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EDELWEISS
.375 member


Reged: 22/11/05
Posts: 592
Loc: Gettysburg
Gibbs African Rifle 72 caliber
      #342716 - 23/06/20 11:26 AM

Its not a 4 Bore, Its not even a 8 Bore; but its available if a bit pricey for a toy. OTOH there arent a lot of options in big bore rifled muzzle-loaders. Ive generally been pleased with Pedersoli guns.

Before I make the leap, Im wondering if anyone has one?

--------------------
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Huvius
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Reged: 04/11/07
Posts: 3517
Loc: Colorado
Re: Gibbs African Rifle 72 caliber [Re: EDELWEISS]
      #342718 - 23/06/20 11:56 AM

I have one but haven't shot it yet... I know... bad! bad! bad!

Pedersoli should have made it with a ram rod - it looks to be the exact same stock as the Gibbs match rifles.
The sights are a bit modernish for what is really supposed to be an early 19th Century style rifle but overall fit and finish is quite nice.

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


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Wayne59
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Reged: 20/06/15
Posts: 1219
Loc: Lagrange Ga. USA
Re: Gibbs African Rifle 72 caliber [Re: EDELWEISS]
      #342719 - 23/06/20 11:56 AM

I dont own a Gibs hunter but a year ago I bought one of their Whitworths. To make a long story shoot it would not shoot and I have been going back and forth for almost 8 months. It was in one of there repair facilities for 7 months and when I finally got it back it shot even worst than when I sent it in. I am now weighting on a new barrels and I am informed it is a couple of months down the road. Second bad Pedersoli I have ended up with and there will not be a third after this fiascoes. If you have a warranty issue you will wish you never heard of them.

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dracb
.300 member


Reged: 28/02/13
Posts: 133
Loc: British Columbia
Re: Gibbs African Rifle 72 caliber [Re: EDELWEISS]
      #342725 - 23/06/20 03:18 PM

I have one and I like it. I accept that the fit and finish is not the same quality of my British or German double rifles or guns, but then the Gibbs cost is thousands of dollars less. I have shot my a few hundred times. I will be hunting with mine this Fall.

The only thing I dislike is not having a ramrod mounted on the rifle.
Dracb

--------------------
"The problems we face today are there because the people who work for a living are now outnumbered by those who vote for a living."


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DarylSModerator
.700 member


Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 26413
Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...
Re: Gibbs African Rifle 72 caliber [Re: dracb]
      #342749 - 24/06/20 01:31 AM



Mike is usually decent for videos. I haven't watched it yet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-C4Q1AWEWk

Just watched it, not much going on about the particulars.

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


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


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DarylSModerator
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Re: Gibbs African Rifle 72 caliber [Re: DarylS]
      #342750 - 24/06/20 01:37 AM

Here it is again, rate of twist 1:75".

Gibbs Hunter, Rifles Gibbs (1865) - Davide Pedersoli
www.davide-pedersoli.com
Caliber .72 Grooves 6. mm, inches. Twist, 1:75. Barrel's length, 740, 29 1/8. Overall length, 1.150, 45 5/16. kg, lbs. Weight, 4,200, 9.25.

It looks quite nice, but the lack of a rod is a bit of a bummer.

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


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


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EDELWEISS
.375 member


Reged: 22/11/05
Posts: 592
Loc: Gettysburg
Re: Gibbs African Rifle 72 caliber [Re: DarylS]
      #342753 - 24/06/20 09:10 AM

I agree, I dont like the rear sight; but in my mind thats just a reason to add a set of folding leaf Express Sights. It is bothersome that for $1800 that it come with a modern looking aperture. Conversely I do like the look without a ramrod....but it would have been nice to have one included.

--------------------
If it's not custom, it's just borrowed


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bstrick
.275 member


Reged: 02/02/09
Posts: 87
Loc: MI
Re: Gibbs African Rifle 72 caliber [Re: EDELWEISS]
      #342760 - 24/06/20 12:19 PM

Have you looked at [ The Gun Works ]?

