Very Large Antique Rifle Photos

[Rick_Jorgenson]

I saw this at the gun show in Tucson a couple months ago and took photos (I asked, vendor said it was ok)

The vendor was busy so I didn't get much info about it but I thought someone here may know more.

It is .75cal
Used as a Sniper Rifle

Thats all the info I have.  He was asking $8,000.00 for it.  I have no idea if that is a good price or not.

It was so big sitting next to other vintage rifles it really stood out!

[smokeless joe]

That would def knock a hole in ya. No idea of how old it is?

[pietro]

.

Buy the gun, and not the story - it isn't a "sniper rifle" per se...........

Noting the swivel stud under the rear half of the barrel tells me it's what's referred to as a "wall gun" (aka fortress, Jingal & boat guns)- which was usually mounted onto a solid surface fixed position to act as a very flexible (easy to re-aim) mini cannon. (does that qualify it as a "mini" )

The mounting minimizes recoil, and the rear of the TG acts as a pistol grip.

The hexagonal rifling is what's known as "Whitworth" rifling, which takes likewise hexagonal conical projectiles.

The breechblock is removable:






They were valued for pretty much three things: range, accuracy, and punch - any one of which is a huge advantage should your opponent not have them (but having all three can be devastating to an enemy force).

Though playing the intermediary role between small arms and artillery, these oversized long arms often served with artillery, and with notable success.

That one was most likely made in Liege, Belgium ca. 1860's (look for Belgian proofmarks stamped into the metal somewhere).

I would think that a fire team would be needed to successfully operate it during battle, maybe with extra/loaded breechblocks at hand.




.

[Canoeal]

Good to know Pietro. Thanks. Still a very cool gun.

[smokeless joe]

Yes thanks for the info pietro

[Rick_Jorgenson]

.

Buy the gun, and not the story - it isn't a "sniper rifle" per se...........

Noting the swivel stud under the rear half of the barrel tells me it's what's referred to as a "wall gun" (aka fortress, Jingal & boat guns)- which was usually mounted onto a solid surface fixed position to act as a very flexible (easy to re-aim) mini cannon. (does that qualify it as a "mini" )

The mounting minimizes recoil, and the rear of the TG acts as a pistol grip.

The hexagonal rifling is that's known as "Whitworth" rifling, which takes likewise hexagonal conical projectiles.

The breechblock is removable:






They were valued for pretty much three things: range, accuracy, and punch - any one of which is a huge advantage should your opponent not have them (but having all three can be devastating to an enemy force).

Though playing the intermediary role between small arms and artillery, these oversized long arms often served with artillery, and with notable success.

That one was most likely made in Liege, Belgium ca. 1860's (look for Belgian proofmarks stamped into the metal somewhere).

I would think that a fire team would be needed to successfully operate it during battle, maybe with extra/loaded breechblocks at hand..

Thanks for the lesson, gives me something to look up. There must be some interesting history about it