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Hi all, I've been recuperating from surgery and waiting to feel well enough to take some pics of a new friend. She isn't the fanciest rifle to come out of Mr Henry's shop, but has been carefully looked after these past 129 years. Major Crabbe ordered this .450 3 1/4" BPE with simple border engraving, but splurged on a best quality oak and leather case bearing his initials along with a monogrammed shield. From the railroad labels it looks like he made a trip or two to the Scottish Highlands for stag. I'm not sure of Major Crabbe's fate, but I imagine his double sat unused for many years after his death. The Stanton locks are shown as removed, likely for the first time since the gun was assembled. The balance of the rifle remains in fine, original shape including the excellent damascus barrels. I only had the chance to shoot the rifle once prior to my operation (thanks Roscoe!), but she looks good so far. I expect that the groups will converge nicely with another couple of grains of 4198. Deer season seems awfully far away now, but I'm really looking forward to heading to the woods with her this fall. This is as well a balanced rifle as I've ever handled. Hope you all enjoy the pics and I look forward to posting some more load development work once I can get back to the range. |