A lot were rebarrelled to .410 mainly because of availability of suitable ammunition. I have one with Ebrall Bros. name on that was converted to .410 back in 1939/40 according to the proof marks. One of the problems were that they used to have to be included on a Firearms Certificate with stricter requirements than the Shotgun Certificate and as ammo became scarce they were difficult to justify owning so were bored out to .410 or re-tubed to .22rf. Original ones in good order became scarce. Now they are classified as antiques and do not require any certification if just kept as pure collectors items. Anyone can now buy and own them without restriction so that they have become attractive as investment antiques thus driving up the price. I have one just like those shown on the above web site in .360 No.5 calibre which is English make but has no name on. One made in the trade but never sold on to a 'maker' in all probability. It has most of its colour hardening and an octagonal twist steel barrel. I use mine so have them on my Firearms Certificate and make ammo from .38 Special pistol cases. Lovely little guns that would cost a pretty packet to make today. The principal idea behind them was for shooting rooks up in the tree tops. The heavy slow bullet would kill the bird but would not travel far and do damage outside of a narrow radius; England being a crowded place.
Harry, who is Wal Winfer and his book? I would like to get hold of a copy having an interest in Rook rifles. I have Colin Greenwood's book. I just wish he had taken the time to come to one of our twice yearly rook rifle target shoots he would have collected a lot more information and examples to photograph from doubles by Holland & Holland to double pin-fire ones and loads of action types not described in his book. Lagopus.....
