doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Double Rifles, Paradox Guns & Gauge Rifles @ doublegunshop.com I CUT DOWN MY H&H ROYAL TO MAKE A HOWDAH RIFLE

I CUT DOWN MY H&H ROYAL TO MAKE A HOWDAH RIFLE

You may have seen this post about my recently acquired Holland & Holland Royal Double Rifle in 500-450 cal.

https://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=671576#Post671576

... and a few years ago I posted about my Westley Richards Howdah Double Rifle.

https://forums.accuratereloadi...0101804/m/9901021552

Well, I liked the Westley Richards so much .. that I decided to cut-off the barrels of my newly acquired Holland & Holland Royal and turn it into a Howdah rifle.

What do you think? Is this cool or what? This must be a "one-of-a-kind" ..

As usual, your comments are welcome.


http://www.buckstix.com/buckpics/H&H-HOWDAH-000.jpg

How does the ATF feel about 14 in rifles?
I suspect the muzzle blast is indescribable?

Before cutting off the barrels I had to apply for a "short barrel" NFA license. With the new laws there is no longer a $200 tax stamp - its now free. But you still have to supply photos and finger prints, and NICS background check. It took about 5 weeks. I will bet I own the ONLY Holland & Holland Howdah Double Rifle.

http://www.buckstix.com/buckpics/BATF-BLUR.jpg

So when do you get your elephant howdah?
How’s the elephant gonna feel about that muzzle blast?

Not cool. It's a damn shame.

Well, NOT A SHAME ...... I LIKE IT ... I would have liked 16" barrels like the WR to avoid the NFA registration, but the under-barrel sling swivel was in the way and it would have made a goofy looking rifle with a sling swivel right under the front of the muzzle. Cutting off the barrels at the back of the sling swivel base resulted in 14.1" barrel length. The front site was a magazine tube ring that I found in my junk drawer. A howdah rifle is used at very close range, so you aim with the ring above the rear site, and put your intended target's face in the center of the ring. ... "easy peasy"

I will enjoy bringing it to gun shows and hearing all the guys commenting .. "YOU DID WHAT?" .. I get similar comments on my custom 25acp NE Double Rifle.

I will be testing and load work-up as soon as the snow melts from last week's blizzard. We got 16" in 24 hours.

How is the permit for a short barrel rifle or shotgun if the barrels are already cut? So you have an illegal gun. Will they come after you?

You cannot cut the barrels until "AFTER" you get the permit. It took about 6 weeks after I applied. Then the barrels were cut. That's the permit that I posted above. Interesting that the TAX STAMP says "ZERO DOLLARS" It used to cost $200. I had to submit 2 sets of fingerprints and a passport type photo with the application. I also had to have my name and city and state, laser engraved on the action. My dealer has the engraver to do this. Lots of red tape, but it went smoothly.

Removed per Buck's request

Thanks Marks_21, thank you for understanding and for not spoiling my fun -