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Introduced in 1925, various bullet loadings were available from 150 grain through to 220 grain. Most settled for the 180 grain load as the most generally effective, but the heavier loads were very good for tackling heavier African plains and North American big game where deeper penetration was required.
The cartridge came to fame in the USA when it won the 1000 yard Wimbledon cup in 1935. It was a great favourite with famous American gun writer Elmer Keith who shot some super North American sheep and other big game with it pre World War II. His book 'Keith's Rifles For Large Game' is a great reference on the calibre in the USA and is an otherwise interesting read on big game rifles and calibre's in general.
Whilst often overlooked today, I can vouch for its outstanding abilities having used one in both Africa and Alaska over the years. My rifles have always been slightly beat up examples like the one shown here which tend to show the rifle has been put to good use rather than consigned to a gun cabinet. In today's world of stainless steel and synthetic stocks there is a real pleasure to be derived from using one of these vintage rifles. If ever you get a chance to hunt with one take it, you'll be surprised by how much fun it is whilst safely reassured that it still packs a deadly punch.
The Holland & Holland quick detachable scope mount system.
Completed in 1934 this rifle has been back to Holland and Holland for upgrades over the years, adding to the character and history of the rifle.
David Hodo on June 13, 2018 at 10:41 am
Trigger,
Help me understand here. What I am seeing is an extension mounted on the bolt cocking piece that allows the peep sight to be mounted? If that is correct, is that common on older Holland, Westley Richards and Rigbys? Other than this, a beautiful rifle!
David Hodo
Trigger on June 14, 2018 at 7:37 am
Hi David
Correct and I have only ever seen this style on Holland & Holland rifles. Rigby's peep sight is dovetailed into the actual cocking piece.
Best regards
Trigger
Peter Buckley. on June 14, 2018 at 10:12 am
Hi Trigger
There’s a certain romanticism about a well used rifle such as this, (warts and all).
David (above) has hit on the subject I too was going to mention, that’s my question answered. The two distances engraved on the peep sight 20 and 35 yards when used would give, (I imagine) a great adrenaline rush.
Would the peep sight have been made in-house by Holland & Holland?
All in all a great looking rifle.
Best regards
Peter.
Trigger on June 14, 2018 at 10:24 am
Hi Peter
The peep sight adjusts up and then levels with a '0' to make 250 and 350 yards. Long range set up. The peep sight I believe was made in house by Hollands.
All the best
Trigger
Peter Buckley. on June 14, 2018 at 11:01 am
Hi Trigger
Thank you for your correction, (should have used the desktop better closeup definition).
I know it’s not much of an excuse!
Best regards
Peter.