They have an English Sporting Rifle in several calibers.

"The English Sporting Rifle will feature the following:

Available in 45, 50, 54, 58, 62, and 69 caliber
Oregon Barrel Company tapered octagon 1-1/8" to 1" barrel
Barrel lengths: 28" to 36"
Twist and rifling depth are made to order. Forsythe Rifling available.
Davis lock and single trigger
Standard length of pull is 13-3/4"
Available in two grades of Maple or Walnut:
Select: with figure, but can fade out
Select Plus: with figure throughout"

They also have a 4 and 8 bore.

I know nothing of there Quality, but I do have one of there .69 cal barrels.

With .120" land and .160" groves, slow twist. looks good!

Have not shot it yet.

Edited by bstrick (25/06/20 03:40 AM)


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DarylSModerator
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Reged: 10/08/05
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Re: Gibbs African Rifle 72 caliber [Re: bstrick]
      #342784 - 25/06/20 12:31 AM

Good to hear, Bruce.

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


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


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Wayne59
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Reged: 20/06/15
Posts: 1219
Loc: Lagrange Ga. USA
Re: Gibbs African Rifle 72 caliber [Re: DarylS]
      #342798 - 25/06/20 08:18 AM

I have known the owners of the gun works for over 25 years. Joe just passed away a few months ago. I worked in their barrel shop for several years and they do make good barrels.

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Heelerau
.300 member


Reged: 31/01/17
Posts: 101
Loc: Australia
Re: Gibbs African Rifle 72 caliber [Re: Wayne59]
      #342826 - 26/06/20 08:47 AM

I guess you need to have a pair of these rifles, and a gun bearer who loads and passes you the rifle as needed.
I believe the old live pigeon guns in England often did not have a ramrod on the gun and you had a loader who carried that and the gear to load. I note some European hunting rifles had aperture sights.

--------------------
Keep your horse well shod and your powder dry !

Edited by Heelerau (27/06/20 07:38 AM)


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DoubleD
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Reged: 23/11/03
Posts: 2386
Loc: Retired in Oklahoma
Re: Gibbs African Rifle 72 caliber [Re: Heelerau]
      #342832 - 27/06/20 03:27 AM

What am I missing here? 12 gauge slug gun? Brown Bess musket?




Joe Williams has passed. Last time I was in his shop was 81-82. Joe sold me 25 lbs of FA Black powder for my cannon.

--------------------
DD, Ret.

Edited by DoubleD (27/06/20 04:30 AM)


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DoubleD
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Reged: 23/11/03
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Re: Gibbs African Rifle 72 caliber [Re: DoubleD]
      #342833 - 27/06/20 04:31 AM

Oh yeah, rifling.

--------------------
DD, Ret.


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EDELWEISS
.375 member


Reged: 22/11/05
Posts: 592
Loc: Gettysburg
Re: Gibbs African Rifle 72 caliber [Re: DoubleD]
      #342839 - 27/06/20 11:16 AM

Is LUST a bad thing, cuz Im reaaaaally wanting the 4 Bore. Its pricey but sooooo much cooler than the 72cal Gibbs--and I thought the Gibbs was cool.

I know the 72cal Gibbs would "do" anything I likely be hunting and the 8 Bore is classic; but damn, the 4 Bore is just screaming my name. It way too much for anything in the US, but I back to just wanting one.

Suddenly it makes the the Gibbs look like an affordable necessity.

--------------------
If it's not custom, it's just borrowed


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bstrick
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Reged: 02/02/09
Posts: 87
Loc: MI
Re: Gibbs African Rifle 72 caliber [Re: EDELWEISS]
      #342841 - 27/06/20 01:11 PM

I have a 7 ga smoothbore, sure would be nice to have the 8 rifled.

The 7 ga shoots a 7/8". 1000 grain roundball at 1100 FPS. Mild load!


