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bigdog
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Loc: Southern Illinois
Re: Alexander Henry .577 2 3/4" BPE [Re: JabaliHunter]
      #103934 - 30/04/08 11:59 PM

Great rifle and great pictures. Thanks for sharing it with all of us.

--------------------
Kyle, I love you buddy, Dad

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CptCurlAdministrator
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Re: Alexander Henry .577 2 3/4" BPE [Re: Marrakai]
      #108557 - 30/06/08 12:38 PM

Quote:

Curl:
Regarding year of manufacture, my Alex Henry 20/.577 ULH DR (SN #5514) was finished on the 6th of November 1882. The only other AH .577 I have seen (also a 20/.577!) is SN #5860 which was finished in September 1885. It would seem likely that yours is very late 1880s or even into the '90s if the SNs were sequential. Do let us know if you send off for the journal extract.

BTW, both those rifles are very similar to yours, especially #5860 which left Australia in March 2001 and is now owned by Frank Findlow in the US. #5514 is a slightly higher grade, judging by the fully scroll-engraved sight-leaves and a few other minor details, but is rather down in condition compared with the other two (especially yours!).

Re-read the article on #5860 by Frank Findlow in the Summer 2005 Double Gun Journal while your shoulder readies itself for action!

"A Scottish Enigma: Alexander Henry's 20/.577 Express"

Apart from the slightly different chambering, it's your gun, mate!



Marrakai,

I've been pondering the question of when this rifle was made. Mind you, I haven't asked Dickson & MacNaughton. But I have noticed one thing: My rifle was proofed in London under the rules of 1875. Had it been proofed after 1887 it would say 577 EX instead of 25. That's a bit in conflict with Nigel Brown's chart, but he admits some doubt.

What's your read, mate?




Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.



Edited by DRarchive (30/07/08 09:44 PM)

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Marrakai
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Re: Alexander Henry .577 2 3/4" BPE [Re: CptCurl]
      #108649 - 01/07/08 09:00 AM

'Tis a puzzlement!

Today, we can only guess at the circumstances surrounding the serial-numbering of a firm's guns, and the length of time between manufacture and actual sale.

...until we peruse the journal entry!

Looks like a letter to the owners of the AH records is in the offing.

One thing: an e-mail or letter to Frank Findlow might shed some light on this, as I know he has trawled through the Henry journals looking for 20/.577 rifles, and has copied many pages. He is also interested in the .577 x 2 3/4 Express, and would be delighted to hear of your acquisition I'm sure (with photos!)

Good luck mate.

--------------------
Marrakai
When the bull drops, the bullshit stops!
--------------------------------
www.marrakai-adventure.com.au

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Oz
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Re: Alexander Henry .577 2 3/4" BPE [Re: JabaliHunter]
      #109248 - 08/07/08 01:35 PM

G'day Curl,
I'm looking at the grip cap and wondering if that's a trap in the centre and if so what's beneath it?
Cheers
Oz

--------------------
Once upon a time, long long ago
there was a contented young woman
happy with the choices made by her husband

But it was only the once,
and it was a long long time ago

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CptCurlAdministrator
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Re: Alexander Henry .577 2 3/4" BPE [Re: Oz]
      #109265 - 08/07/08 08:25 PM

Oz,

Yes it is a trap gripcap. There's nothing in the compartment.

Not to worry, there are spare firing pins and other small parts in the little screw cap wood or bone container in the case.

Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.



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400NitroExpress
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Re: Alexander Henry .577 2 3/4" BPE [Re: CptCurl]
      #109329 - 09/07/08 03:40 PM

Quote:

I've been pondering the question of when this rifle was made. Mind you, I haven't asked Dickson & MacNaughton. But I have noticed one thing: My rifle was proofed in London under the rules of 1875. Had it been proofed after 1887 it would say 577 EX instead of 25. That's a bit in conflict with Nigel Brown's chart, but he admits some doubt.



Yeah, proved before the 1887 rules executed, and Brown's table says 1890. He indicates that Henry's records seem more jumbled than most, but this kind of thing with British guns in general isn't at all odd. Even if the Day Book page for that rifle says 1890, it's obvious that it was proved well before then.

It was normal, and still is, for a year or two to pass between the date of proof (conducted when the gun is a long way from finished) and delivery. Even longer periods aren't that strange. For example, the legendary East African professional Philip Percival ordered a new pair of .450 No. 2s from Joseph Lang in 1927, which his family sold at Bonham's last year. The pair were assigned consecutive numbers from the current range when the order was received, and were delivered late that December. The rifles were built in 1907. I have a William Evans DR in my notes built in 1921, and delivered to the original owner in Bulawayo in 1948. A friend has another Lang DR, built 1923, assigned a number in 1946, and delivered in 1952 - by which time the cartridge it was chambered for was obsolete!

--------------------
"Serious rifles have two barrels, everything else just burns gunpowder."

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Chasseur
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Re: Alexander Henry .577 2 3/4" BPE [Re: CptCurl]
      #109334 - 09/07/08 07:01 PM

Curly,
Beautiful rifle! Wow!

Glad you shot it, but don't push that shoulder too much.

