| Huvius |
| (.416 member) |
| 25/11/15 12:45 PM |
|
Re: 461 Gibbs Farquharson
|
Quote:
I like the idea of the Selous sideplates and would love to own one.
However, they must get hellishly hot in the sun! I would like to hear feedback from owners on this.
I think Sir Samual Baker's recommendation to Holland and Holland to strengthen the stock through the grip by extending the upper tang (top strap) to be of far more practical application and it has certainly become a symbol of a best quality dangerous game rifle. However these must have been available at the time Selous used his sideplates?
I couldn't say personally if they are hot in the sun but the accounts I have read claim that they are not at all. Maybe just un-noticed in the moment. I will find out some day when my Selous plated rifle is done (in shop for a rebarrel and a new forend) but the sun really is more intense up here in the high country and exposed metal does get haw-awt!
I don't know exactly when H.&H. started running the top strap over the comb but JAZ here on NE has an 8bore hammergun from 1887 (I think it was). I assume H.&H. did it on their heavier guns at first and then it became sort of a trademark for them so ended up as a high end feature on small bore doubles which really had no need for the extended top strap.
That, of course is no guarantee of preventing a breakage as seen here:
http://jamesdjulia.com/item/3384-358/
I cannot imagine a Selous plated Gibbs breaking through the wrist short of being stepped on by an elephant!