Quote:

---

That's a nice rifle. Let me present my thoughts on the question at hand.

It appears the rifle was re-proofed at the London proof house in 1982 (if I'm reading the stamp correctly). I'm assuming the re-work to 9.3x72 was done just prior, and the re-proof was occasioned by the re-work to the new chambering.

In 1982 the "preferred" choice would have been 9.3x74R just as it is now. That being the case, it is hard to imagine that the gunmaker who converted this rifle overlooked the larger round and foolishly chose the obsolete round. I believe the choice was made for a reason, and I believe the reason was the professional judgment that the x74 round would be too much for this rifle. There would be no other logic in chosing the obsolete round.

The same logic applies today. I would leave well enough alone. I certainly would not convert to x74 with the idea of using non-standard light loads. The next owner might not know the protocol.

I see the rifle lacks a third fastener. That may have been a factor in the choice for the lower intensity round.

In the end, if the discussions on this forum do not satisfy you, the best course of action is to consult Holland & Holland. The maker can give you expert advice to be relied upon. Nobody here has that expertise.

As stated, I would keep it and enjoy it "as is". There's plenty there to enjoy.

Curl

P.S. My warm welcome to you as a new poster on the forums! Please join in often.

---

That's spot on advice Roscoe.

snky35
That is a lovely rifle and will be a joy to shoot in the low pressure 9.3X72R cartridge.
I'm with the others here who have advised to leave the rifle as is and don't attempt to alter the chambering.

Thanks for posting those photos.

Post Extras:

Quote:

---

I really appreciate all the help and advice. I did approach a reputable london gunsmyth and he said it should be ok but I too have reservations so I decided to ask here for some valuable opinions. Dont need a prop for tomato plant just now, in fact dont even like tomatoes so might leave it as is. Now to start the ardous task and red tape to hold both a 72 and 74 or most probably a 375. Laws this side of the World dont make it easy.

---

I read your earlier post but could not post at the time.

I was going to suggest if a second 9.3mm rifle if legally a problem, could not a .375 Flanged be easier to justify and also a better cartridge choice anyway?

Since suggested.

Depending on how reputable the gunsmith is, if they say it can be done safely etc ...

Of course the barrels will almost certainly need to be re-regulated as well.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

Post Extras:

Quote:

---

snky35, I was wondering (the same as ruffcountry) what you need the 74R for anyway ? The current chambering will deal with anything in Europe ! and if you are planning an african trip then a .375 is the legal min in a lot of places. Also though I am not sure about Ireland I recently learn´t to my surprise, you CAN get a variation on your certificate in the UK for anything UP TO and INCLUDING a .375 H&H if you are red deer stalking (they won´t give it to you for fallow !!??) best, Mike

---

Post Extras: