Quote:
I don't think A-Square, or Art Alphin himself, had a very high opinion of the 458 Win Mag based on what is written in an early A-Square catalogue I have. This may explain why few A-Square rifles were produced in .458 Win Mag.
This is Art's take on the .458 Win Mag. "This is a popular cartridge as far as sales go, but failures in the field tarnish its image. The advertised velocity of 2040 fps is still inflated. Ordinary ammunition tends to be erratic, and, coupled with short barrels average velocities are normally below 2000 fps. Though the .458 may transmit some shock, it penetrates poorly. The shooter must be aware that even with perfect placement, penetration to the brain on a bull elephant is not guaranteed. With an A-Square rifle (10" twist) and A-Square ammunition (465gr. bullet at 2220 fps) only, the cartridge is acceptable for heavy and dangerous game at close ranges."
So buckstix according to Art Alphin you do now have an acceptable DG rifle.
BTW the Hannibal rifle stock is called a Coil-Chek. Without a c, even I have got it wrong in some posts.
Yes, I edited my OP and corrected it to read "Coil-Chek". Art's later manuals were not as critical of the 458, but did still mention the early shortcomings of the cartridge. Also, since so many other manufacturers offered 458s, there wasn't much demand for one from A-Square. This is the first one I've been able to locate in this caliber in over 10 years of searching.
As for recoil, the weight of this rifle at nearly 12 pounds, reduces recoil by nearly 25% over lighter rifles by Remington and Winchester, etc. in 458 cal. When you add the recoil reduction of the Coil-Chek stock design, this rifle felt recoil is about half of other rifles in 458 Win Mag caliber.
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Re: Finally found one of the Rarest A-SQUARE Hannibal Rifles