As Cinedux remarked: "Never make a 'poor man's version" of anything!"

This project must also be considered from the business viewpoint or it will end up flat on its face. To whom is Sterling appealing? Is it just to those who collect? If so, I suspect the market is restricted and at the price suggested, only a small number will purchase. As per the comments here, some collectors will not purchase if the rifle varies from the original too much. Others will find the price a deterrent. The potential returns on capital suggest that the sums might not add up unless the case is compelling. Therefore the project must appeal to more general shooters. In this respect, raising the power to close to 12ft/lbs will appeal to them but to win their confidence, a telescope will be a vital consideration for hardly anyone shoots with open sights these days. The price will also detract: why buy an obsolete design when HW produce rifles just as good for less than half the price? What, therefore, will Sterling offer which makes this a 'must buy' and competes with other manufacturers? General shooters have never heard of the old Mk2 Webley, so sentiment is not a consideration for them. Will this new rifle offer better accuracy? Will the open sights provide a better and sharper alternative to existing open sights on competing rifles? What of the handling? What is the trigger like? How is the balance and what is the weight of the rifle? How do these things compare with the competition?

There are very many questions to be asked and answered. If production occurs and the reviews are poor, the project could fail. Far better for Sterling to take time and to consider all the questions that are likely to arise and, not least, to consult widely. In this respect, Cinedux's views are bang on target: this rifle must outclass the original.

I would like this project to succeed and, not least, it is pleasing to see another British manufacturer in the market again. To make a success, all the boxes should be ticked and the most careful research and consultation should be carried out to ensure this occurs. If it is also a success from a business view, perhaps further innovations will follow from Sterling.