Holland & Holland Royal
Holland & Holland Ltd · Shotgun · In Production · 1885
Also known as: H&H Royal, Royal Side by Side, Royal Sidelock
Overview
The Holland & Holland Royal is a bespoke, hand-built side-by-side double-barrelled shotgun built around the company's sidelock ejector action. First trademarked in 1885, it took its modern form in the early 1890s and received H&H's patented assisted self-opening mechanism in 1922 and hand-detachable locks in 1908. Chambered most commonly in 12 gauge with 2.75-inch (70mm) chambers, each Royal is made to the customer's individual measurements with finest Circassian walnut stocks and deep Royal scroll engraving. Widely regarded as the most copied sidelock side-by-side design in the world, it is among the most prestigious of all British best guns.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3345 g (118.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1168 mm (45.98") |
| Barrel Length | 762 mm (30.00") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12ga, 12 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Action
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Automatic Safety
- Features: Sidelock Ejector, Self Opening Action, Hand Detachable Locks, Double Barrel Side By Side, Splinter Forend, Hand Engraved Royal Scroll
Service history
Operators
- Sporting and game shooters
Production
Production years: 1885-present
Built to bespoke order in small numbers; no mass-production figures published
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Notes
Each Royal is a bespoke commission stocked and engraved to the buyer's specification; barrels are offered from 25 to 32 inches and the gun is also built in 16, 20, 28 gauge and .410. Modern self-opening is driven by a coil spring and plunger under the barrels. Single (mechanical) triggers available as an alternative to the standard double trigger.
Background
Holland & Holland first used the Royal name as a trademark in 1885, developing it to rival Frederick Beesley's 1880 self-opening sidelock that had been taken up by Purdey. The Royal's assisted-opening action, patented in 1922, became one of the most influential and widely copied designs in the history of gunmaking.