The largest sporting rifles ever actually used in the field as more than an exhibition were 4-bore stopping rifles, firing roughly 1" in diameter (25mm) projectiles. These were intended to not simply kill a dangerous animal, but to stop it immediately in a charge, which might require shooting through thick bone or horn protection. For that purpose, the 4-bore could have some value - assuming you had an assistant to carry it when danger was not imminent!
However, there have been a number of gunsmiths who have built 2-bore rifles, like this example named "Double Deuce" by its maker, Stolzer & Son of Kansas. At 44 pounds, this behemoth is definitely too heavy for practical use, but it sure is an impressively huge piece of work! It fires a 1.33" (33.8mm) ball weighing 3500gr (227g) at about 1250fps (380 m/s)...if you can hold it on target long enough to get an accurate shot.
VIDEO HERE (8 minutes)
33.8mm. Close, but not quite ready for the M-79.
ReplyDeleteDamn...44lbs! I never knew these guns existed til I read Unintended Consequences. But I think that was about the 4 bore.
ReplyDeleteDano
It was a 4-bore in the book and real-life, but he was looking for a 2-bore.
DeleteImagine setting them both off at the same time?
ReplyDeleteWow, that's about like firing 14 44 mag bullets at the same time.
ReplyDeleteI was kinda disappointed that there was no firing demonstration. Nemo
ReplyDeleteMinimum body frame to fire that would be the likes of BC of the Intrepid Reporter. Only a hulking body could fire that with any effect. Still cool though. Ohio Guy
ReplyDeleteWow. Did you see his muscles quivering when he shouldered that rifle for less than 5 seconds...that's almost too much...
ReplyDelete