--------------------
In regards to action he should devote himself to hunting...
-Machiavelli



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CptCurlAdministrator
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Re: Alexander Henry .577 2 3/4" BPE [Re: Chasseur]
      #119554 - 26/11/08 11:31 PM

THIS NEWS JUST IN!

Curl's .577 draws blood!

Last Friday afternoon, armed with with his antique Alexander Henry .577 2 3/4" BPE, Curl finds luck. An 8 point white tail deer cautiously steps out of the brush. With a steady hand, Curl lets fly with his right barrel, and the buck is flattened to the ground. A brilliant one-shot kill at 83 yards. Venison for the table, and good reason to wonder when the Henry had last drawn blood.

The load: 74.0 gr IMR4198; Fed 215; Montana Precision Swaging 560 grain bullet, paper patched with 100% cotton bond; 3 - 3/8" 24 ga. felt wads; Bertram brass trimmed to 2.75". Velocity 1750 fps.

The stupid shit didn't have his camera with him.


Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.



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tinker
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Re: Alexander Henry .577 2 3/4" BPE [Re: CptCurl]
      #119567 - 27/11/08 04:13 AM

HAAA - HAAAA!!!


Wish I were there to share the moment with you.
Congratulations.
I'm glad it's first sneeze in the field brought you some dinner.



Cheers
Tinker

--------------------
--Self-Appointed Colonel, DRSS--



"It IS a dangerous game, and so named for a reason, and you can't play from the keyboard. " --Some Old Texan...

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peter
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Re: Alexander Henry .577 2 3/4" BPE [Re: tinker]
      #119568 - 27/11/08 04:21 AM

congratulations curl

dont worry about the camera, you will have plenty of other chances for a photoshoot.
you got the pictures in your mind, that is the most importent place anyway.
how is the shoulder holding up to the shooting ?

best

peter

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CptCurlAdministrator
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Re: Alexander Henry .577 2 3/4" BPE [Re: peter]
      #119590 - 27/11/08 01:13 PM

Thanks, guys.

I am really happy with the rifle. The successful hunt means a lot to me.

The shoulder is great. I really didn't think it would ever recover like it has. December 7 will be the anniversary of my injury. It's been a long year.

Best,
Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.



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Marrakai
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Re: Alexander Henry .577 2 3/4" BPE [Re: CptCurl]
      #119592 - 27/11/08 01:39 PM

Congratulations, my friend.

Alex Henry's hunting rifles certainly add an extra dimension to a modern hunt.

Marvelous stuff!

--------------------
Marrakai
When the bull drops, the bullshit stops!
--------------------------------
www.marrakai-adventure.com.au

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bonanza
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.577 2 3/4" BPE [Re: CptCurl]
      #130408 - 25/03/09 06:12 AM

Shot my 1890 A. Hartman .577 2.75" express today for the first time.

It's still in one piece. Probably this first time in 100 years.

I duplicated CaptCurl's start out load: 65gr IMR4198, three felt wads and 560 paper patched round nose.

It shot apart with the right bbl a bit higher.

I'll add one grain at a time until it comes together, or 74gr max.

This rifle has a 100 yd fixed sight so it will naturally shoot about 3" high.

Stay tuned.

--------------------


"Speak Precisely" G. Gordon Liddy.

"Life is absurd, chaotic and we must define its purpose with our actions" Abert Camus

"I''m the dude playing a dude disguised as another dude."

"Yo! Mr. White"

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CptCurlAdministrator
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Re: Alexander Henry .577 2 3/4" BPE [Re: bonanza]
      #130442 - 25/03/09 01:10 PM

Bonanza,

We need to get together about paper patches. I can answer your questions about cutting patches and make it a lot easier for you. Really I need to show you. I don't think I can just do a verbal on it.

What was your velocity with the 65gr load of IMR4198?

As you increase velocity the groups will come down to the front bead.

Are you using the Montana bullet?

Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.



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bonanza
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Re: Alexander Henry .577 2 3/4" BPE [Re: CptCurl]
      #130467 - 25/03/09 10:19 PM

Roscoe,

I am using the Montana Precision swagged bullets from Midway. I did not have time to set-up my chronograph, but I reckon it was under 1600 fps.

I'll see how my schedule is next month so I can make a weekend trip up to WV.

Blair

--------------------


"Speak Precisely" G. Gordon Liddy.

"Life is absurd, chaotic and we must define its purpose with our actions" Abert Camus

"I''m the dude playing a dude disguised as another dude."

"Yo! Mr. White"

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CptCurlAdministrator
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Re: Alexander Henry .577 2 3/4" BPE [Re: bonanza]
      #130469 - 25/03/09 10:34 PM

If you go to WV you won't find me! I'm in Western Virginia, not West Virginia. There's a big difference!

Yeah, we should put a shoot weekend on the calendar. You are less than 5 hours from me. An easy ride: I-77 north to I-81; I-81 north to U.S. 220 just beyond Roanoke; U.S. 220 north to I-64, and then just a short hop west on I-64 to my home, which is in sight of I-64. Only about 260 miles total.

