Make: Webley & Scott for the Army & Navy Cooperative Society
Model: Double Rifle
Serial Number: 38535 (matching barrel and receiver)
Year of Manufacture: 1896-1925 / ATF Classification: C&R
Caliber/Gauge: .303 British
Action Type: Top break, side by side, non-selective double triggers, and extractor
Barrel Length: 26"
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a long beaded post slotted into a raised base integral to the matted rib. The front bead is slightly bent at the face. The rear sight is a v-notch with two folding leaves marked for 200 and 300 meters. There is a pair of taps just behind the rear sight that have screws threaded in.
Weight: 8 lb., 7.7 oz.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The replacement furniture is checkered wood with a semi pistol grip, straight comb, and a synthetic Limbsaver buttpad. The furniture only shows some minor scratches and drag lines. The checkering is well defined. The wood has no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13.75" and 13" from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttpad. The drop at comb is about 1.25" and the drop at the heel is about 2". The buttpad only has light handling wear. Overall, the furniture rates in Fine Plus to Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued & case colored
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bores are dark with little remaining rifling. There is heavy erosion and pitting throughout the bores. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 2 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its nonoriginal metal finish. The barrel set shows lots of pitting and some small dings, both of which have been finished over. The receiver case color shows thinning and what appears to be faint scrub marks. The action shows standard operational wear. The screw heads are faintly tooled and retain turnable slots. The markings are fairly clear and complete. Overall, this firearm is in Fair to Good condition mainly due to the bore.
Mechanics: The action is stiff, but functions correctly. The barrels lock to the receiver with no play. The safety does not engage automatically when the barrel set is opened. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This Double Rifle was manufactured between 1896 and 1925 and qualifies as a Curio and Relic firearm. Produced by Webley & Scott for the prestigious Army & Navy Cooperative Society, this side-by-side double rifle reflects the high standards of the British sporting trade during the golden age of safari and big-game hunting. The Army & Navy Cooperative Society retailed firearms manufactured by many of England's finest gunmakers, often to military officers and gentlemen sportsmen serving throughout the British Empire. Double rifles chambered in .303 British were especially popular for sporting use across India, Africa, and other British colonies.
Chambered in .303 British, this classic double rifle combines the rapid second-shot capability of the double rifle with one of the British Empire's most successful sporting and military cartridges. In this writer's opinion, the bores rate 2 out of 10, showing heavy wear and significant pitting that substantially impacts overall condition. The action functions correctly.
The replacement furniture rates in Fine Plus to Excellent condition with minimal handling wear. This rifle retains approximately 90% of its non-original metal finish; however, extensive historic pitting remains beneath the refinish and is visible through the current finish. Overall, this firearm rates in Fair to Good condition, primarily due to the poor bore condition, but it remains an attractive and historically significant British double rifle from one of the most respected names in the sporting arms trade. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
