Same velocity. Based on never say " --- never," I'll stop short of saying, "Can't be!" But, I'm very skeptical and am looking for a plausible explaination. It must be something related to less friction in the smoothbore section. I have trouble with that. Reduced friction should translate into more velocity and/or higher recoil. The friction force on the bullet is easily seen to be drag and, therefore, the force acting on the gun must be in the thrust (muzzle) direction. Holland was quite adamant concerning their rifle weights and recoil. The 8 bore was advertised as reduced weight better handling and increased velocity as compared to a fully rifled arm. OK, I really have a problem with that!! You can't have increased velocity and reduced recoil. Increased velocity with constant gives increased momentum for the ejecta and, therefore, increased momentum for the gun. Reduced weight because of lighter recoil. I can attest the 8 paradox balances magnificently and shoulders like a much lighter gun. Could you give us the weight and balance point to front trigger for this gun, please?
15lb gun 7-71/4"
Advertising for the period indicates increased velocity (I don't have a fully rifled Holland 8 but had another makers gun here for a while a 17lbder and velocities were similar). The fact that the majority of the big bore pdxes were made a couple of pounds lighter than fully rifled guns is a "smoking gun" indication of lighter recoil.
If you have an interest or curiosity in the paradox you might want to invest in Roger Lakes book "Paradox" It would be impossible to duplicate the information in this book, if one were to try and do so on his own.
