Howdy All:

I recently traded for an old Westley Richards Mauser in .404 Jeffery. I t has the old (Bakelite?) bolt handle knob which is cracked.

I thought maybe one of the gunsmiths here might be able to make me a replacement knob out of steel? Thanks.

Buffalo horn would be nice also. Is the hole in the bolt knob a tapered square to to match the bolt handle stem?

That's in all probability a piece of buffalo horn. I have a .318 with a bolt handle just like that. It's cracked a few times but I had a stockmaker glue things together some years ago and it's given me good service up to now.

Would be nice to see a few pictures of the rest of the rifle.

I'd take the opportunity to dress it up a bit and go with one of these miniature billiard balls.

http://www.amazon.com/DAD-5IVE...id=1300084519&sr=8-1

Or, if you insist on being a traditionalist, it looks to be an easy job for a gunsmith to tig or maybe even just solder on a cut-off knob from the handle of your choice.

I'd mix up some black epoxy and put it back together. Keep the gun as original as possible.

quote:

Originally posted by srose:
I'd mix up some black epoxy and put it back together. Keep the gun as original as possible.

+1 Or contact Westly Richards. They may have proper replacements:

Westley Richards USA
3810 Valley Commons Drive
Suite 2
Bozeman, MT. 59718
USA

T 00 1 406 586 1946
F 00 1 406 586 3326

Contacting WR for a replacement is the second best idea (after the miniature billiard ball idea).

Only the eight ball would be appropriate.

Very unsightly. Just send the rifle to me for proper disposal.

quote:

Originally posted by D Humbarger:
Buffalo horn would be nice also. Is the hole in the bolt knob a tapered square to to match the bolt handle stem?

DH: Yes this bolt knob has a tapered square and the cracks start in the corners of the square.

I don't think this knob is horn but I'm not sure. I have seen WR rifles with Bakelite knobs which were said to be original. I was thinking steel, horn, or ebony might look okay. I just don't want to lose this original by having it fall apart. It looks pretty fragile.

The rifle is in pretty good condition with an excellent bore. I talked to the guys at Westley Richards; the LT serial number means the rifle was originally made and proofed for those capped bullets WR made back in the day and the receiver is likely from the 1930s. The markings on the barrel are from post 1954 or something like that. They think since the rifle has all the correct markings and sights WR probably rebarreled the rifle. This is the first rifle I have seen marked .404 Magnum. With the steel buttplate it should be fun to shoot!

Mike, not only unsightly but also small bore; I wouldn't have thought you would go for this sort of thing!

Great looking rifle!

You can also make a mixture of very finely ground bakalite or horn as the case may be; mix with epoxy or super glue & fill the crack with it & then polish smooth to match the original knob.

If I had to own a peashooter, that would be one I could warm up to.

quote:

Originally posted by ForrestB:
Contacting WR for a replacement is the second best idea (after the miniature billiard ball idea).

If ya got the balls it is.

I think a die would be a bit more non-slip than an 8 ball (maybe you could get a miniature "magic 8 ball" that would give advice on whether to shoot or not shoot though).

In all seriousness however, an easy way to tell the difference between bakelite and horn is to cut a small sliver of material off and put it on a metal plate with a flame underneath it and smell it. Horn smells like burning hair.

How I'd get a sample is to modify an xacto knife by heating the tip of a blade ina flame and while it is red bend it into a tiny U shape, then cut a sliver out from the inside of the bolt knob.

Try your best to keep it Buffalo horn or sell it to me as I would love another WR to match my .318. Both of mine had horn. I have seen 5 others, all with horn.

If you want something unique, I will "give" you a piece of Ivory that should work for you.

I like the look of horn as well. Kudu and Wildebeeste work well.
Go here to get a chunk of horn 4.5 inches.
Go here to find a chunk.
http://www.dixiegunworks.com/p...a937d8c1992a81f25dba

Thanks guys for making me laugh and helping with the bolt knob!

In reflection of Forrest's excellent tastes, I can offer the following:



These in-the-white death's head bolt handles can be installed and blued for a modest fee....

Mr. Westley Richards is currently rolling over in his grave...

I personally like the idea of black epoxy.

This is way off topic, but I had to post it as the first thing I thought of was Forrests mini billiard balls:

http://news.stv.tv/scotland/ta...ith-play-pool-balls/

(Basically there was a contest where a car had a zillion balls in it and people had to guess how many. A 7 year old discovers the door to the car is unlocked and yes there is video.)

Why not just buy a pre-made knob like this:

Ivory, with a steer head and ruby eyes??
Sorry, just couldn't resist.
Appropriate use of the horn of a buffalo you personally killed with the rifle. Better get him with the first shot though.
C.G.B.