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Double Rifles, Single Shots & Combinations >> Double Rifle Photos & Archive
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TH44
.375 member


Reged: 21/02/09
Posts: 735
Loc: West UK
Howdah Rifle?
      #283425 - 05/06/16 03:07 AM

Hi Guys

I bought this from a UK dealer last week as a "Howdah Rifle"

Made by R B Rodda - by appointment to the Viceroy & HRH the Duke of Edinburgh - London & Calcutta
(On the barrels)

Calibre .577/500 No.2

Barrel length now 19", (Steel)

Weight 8 1/2 lbs

Probably made for Rodda in the Birmingham trade mid 1870's with peg fore end and very percussion style fences

It has had a hard life but bores are ok with a little pitting

In hand it poses a few questions

There are what appear to be Indian Arsenal markings on the barrel S-K-1561-55 with some Hindi/Nepali script
and 22637 on the stock

Was this converted to a "Howdah Rifle" (more effective than the so-called "Howdah Pistols"), or was it cut down in an Indian Arsenal for some Military or Prison service?

The dealer said that it shoots well, after several dozen? rounds (130 grains BP behind a 340/380 grain bullet)as his shoulder let him know for the next couple of days!!





Early percussion type fences, quite attractive



Only fair condition, like many Birmingham shotguns


Peg fore end



Birmingham Proofs, 39 bore = ,494 ish



Sights for 100 & 200 yards, before being cut down


muzzles crowned, rough job of refitting foresight



Bores a bit scruffy sorry about the poor pic



Hind/Nepali script on barrel

Comments and opinions please

TH44

Edited by CptCurl (10/01/17 11:10 PM)

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DarylS
.700 member


Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 27093
Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...
Re: Howdah Rifle? [Re: TH44]
      #283476 - 06/06/16 02:37 AM

Splinter fore ends - I like then. With a straight grip, means hold the barrels giving quite a straight line hold with the small pistol grip- the hands come into line much better than it the rifle had a larger pistol grip. Of course, a larger fore end would also screw up the alignment.
Looks like a fun gun to play with.

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


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

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Marrakai
.416 member


Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 3612
Loc: Darwin, Top End of Australia
Re: Howdah Rifle? [Re: DarylS]
      #283584 - 07/06/16 10:38 PM

If you were to shoot nitro-for-black loads with jacketed bullets in that rifle, it is likely that the bores would improve somewhat after a hundred rounds or so. Henry rifling likes jacketed bullets in my experience, very useful 440 grainers are available in my neck of the woods from Woodleigh and Bertram.

If it were mine, I would simply tidy up the front sight, maybe by splicing in a new dovetail, and have a fat time trying to wear the rifle out completely!

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

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