HOLLAND & HOLLAND ROOK RIFLE - 410 2.5" - OCTAGONAL BARREL - ANTIQUE
Description:
HOLLAND & HOLLAND ROOK RIFLE - 410 2.5" - OCTAGONAL BARREL - ANTIQUE
MANUFACTURER - HOLLAND & HOLLAND - LONDON, ENGLAND
MODEL - ROOK RIFLE
ACTION - BOXLOCK ACTION WITH SINGLE TRIGGER, TOP LEVER AND SIDE SAFETY
SN - 10364
GAUGE - 410 2.5" CHAMBER
BARREL LENGTH - 26" OCTAGONAL BARREL
CHOKED - FULL .029"
CAPACITY – SINGLE SHOT
LOP - 14.75" TO STEEL BUTTPLATE
WEIGHT - 4 LB 9 OZ SIGHTS - MATTED TOP OF OCTAGONAL BARREL WITH STANDING "50" SILVER LINE REAR EXPRESS SIGHT WITH FLIP UP 100 AND 150 LEAFS - BEAD FRONT SIGHT
PRODUCED - 1886-1888
The Holland & Holland Rook Rifle represents the finest traditions of Victorian British gunmaking and offers collectors an opportunity to own a sporting arm from one of the most prestigious names ever to emerge from London's gun trade. Built during the golden age of British sporting rifles, this elegant single-shot combines the craftsmanship, balance, and refinement that established Holland & Holland as one of the world's premier gunmakers.
Manufactured between 1886 and 1888, this rifle qualifies as an antique firearm and remains a remarkable example of late Victorian sporting design. Originally built as a rook rifle and later professionally converted in England to .410 bore with a 2.5-inch chamber, it has gained a new lease on life as an exceptionally practical and enjoyable small-game gun while retaining its historic character and collector appeal.
The rifle weighs a mere 4 pounds 9 ounces and is fitted with a beautifully proportioned 26-inch octagonal barrel, resulting in handling characteristics that are both lively and precise. The barrel is choked Full (.029"), delivering dense patterns and making the gun well suited for rabbits, squirrels, and other small game. For those seeking a unique challenge, it could also serve as an effective turkey gun in experienced hands.
Built on a refined round-body hammerless action, the rifle features a single trigger, top lever, side safety, and automatic ejector. Mechanically, it remains in excellent working order. The action is smooth and locks up tightly, the trigger is crisp, the ejector functions properly, and the bore is clear.
One of the most appealing aspects of this rifle is its sophisticated sighting arrangement. The matted top of the octagonal barrel carries a standing 50-yard silver-line express sight accompanied by folding 100- and 150-yard leaves, along with a bead front sight. This traditional express sight setup reflects the rifle's original sporting purpose and remains one of the defining characteristics of quality British rook rifles.
The action retains approximately 40% of its original case colors, an impressive amount for a firearm approaching 140 years of age. Delicate scroll engraving decorates the action throughout, while the word "SAFE" is inlaid in gold on the right side, adding an elegant touch characteristic of high-grade London workmanship.
The blued octagonal barrel retains most of its original finish and complements the richly figured walnut furniture. The stock features a graceful semi-pistol grip, strong checkering throughout the grip and forend, an ebony forend tip, a case-colored pistol grip cap, and a blued steel buttplate. Together, these features create the refined appearance expected from a best-quality London sporting arm.
Stock dimensions include a generous 14.75-inch length of pull, contributing to comfortable handling while preserving the rifle's original sporting proportions.
Please refer to the photographs for a detailed view of the overall condition.
Opportunities to acquire antique sporting arms bearing the Holland & Holland name are always noteworthy. This rifle offers not only ownership of a firearm from one of the most celebrated gunmakers in history, but also a practical and enjoyable small-game gun that remains entirely usable today. Lightweight, elegant, mechanically sound, and carrying antique status, this charming Holland & Holland rook rifle is a fascinating piece of British sporting history and a worthy addition to any collection.
FLAT $60 S/H/I.
FOXTROT IS A LICENSED FFL DEALER WITH MANY POSITIVE FEEDBACKS SO BUY WITH CONFIDENCE!
Antique: Yes
Shotgun Gauge: .410 Gauge
Price:
$2,950.00