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buckstix
.400 member

Reged: 07/11/12
Posts: 1112
Loc: Whitetail Country

A mystery Alexander Henry 360 - I love guns with a story
#377861 - 09/07/23 05:42 AM

A mystery Alexander Henry 360 - I love guns with a story.

I just picked this up this weekend and started researching it. Its absolutely "Mint" condition. It looks unfired since it was regulated. And it was a lot of fun shooting it. Its a dainty little rifle. I have sent an inquiry to John Dickson & Son for any info they might have. They have the Alexander Henry records. My research will continue.

as always, your comments are welcome.

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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85lc
.375 member

Reged: 19/01/18
Posts: 915
Loc: Georgia, USA

Re: A mystery Alexander Henry 360 - I love guns with a story [Re: buckstix]
#377862 - 09/07/23 06:57 AM

buckstix,

I saw this nice little double rifle and wondered how one would be sure it was an Alexander Henry as it had no markings and other gun makers made similar rifles (I think).

Regardless, it is a very nice looking little dounle rifle.

From what I remember, the seller said they didn't know which 360 cartridge it was for. I see that you identified is as the 2 1/4" 360 BPE. Well, that is what I assumed it was. That is a great (& under appreciated) cartridge.

--------------------
RB

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TH44
.375 member

Reged: 21/02/09
Posts: 731
Loc: West UK

Re: A mystery Alexander Henry 360 - I love guns with a story [Re: 85lc]
#377865 - 09/07/23 10:41 AM

Wow Buckstix - you can certainly can pick them up!

That is very nice - I particularly like rifles "in the White`

It is what I hoped I would get with the Purdey in that calibre which I bought from Bonhams not realising it had been chambered for .410 X 2 1/2" posted here somewhere
Does it have a serial number or any identification?

Whatever, it is a classic English (Scottish!!) DR of the best quality

Love to know it's history!!

Good luck shooting it - I am most jealous!

Tony

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3DogMike
.400 member

Reged: 29/01/15
Posts: 1414
Loc: Western Slope, Colorado USA

Re: A mystery Alexander Henry 360 - I love guns with a story [Re: TH44]
#377868 - 09/07/23 12:15 PM

Hi Buck,
I’ve watched this one on Kirby’s website and wondered when it would get picked up. Nice score!
I’ll be waiting to see what you find out from J.P. Daeschler as to its details.

A curiosity point: As it is “in the white” and not engraved/finished hence no color case hardening, do you suppose the surfaces are more prone to wear if it is shot very much?

.360 2 1/4” is a compelling little cartridge.

- Mike

--------------------
"Here's to killing people you don't like with people you do"

"Will Rogers never met a fighter pilot"
- Anon

“Always carry a flask of whiskey in case of snakebite, and furthermore always carry a small snake."
-- W. C. Fields

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NitroX
.700 member

Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39248
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...

Re: A mystery Alexander Henry 360 - I love guns with a story [Re: 3DogMike]
#377871 - 09/07/23 04:28 PM

Now that's one of your purchases Buckstix I really like.

What are the ballistics of the cartridge, bullet weight and velocity? Lead bullets,

I guess a fine red stag, boar, impala and blackbuck rifle of the day.

7 1/2 lbs, how handy and petite!

What year or approximate year would it be from?

Congratulations.

--------------------
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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93x64mm
.416 member

Reged: 07/12/11
Posts: 3987
Loc: Nth QLD Australia

Re: A mystery Alexander Henry 360 - I love guns with a story [Re: NitroX]
#377880 - 09/07/23 08:53 PM

Wow that must have been a cheeky bugger who pinched that one, or asked for the 'basic' bare rifle as you have it there!
When you do find out who it came from, then it would certainly be a labour of love to bring it to what it should be actually finished as it would have come from the factory.
Guess a few of the fellas here would have some fine examples as to what such a masterpiece would look like - of course if you were to go down that path!

