I imagine these were the "poor man" civil servants or farmers Nitro Express rifle of the day. Thise who could not afford a double rifle or a fancy single shot break open rifle.
No doubt could still do the job.
Others probably used standard medium sized rifles, especially ex-mil rifles to do the same thing.
I wonder how common they were back then.
-------------------- 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"