Holland & Holland Royal Double Rifle
Holland & Holland Ltd · Rifle · In Production · 1907
Also known as: H&H Royal Ejector Double Rifle, Holland & Holland Royal Sidelock Double Rifle
Overview
The Holland & Holland Royal Double Rifle is a break-action, side-by-side double rifle built on the firm's hand-detachable 'Royal' sidelock ejector action. Introduced with the .500/.465 Nitro Express cartridge in 1907, it is a classic British dangerous-game rifle intended for African and Indian safaris. Each set of chopper-lump barrels is individually regulated to converge at 100, 200 and 300 yards, and the rifle features double triggers with an articulated front trigger, hand-detachable locks, express sights with a wide V rear notch and folding leaves, and lavish hand engraving on a color-case-hardened action.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4990 g (176.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1041 mm (40.98") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Trigger |
| Muzzle Velocity | 655 m/s (2149 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 6679 J (4926 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 275 m (301 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .500/.465 Nitro Express · primary — also known as .500/465 NE, .500/465 Holland & Holland
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Open Double Barrel
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Double Barrel, Sidelock Ejector, Hand Detachable Locks, Express Sights, Regulated Barrels, Hand Engraved
Variants
- Holland & Holland Royal Deluxe Double Rifle - Deluxe Grade
Service history
Operators
- African big game hunters and safari outfitters
Production
Production years: 1907-present
Bespoke best-quality double rifle built to individual order; total production is small and unrecorded
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: Holland & Holland
Notes
The 'Royal' is Holland & Holland's flagship best-quality action, offered as both a shotgun and a double rifle. The rifle is a bespoke, hand-built firearm made to order; barrels are hand-regulated as a matched pair so the two shots print together at the sighted-in distances.
Background
Holland & Holland developed the .500/.465 Nitro Express in 1907 by necking down the .500 Nitro Express 3 1/4 inch case, creating a legal alternative after British authorities banned .450-bore military-caliber ammunition in India and the Sudan. Chambered in the Royal double rifle, it became one of the most respected stopping cartridges of the classic African safari era.