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buckstix
.400 member

Reged: 07/11/12
Posts: 1112
Loc: Whitetail Country

Re: A mystery Alexander Henry 360 - I love guns with a story [Re: NitroX]
#377881 - 09/07/23 09:30 PM

Quote:

I saw this nice little double rifle and wondered how one would be sure it was an Alexander Henry as it had no markings and other gun makers made similar rifles (I think).

Regardless, it is a very nice looking little double rifle.

From what I remember, the seller said they didn't know which 360 cartridge it was for. I see that you identified is as the 2 1/4" 360 BPE. Well, that is what I assumed it was. That is a great (& under appreciated) cartridge.

Hello,

The construction style is Alexander Henry and there is an Alexander Henry serial number stamped on the bottom barrel rib. Barrels have "Henry Patend 116 A & 117 A". So far I've tested a 180g load at 1550fps. Later today I'll test a 230g load. Should be able to get 1700fps with each as I work-up.

Quote:

Now that's one of your purchases Buckstix I really like.

What are the ballistics of the cartridge, bullet weight and velocity? Lead bullets,

I guess a fine red stag, boar, impala and blackbuck rifle of the day.

7 1/2 lbs, how handy and petite!

What year or approximate year would it be from?

Congratulations.

Hello,

It has non-rebounding hammers so I'm guessing pre-1878. Should regulate with 150 - 300 grain bullets at 1700 - 1800 fps. First load of 180g were 1550fps and shot 2-3/8" and 2-5/8" apart at 50 yards with left slightly higher than right. Higher velocity with the 180s should level them and bring them together. Same may be true with the heavier 230g. Good news is that I can shoot this one sitting down. It only has 6.5 ft/lbs recoil. Not like my 500ne, 600ne, and 700ne doubles that are 80 ft/lbs or more recoil.

Quote:

Wow that must have been a cheeky bugger who pinched that one, or asked for the 'basic' bare rifle as you have it there!
When you do find out who it came from, then it would certainly be a labor of love to bring it to what it should be actually finished as it would have come from the factory.
Guess a few of the fellas here would have some fine examples as to what such a masterpiece would look like - of course if you were to go down that path!

Hello,

For sure this was not purchased because there is no makers name on it. Also, there are no final firing proofs, only inspection proof stamps. I am convinced that except for the regulating, it remained unfired until yesterday. Initial patches through the bores showed no trace of and color.

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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MikeRowe
.333 member

Reged: 23/11/11
Posts: 478
Loc: Arkansas, USA

Re: A mystery Alexander Henry 360 - I love guns with a story [Re: buckstix]
#377887 - 10/07/23 09:38 AM

The last little 360 double I shot really liked 50 grains of Olde Eynsford 2F and a 170 grain .360 dia bullet wrapped in paper - it made wonderful groups, and sure did sound like it meant business! Even for a little rifle.

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bwanabobftw
.375 member

Reged: 29/12/04
Posts: 667
Loc: Texas

Re: A mystery Alexander Henry 360 - I love guns with a story [Re: MikeRowe]
#377888 - 10/07/23 11:33 AM

Such a cool little rifle, are you going to leave it “as is” or are you going to finish it out?
Please keep us up to date on the progress.

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buckstix
.400 member

Reged: 07/11/12
Posts: 1112
Loc: Whitetail Country

Re: A mystery Alexander Henry 360 - I love guns with a story [Re: bwanabobftw]
#377903 - 11/07/23 07:19 AM

Quote:

Such a cool little rifle, are you going to leave it “as is” or are you going to finish it out?
Please keep us up to date on the progress.

Hello,

I think I'm going to leave it "as is" in the white. That way I'll explain the story about it when I'm asked.

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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bwanabobftw
.375 member

Reged: 29/12/04
Posts: 667
Loc: Texas

Re: A mystery Alexander Henry 360 - I love guns with a story [Re: buckstix]
#377924 - 12/07/23 10:12 AM

As much as I’d like to see it finished out, I think that’s really cool!!!!!! Good for you, well done.
Congrats on a wonderful gun.

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NitroX
.700 member

Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39248
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...

Re: A mystery Alexander Henry 360 - I love guns with a story [Re: bwanabobftw]
#377929 - 12/07/23 11:34 PM

I'd leave it in the white.