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NitroXAdministrator
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Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39055
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...
Re: Gibbs African Rifle 72 caliber [Re: bstrick]
      #342848 - 27/06/20 04:44 PM

Quote:

Have you looked at [ The Gun Works ]?

They have an English Sporting Rifle in several calibers.

"The English Sporting Rifle will feature the following:

Available in 45, 50, 54, 58, 62, and 69 caliber
Oregon Barrel Company tapered octagon 1-1/8" to 1" barrel
Barrel lengths: 28" to 36"
Twist and rifling depth are made to order. Forsythe Rifling available.
Davis lock and single trigger
Standard length of pull is 13-3/4"
Available in two grades of Maple or Walnut:
Select: with figure, but can fade out
Select Plus: with figure throughout"

They also have a 4 and 8 bore.

I know nothing of there Quality, but I do have one of there .69 cal barrels.

With .120" land and .160" groves, slow twist. looks good!

Have not shot it yet.






http://www.thegunworks.com/custprodgun.cfm?ProductID=2544&do=detail&Cat2Option=yes#

English Sporting Rifle - Ultimate - 4Bore(TGW-U4) $4,750.00
Select Plus Wood Model Manufactured by Custom
Pieces: 1 Stock: Walnut
Barrel Length: 31in Twist: 1:104
Caliber: 4Bore
Diameter: 1-3/4in to 1-1/2in
In the mid to late 1800's, many hunters used large bore rifles to hunt dangerous African game. Many safaris were made atop an elephant's back. This is the rifle for living one's dream successfully.
The Ultimate 4 Bore English Sporting Rifle with a pistol grip will feature the following:

Available in 4 Bore
Oregon Barrel Company tapered octagon 1-3/4" to 1-1/2" barrel
Barrel length: 31"
Rifling twist:1:104
Custom Davis lock and single trigger
Standard length of pull is 13-5/8"
Available in Walnut Select Plus: with figure throughout
Ebony nose and pistol grip cap
Checkered grip and forend
On Orders Specify:

Rear Sight placement from breech plug



http://www.thegunworks.com/custprodgun.cfm?ProductID=2543&do=detail&Cat2Option=yes

English Sporting Rifle - Ultimate - 8Bore(TGW-U8) $4,750.00
Select Plus Wood Model Manufactured by Custom
Pieces: 1 Stock: Walnut
Barrel Length: 31-1/2in Twist: 1:144
Caliber: 8Bore
Diameter: 1-5/16in to 1-3/16in
On may of his African safaris, one of Sir Samuel Baker's weapons of choice was the 8 Bore Sporting Rifle. This rifle, even though being lighter and smaller caliber than "Baby", will be just as deadly with a carefully placed shot.
The Ultimate 8 Bore English Sporting Rifle will feature the following:

Available in 8 Bore
Oregon Barrel Company tapered octagon 1-5/16" to 1-3/16" barrel
Barrel length: 31-1/2"
Rifling twist:1:144
Custom Davis lock and single trigger
Standard length of pull is 13-5/8"
Available in Walnut Select Plus: with figure throughout
Ebony nose cap
Checkered grip and forend
On Orders Specify:

Rear Sight placement from breech plug

--------------------
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"


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Huvius
.416 member


Reged: 04/11/07
Posts: 3517
Loc: Colorado
Re: Gibbs African Rifle 72 caliber [Re: NitroX]
      #343134 - 08/07/20 08:34 AM

I finally got out today to try out the African Hunter!
First, I must admit that I have been a fool to not get this thing to the range long long ago. Just about the most fun possible!
The bullet I'm using is a grease groove 780gr conical. The base belt being slightly smaller in diameter than the second and that a bit smaller than the third.
The first two can be pushed down the barrel with your thumb but the top belt needs a firm push/whack with a starter and the ram rod.
Loading was not overly difficult however.
I had measured out some 100gr (Graf's FF) loads and the bullets were pan lubed loaded with a 12bore cork wad over the powder.
I shot at just 25yds to see if the holes were round and was surprised at making an offhand three shot group of less than an inch. All holes nice and round!
I was not expecting this rifle to shoot a heavy bullet at all so am very pleased with the results. I did shoot out at 100yds at a stick on the berm but I find the rear ghost ring sight to be too big for distances like that. I think that a proper V sight mounted on the barrel would be a welcome modification.
Overall, I'd say that this African Hunter is all and more than I was expecting and look forward to running charges up to 120grs to see how she does - will try to chronograph them too. The 100gr charge was very pleasant even with the 780gr projectile.

