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Double Rifles, Single Shots & Combinations >> Single Shots & Combination Guns
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TH44
.375 member


Reged: 21/02/09
Posts: 734
Loc: West UK
450/400 3 1/4" Nitro
      #287306 - 03/09/16 06:46 AM

Hi Guys - I had been looking at this for a couple of years but always turned it down because of the very poor condition, especially the woodwork, painted black and many pieces missing
But, having bought nothing at an Arms Fair, made a very low offer which, to my surprise (and concern!) got it
I spent a lot of time (and money) getting it a little better

It turned out to be a very interesting rifle

Made by Thomas Turner, who made most of Jeffery's Single Shots, but only made four (five now?) himself

His name and Fisher Street address on the barrel, as well as "Fried Krupp", (under the rear sight) and load data
Almost all late trade Farquharsons were Belgian actions (Original patents long run out) with barrels by Krupp and others, assembled in Birmingham most likely and marketed and modified by many makers

I was most surprised to see .450/400 3 1/4" Nitro, charge 60 grains cordite, 400 grain bullet on the barrel also
With weight at 8 lbs 4 oz, recoil is probably "stout"!

Barrel length 25"

John Taylor considered this the best all round African cartridge until the introduction of the H&H .375 magnum in 1913?
There were problems with the Nitro loading in the balloon head cases of the time split and stuck cases which led Jeffery to introduce the .450/400 3" Nitro in 1898, with the thick rim so it would not chamber in older BP rifles

The date is arguable, I thought 1899/1900 but maybe later with makers other than Jeffery

I believe this was posted by Ash on an Australian auction, the dealer brought several rifles from that area





Thin fore end typical Turner, as made for Jeffery



Early safety, Number 2 style action





a lot of work went into getting the damage around here fixed. The rear tang sight holes/screws were standard



I left the grotty recoil pad as part of its history, it overlapped when I got it



Thomas Turner Fisher Street Birmingham



Charge 60 grains Cordite 400 grain bullet and Fried Krupp barrel, bought in



Rear sight bodged up, anyone got anything better 1 1/4" dovetail



Lyman rear sight as fitted, does anyone know where I can get one (not on their site) hole spacings 1 3/8"

Comments and opinions please

TH44

Edited by TH44 (03/09/16 06:49 AM)

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eagle27
.400 member


Reged: 24/01/09
Posts: 1165
Loc: Rolleston, Christchurch, New Z...
Re: 450/400 3 1/4" Nitro [Re: TH44]
      #287316 - 03/09/16 09:52 AM

That's a nice purchase in a good cartridge too. The recoil pad is not standard, obviously fitted in place of a butt plate and not ground to fit. Maybe part of history but that's where I would consign it. A fitted Pachmayr Old English red pad (they are not too red) would enhance that rifle and take away a lot of the felt recoil as well as help protect the stock from cracking.
I see it has a screw through the wrist with the head covered, not original but good insurance nonetheless.

A good and useful find, shoot cast and it will last forever.

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HuviusModerator
.416 member


Reged: 04/11/07
Posts: 3555
Loc: Colorado
Re: 450/400 3 1/4" Nitro [Re: eagle27]
      #287346 - 04/09/16 12:12 AM

I like it!
I notice some differences between your rifle and my own 3" Jeffery such as the top tang on yours is wide behind the trough and abruptly tapers back to the top tang, where the Jeffs have a pretty much straight taper and the horn tip has a bit of a shnabel shape.
Peruse EBay etc. for a Lyman. I think you can modify one with a longer base to bring the screw holes where you need them. I would maybe reconsider fitting one though, especially if you plan on shooting anything close to full loads. Sticking with the NfB loading would be the way to go as mentioned above and it will still be potent but an enjoyable rifle.

--------------------
He who lives in the past is doomed to enjoy it.

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Bidgee
.375 member


Reged: 08/04/15
Posts: 711
Loc: Northern Rivers, NSW
Re: 450/400 3 1/4" Nitro [Re: Huvius]
      #288397 - 27/09/16 11:25 AM

Lovely pick up!

I agree with Eagle27 and would fit a Pachmayr Old English recoil pad to it.

Cheers

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93x64mm
.416 member


Reged: 07/12/11
Posts: 4198
Loc: Nth QLD Australia
Re: 450/400 3 1/4" Nitro [Re: Bidgee]
      #288420 - 28/09/16 06:54 AM

Quote:

Lovely pick up!

I agree with Eagle27 and would fit a Pachmayr Old English recoil pad to it.

Cheers


Yep...that's the ticket matey!
Fantastic pick up, with full loads she'll be 'lively' to say the least without a good pad!!!
I wouldn't fit a tang sight using full loads either without gloves, might give your trigger hand a bit of curry otherwise - I guess you can always take it off if it bothers you.
For NFB loads it will be still a force to reckon with, bloody envious I am.
93x64mm

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TH44
.375 member


Reged: 21/02/09
Posts: 734
Loc: West UK
Re: 450/400 3 1/4" Nitro [Re: 93x64mm]
      #288423 - 28/09/16 08:06 AM

Hi Guys

Many thanks for your positive comments, I will get a Pachmayr recoil pad (Grind to fit?? otherwise all are too big like the one fitted) ASAP

I will probably follow Huvius' advice and use NFB loads

TH44

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HuviusModerator
.416 member


Reged: 04/11/07
Posts: 3555
Loc: Colorado
Re: 450/400 3 1/4" Nitro [Re: TH44]
      #288424 - 28/09/16 10:49 AM

Quote:

Hi Guys

Many thanks for your positive comments, I will get a Pachmayr recoil pad (Grind to fit?? otherwise all are too big like the one fitted) ASAP




These Midway USA videos are pretty good.
Makes me want to do my own leather covered pad on something...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRhfi43bQM8

--------------------
He who lives in the past is doomed to enjoy it.

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