--------------------
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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buckstix
.400 member

Reged: 07/11/12
Posts: 1112
Loc: Whitetail Country

Re: A mystery Alexander Henry 360 - I love guns with a story [Re: NitroX]
#377933 - 13/07/23 04:41 AM

Quote:

I'd leave it in the white.

Yes, in the white it is - and it will stay that way !

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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DarylS
.700 member

Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 26514
Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...

Re: A mystery Alexander Henry 360 - I love guns with a story [Re: buckstix]
#377944 - 13/07/23 12:16 PM

THAT is a sweet looking rifle. Good buy.

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

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

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Kdgj
.224 member

Reged: 11/03/19
Posts: 9
Loc: CO

Re: A mystery Alexander Henry 360 - I love guns with a story [Re: DarylS]
#377948 - 13/07/23 10:47 PM

Have you been able to get any information from Dickson on this gun?

Ken

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DarylS
.700 member

Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 26514
Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...

Re: A mystery Alexander Henry 360 - I love guns with a story [Re: Kdgj]
#377949 - 14/07/23 12:48 AM

Just noticed, quite a long LOP.
At under 8 pounds, should swing & point quite well.
Interesting rifle, indeed.

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

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

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3DogMike
.400 member

Reged: 29/01/15
Posts: 1414
Loc: Western Slope, Colorado USA

Re: A mystery Alexander Henry 360 - I love guns with a story [Re: DarylS]
#377950 - 15/07/23 01:36 AM

Quote:

Just noticed, quite a long LOP.
At under 8 pounds, should swing & point quite well.
Interesting rifle, indeed.

Of note as to the long LOP: My personal experience with quite a few antique and vintage single shot & double rifle Brit sporting rifles is that the "usual" or "common" length of pull was 14" to 14 3/4' or so. Average seems to be about 14 3/8" to 14 1/2".
- Mike

--------------------
"Here's to killing people you don't like with people you do"

"Will Rogers never met a fighter pilot"
- Anon

“Always carry a flask of whiskey in case of snakebite, and furthermore always carry a small snake."
-- W. C. Fields

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buckstix
.400 member

Reged: 07/11/12
Posts: 1112
Loc: Whitetail Country

Re: A mystery Alexander Henry 360 - I love guns with a story [Re: 3DogMike]
#377953 - 15/07/23 06:29 AM

Hello All,

First field test .... this is great !

I used Hornady .358 dia HPXTP pistol bullets and bumped them up to .366 dia in my 9.3 swage die.

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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93x64mm
.416 member

Reged: 07/12/11
Posts: 3987
Loc: Nth QLD Australia

Re: A mystery Alexander Henry 360 - I love guns with a story [Re: buckstix]
#377954 - 15/07/23 07:07 AM

No wonder you're happy mate, rather nice group indeed.
Now are you game to go down the BP rabbit hole?

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buckstix
.400 member

Reged: 07/11/12
Posts: 1112
Loc: Whitetail Country

Re: A mystery Alexander Henry 360 - I love guns with a story [Re: 93x64mm]
#377960 - 15/07/23 11:46 PM

Quote:

No wonder you're happy mate, rather nice group indeed.
Now are you game to go down the BP rabbit hole?

Never ..

I never use Black Powder. Too much chance of missing a spot during clean-up, and finding some corrosion months later. its not worth it. My nitro-for-black loads have been successful in all my bpe doubles.

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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buckstix
.400 member

Reged: 07/11/12
Posts: 1112
Loc: Whitetail Country

Re: A mystery Alexander Henry 360 - I love guns with a story [Re: buckstix]
#377963 - 16/07/23 04:05 AM

*UPDATE*

... a fellow forum member pointed out this little Double has more features of a Purdey than an Alex Henry - Perhaps it was pilfered from Purdey and its not an Alex Henry after all. See this link ..

https://www.gunsinternational.com/g...k-27-quot--mfg-1877.cfm?gun_id=101427359

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

Edited by buckstix (17/07/23 02:54 AM)

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