley Richards Hammerless Monkey Tail restoration

Here is something pretty different even for me

I recently brought this well known and written about relic Westley Richards Hammerless Monkey Tail prototype rifle



What is thought is that it was the pre production prototype working model and it was still in the Birmingham Proof house when it was bombed during WW2

The final production model had a deeper Wedge Lock which is why this is likely the prototype.
Also this is the only known example with the top plate screws.
It also has a couple of pin holes that are filled with short blanks, which confirms that this was most likely a prototype.

This is what ultimately went into production.
Note the deeper wedge locking into the rear of the receiver



We do know this was a complete stocked rifle because the rear tang is rebated for a screw that went through the stock into the trigger guard.
It also has an under barrel stock hanger and rear sights.
This all suggests it was once a complete rifle.
But has no obvious remaining signs of a front sight.

This is the patent and if you look clearly you can see the stock screw that passes through the rear receiver tang, through the stock and into the rear of the trigger guard.



Ok Lets get this out there right now.
Despite the outward relic condition this rifle ( thing ? Not sure what exactly too call it ) has a very good bore and is chambered in 577 Snider.

When I brought this relic I placed it in the serious long term project category.
But being borderline OCD ( self diagnosis. joke ) and with it being wet today I made a new main spring for it.
And this evening I successfully repeatedly fired 577 Snider primed cases in it.
Ok I also have too say the trigger is shit !

Where to from here ?