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


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tinker
.416 member


Reged: 12/03/05
Posts: 4835
Loc: Nevada
Re: Gibbs African Rifle 72 caliber [Re: Huvius]
      #343137 - 08/07/20 10:27 AM

Cool!

I look forward to seeing how you do with it.

--------------------
--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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DarylSModerator
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Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 26413
Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...
Re: Gibbs African Rifle 72 caliber [Re: tinker]
      #343139 - 08/07/20 12:08 PM

Glad you finally got to shoot the .72.
A 780gr. slug is quite short in 12 bore (ball+1/2), so not surprised it shot decently. On the other hand, I am interested in how it shoots with a .715" 545gr. RB with up to about 6 drams of 2F.

That 8 bore pictured by NitroX is fairly proportioned for a BIG gun.
The 4 looks a bit chunky to me.

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


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


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Heelerau
.300 member


Reged: 31/01/17
Posts: 101
Loc: Australia
Re: Gibbs African Rifle 72 caliber [Re: DarylS]
      #343171 - 09/07/20 08:18 AM

Daryl I do agree with your opinion regarding the two rifles. It is probably difficult to make such a large rifle elegant because of the sheer size of the bore, and the weight needed to absorb the recoil to some degree. Pictures of Baby shew a rifle that is not ver elegant.
Huvius, a picture of both rifle and target would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Gordon

--------------------
Keep your horse well shod and your powder dry !


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Huvius
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Reged: 04/11/07
Posts: 3517
Loc: Colorado
Re: Gibbs African Rifle 72 caliber [Re: Heelerau]
      #343192 - 10/07/20 04:56 AM

I’m fortunate to have found one with decent looking wood.
Good grain flow through the wrist.






Here’s the bullet I’m using:



Since the bullet needs some prodding to get down the tube, I made a little starter with a concave end and a garden hose washer to protect the muzzle.





Will get a photo of a target next trip to the range.


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Heelerau
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Reged: 31/01/17
Posts: 101
Loc: Australia
Re: Gibbs African Rifle 72 caliber [Re: Huvius]
      #343196 - 10/07/20 08:21 AM

Nice wood, and a good idea for a short starter. Will look forward to the photo of your next target.

--------------------
Keep your horse well shod and your powder dry !


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DarylSModerator
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Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 26413
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Re: Gibbs African Rifle 72 caliber [Re: Heelerau]
      #343199 - 10/07/20 11:23 AM

Yes- starter "stud" is a good idea, and once started a little bit (first band being smaller) is a big help in getting this starter stud itself started straight which will properly align the bullet. All working together - good planning!!

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


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


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Huvius
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Reged: 04/11/07
Posts: 3517
Loc: Colorado
Re: Gibbs African Rifle 72 caliber [Re: DarylS]
      #343202 - 10/07/20 12:13 PM

I’ll hopefully get out tomorrow and shoot it a bit more.
As an aside, I’m so thoroughly jazzed about big muzzle loaders now that I finally turned a stub to measure the bore of my Rodda 6bore rifle so I can order a roundball mold.
Well, guess what? It’s actually an 8bore!!
I guess I could have taken the barrel off and actually LOOKED at the proofs.
The ‘8’ stamped on the barrel would have been a good clue...

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


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tinker
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Posts: 4835
Loc: Nevada
Re: Gibbs African Rifle 72 caliber [Re: Huvius]
      #343203 - 10/07/20 02:51 PM

Let's see that Rodda!

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