Right now I'm without a chronograph also. In the last shooting session with my Henry the chrono got hit by one of the felt wads, and it shattered the front panel. Not a bullet, mind you, a wad. I sent it in for repairs and hope to have it back in another week or so.

In the future I'll put some type of shield in front of the chrono.

I have found the MPS bullet to be excellent. And lazy me, if I can buy it reasonably, I'll avoid the melting pot.

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.



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bonanza
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Re: Alexander Henry .577 2 3/4" BPE [Re: CptCurl]
      #130501 - 26/03/09 06:55 AM

If you're going to West Virginia
Be sure not to wear flowers in your hair
If you're going to West Virgina
You're gonna meet some toothless people there

For those who come to West Virginia
Summertime will be a scary-time there
In the streets of West Virgina
Hillbilly people with dandruff in their hair

All across the nation such a strange vibration
West Virginians in slow motion
There's a whole generation with a new explanation
West Virginians in slow motion

For those who come to West Virginia
Be sure not to wear some flowers in your hair
If you come to West Virgina
Summertime will be a scary time there

--------------------


"Speak Precisely" G. Gordon Liddy.

"Life is absurd, chaotic and we must define its purpose with our actions" Abert Camus

"I''m the dude playing a dude disguised as another dude."

"Yo! Mr. White"

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CFWs
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Re: Alexander Henry .577 2 3/4" BPE [Re: bonanza]
      #130556 - 26/03/09 11:48 PM

Beautiful rifle, Curl.

You sir have the rifle of my dreams. Finding one in that condition is very difficult.

Congratulations!

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CptCurlAdministrator
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Re: Alexander Henry .577 2 3/4" BPE [Re: CFWs]
      #130585 - 27/03/09 05:22 AM

CFWs,

Thanks for the kindness. Yes, I chased that rifle several years before bringing it to bay.

Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.



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DarylS
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Re: Alexander Henry .577 2 3/4" BPE [Re: CptCurl]
      #257676 - 10/12/14 03:42 AM

Congratulations guys - Roscoe - why have I not seen this thread before today? Damn - well done old chap.

You must bring that lovely rifle (or some others) to PG next trip - well go out and shoot some 'chickens'.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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CptCurlAdministrator
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Re: Alexander Henry .577 2 3/4" BPE [Re: DarylS]
      #257699 - 10/12/14 12:54 PM

Daryl,

Thanks for your comments. Yes I would love to travel to Prince George and do hope to do it before the sun sets.

Best to you my friend,
Roscoe

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.



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CptCurlAdministrator
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Re: Alexander Henry .577 2 3/4" BPE [Re: CptCurl]
      #313229 - 27/02/18 01:26 PM

In reviewing this thread, now almost 10 years old, there is much speculation and conjecture concerning the date of completion of this rifle. I can now lay that to rest.

Not long ago I was given a copy of the original Henry record which shows this rifle was completed October 14, 1890 for His Highness, Sir Shivaji Rao Holkar, the Maharaja of Indore (Hokar State).

As mentioned in the other thread, Watson Brothers .577 Double Rifle my Henry .577 is now joined with a fabulous Watson Brothers .577 3" BPE.





They make a great pair!

Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.



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JefferyDenmark
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Re: Alexander Henry .577 2 3/4" BPE [Re: CptCurl]
      #321958 - 28/11/18 08:07 PM

Gentlemen

Great looking rifle.
I was lucky enough to get my fingers on a Gye & Moncgrieff in .577 2 3/4" BPE.
It is regulated for a 480 grn hollow wrapped bullet with 164 grns No 6. This is ingraved on the metal buttplate of the rifle - very cool feature.

I am interested in ANY information regarding this rifle and the bullet.

Hope it is OK to post this question here.

Best regards,

JefferyDenmark

--------------------
Always always use enough ... GUN

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OahuKaneohe
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Re: Alexander Henry .577 2 3/4" BPE [Re: JefferyDenmark]
      #322176 - 04/12/18 02:48 PM

According to Donald Dallas's book "Alexander Henry, Rifle Maker",
Serial # 6449 was completed on November 10, 1890 in caliber .577

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DarylS
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Re: Alexander Henry .577 2 3/4" BPE [Re: CptCurl]
      #322192 - 05/12/18 04:31 AM

Quote:

THIS NEWS JUST IN!

Curl's .577 draws blood!

Last Friday afternoon, armed with with his antique Alexander Henry .577 2 3/4" BPE, Curl finds luck. An 8 point white tail deer cautiously steps out of the brush. With a steady hand, Curl lets fly with his right barrel, and the buck is flattened to the ground. A brilliant one-shot kill at 83 yards. Venison for the table, and good reason to wonder when the Henry had last drawn blood.

The load: 74.0 gr IMR4198; Fed 215; Montana Precision Swaging 560 grain bullet, paper patched with 100% cotton bond; 3 - 3/8" 24 ga. felt wads; Bertram brass trimmed to 2.75". Velocity 1750 fps.

The stupid shit didn't have his camera with him.


Curl



Well done, Old Curl - sorry I missed this first time around.

Yes- I would expect that load might flatten a little buck.

Now, we need to try that beast on a moose!

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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