Richard London 41

[Mertoi]

Barrel ribs only lift when there is a build up of rust under the ribs the only cure is to remove the ribs and part the barrels to clean , Check the barrels to see if loaded then remove the breech plugs clean and lap the bores to a good finish also any pits and reassembly. You will find on 99%of English made guns that the ribs are soldered but on some Belgian made they are brazed
Also remember when doing restoration a gun that is 150 years plus should look its age and not something straight of the shelf, another thing always stick too the original and not add extras to it such has carvings , brass inlays and black or blue barrels Enclosed are images of one of the many gun restoration which can be saved and brought back too life and not gone for scrap.
FeltwadView attachment 221066
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The Finish Job
View attachment 221070

That looks really incredible! I tried for a good while soldering it, but believe the solder might be bad, if thats possible(fiance was having a hard time working on a stain glass project as well) I'm going to get hate for it, and might regret it later, but did a modern repair with a clear jb weld that's rated for 3900 psi. Not far off what solder gets too. I want to keep it antique looking, but don't plan on ever selling it and the heirs to the thing were present and pestering me to get it done. Probably not the best way to takle it, but have read other forums of it being used on modern shotguns that are going through a lot more stress than the 30-40 grains of powder I plan on using.

 

[Dave Marsh]

Not taking safety advice can be disastrous however it is obvious you are going to proceed and ignore the cautions so good luck.

 

[Mertoi]

Not taking safety advice can be disastrous however it is obvious you are going to proceed and ignore the cautions so good luck.

Guns store opens in a half hour, plan on taking it there and seeing if they would look it over. It's really not in all that bad of shape, could be the pictures I posted make it look worse than it is?

 

[springfield art]

Wondering if the flash channel is even open at all to pass the ignition from cap to breech. I don't think it looks at all safe to fire live. JMHO

 

[Mertoi]

Wondering if the flash channel is even open at all to pass the ignition from cap to breech. I don't think it looks at all safe to fire live. JMHO

Am able to feed a wire through to the inside.

 

[springfield art]

Am able to feed a wire through to the inside.

Good! But considering the rust level, is the barrel even sound enough? Well, good luck anyways!

 

[Mertoi]

Good! But considering the rust level, is the barrel even sound enough? Well, good luck anyways!

It seems like it, exterior pitting sure, but inside is clear save for a couple little goobers and some old powder residue....and the slightly missing edge

 

[Mertoi]

Well folks, made it with all digits and eyes. Was able to get one barrel to fire with 30 grains of fff. Believe my powder was iffy (as in a flask in my truck for the better part of 2 years)

 

[Comfortably_Numb]

30 grains ain't no kind of load.

 

[Mertoi]

30 grains ain't no kind of load.

True, but it's a start.

 

[bud in pa]

I would load it with a proof load and fire it with a loooong string from behind a very fat tree. If it blows up at least you will be safe.

 

[Mertoi]

I would load it with a proof load and fire it with a loooong string from behind a very fat tree. If it blows up at least you will be safe.

Was pondering that, will do it after I get the other barrel functioning with a weak load.

 

[Billy Boy]

Hey all, just got both hammers and triggers functioning on my new to me Richard's sxs 16 gauge. Only number found was 41 in the lock. Am pondering taking it out for a test fire tomorrow with some fff black powder (all I have on hand) However the ends of the barrels are a little messed up, would you be comfortable shooting it? Planning on keeping it at 30-40 grains to start with. A portion of the barrel band on the underside is also loose after one of the ramrod slots.

I’d have one of the neighbor kids shoot it….

 

[ColonialRifleSmith]

One Darwin Award coming up!!! Semper Fi.

 

[Mertoi]

One Darwin Award coming up!!! Semper Fi.

Have decent health insurance being an EMT for a hospital system and also what life insurance is for haha although will have to look into If they cover accidental shrapnel...

 

[ColonialRifleSmith]

Accidental? If you shoot that thing, you may get locked up for being suicidal. LOL Semper Fi.

 

[muzzlecap]

Curious, is this a Belgian made W Richards or an English made Westley Richards.?

 

[Mertoi]

Curious, is this a Belgian made W Richards or an English made Westley Richards.?

Believe a westly Richards. Is a small wr on the underside of the barrels with what looks like some sort of crown looking mark.

 

[Comfortably_Numb]

Curious, is this a Belgian made W Richards or an English made Westley Richards.?

If the ribs are coming off its English

 

[muzzlecap]

There was also another English made W Richards, I believe a cousin of Westley Richards. There should be more markings on the gun signifying Westley Richards if it is one of his. The lockplates should be marked on the outside with his name as well as the rib. There should be a serial number of the gun on the trigger guard, the bottom of the barrels and on the inside of the lockplates and the numbers should all match.