Richard Newgass, 58, serves as Brand Manager for W. J. Jeffery & Co., overseeing the historic British gunmaker on behalf of its owners. Born and raised on a family farm in Hampshire, Newgass brings both practical field experience and deep industry knowledge to a role he has held for the past eight years.
As Brand Manager, his responsibility is to guide the direction of Jeffery’s rifles and maintain the reputation that has long defined the company. One of his main goals has been to re-establish Jeffery as a maker of the finest English rifles. To achieve this, he has worked closely with some of the most skilled gunmakers in Birmingham, helping to produce rifles that stay true to their original designs while reaching what he believes is the highest quality the brand has ever achieved.
Before returning to the gun trade, Newgass spent nearly two decades in Africa as a professional hunter. Those years in the field gave him firsthand knowledge of what a big-game rifle must deliver in the most demanding conditions. That experience continues to shape his views on rifle design and performance today.
Among the rifles closest to his heart is the legendary .500 Jeffery. It has accompanied him on numerous safaris and remains the firearm he knows best. If he were ever stranded on a deserted island, he says it would be the one rifle he would choose, both for protection and as a reminder of the many adventures he experienced across Africa.
Newgass credits much of his early start in the gun trade to his godfather, Jeremy Clewes, who introduced him to the industry after he left the British Army. Clewes connected him with Paul Roberts, with whom Newgass worked for several years before heading to Africa. Along the way, Clewes also helped him acquire his first shotgun, a Holland & HollandDominion, and took him to Scotland for his first stag stalking trip – experiences that helped shape his lifelong passion for sporting rifles.
Despite the demands of maintaining such a prestigious brand, Newgass admits he still finds time for lighter pursuits. His favorite television show? The rural escapades of Clarkson’s Farm. Perhaps a fitting choice for someone who began life on a farm and has spent a lifetime close to the land.
For Newgass, the challenge today lies in balancing tradition with production: ensuring that enough rifles are made to meet demand while maintaining the craftsmanship that defines the Jeffery name. By partnering with master gunmakers and remaining faithful to the company’s historic designs, he believes that legacy is stronger than ever.
W.J. Jeffery will be presenting their rifles at The World Gunmakers’ Evening 2026.
