Cache.Deals

History Primer 191: Nepalese Gehendra Documentary | C&Rsenal

C&Rsenal
Published on February 20, 2024
Category: General
Duration: 70:29

This documentary explores the history and technical aspects of the Nepalese Gehendra rifle, a domestically produced firearm inspired by the Martini-Henry. It details the rifle's development, its unique action, manufacturing challenges in Nepal, and its eventual obsolescence. The video also includes shooting impressions and comparisons to its British counterpart.

Tags

Gehendra Rifle
Nepalese Rifle
Martini-Henry Clone
Single-Shot Rifle
Black Powder Rifle
450 Martini
Bolt Action Rifle
Bolt Action Rifle
Bolt Action Rifle
Bolt Action Rifle
Bolt Action Rifle
Bolt Action Rifle
Bolt Action Rifle
Bolt Action Rifle
Bolt Action Rifle

Quick Summary

The Nepalese Gehendra rifle is a unique single-shot, .450 Martini caliber firearm inspired by the Martini-Henry but featuring a distinct action for domestic production. Despite its historical significance and ingenious adaptation to local resources, it suffered from manufacturing challenges, resulting in a largely handmade rifle with a notably heavy trigger pull and quality control issues.

Chapters

  1. 00:22Introduction: The Nepalese Gehendra
  2. 00:30Gehendra vs. Martini-Henry: Initial Comparison
  3. 01:09Channel Funding and Support
  4. 01:31Sponsor Spotlight: Ballistol
  5. 02:07The Mystery of the Gehendra
  6. 03:09Historical Context: Nepal's Geography and Resources
  7. 03:48Anglo-Nepalese War and its Aftermath
  8. 05:03Nepal's Relationship with the British East India Company
  9. 05:40Prime Minister Bir Shumsher's Reforms
  10. 06:03Domestic Arms Production: Early Copies
  11. 07:01The Snider Rifle Influence
  12. 07:41State Arsenal in Nakku
  13. 08:01Introduction of the 'Dau' Rifle
  14. 08:10Copying the French Hotchkiss Rifle
  15. 09:53British Willingness to Aid Arms Modernization
  16. 10:09Lord Lansdowne's Offer
  17. 11:58Gehendra Shamsher Yang Bahadur Rana: The Technologist
  18. 13:33Gehendra's Modernizing Philosophy
  19. 14:01Why Not Clone the Martini-Henry?
  20. 14:50Origins of the Gehendra Design: Wesley Richards
  21. 15:44Gehendra Rifle: Front to Rear Examination
  22. 16:17Comparing Gehendra and Martini-Henry Sights
  23. 16:47The Gehendra's Barrel: A Controversial Aspect
  24. 17:50Buttstock and Tang Comparison
  25. 18:27Trigger Group and Operating Lever Differences
  26. 19:17Gehendra Action Operation and Spring Tension
  27. 20:13Swivel Sling Mechanism
  28. 20:45Tipping Block Action and Extractor
  29. 21:12Devanagari Markings on the Receiver
  30. 21:32Sear Mechanism Visibility
  31. 22:42Bayonet Lug and Blade
  32. 23:03Gehendra Action Animation
  33. 24:56Shooting the Gehendra Rifle
  34. 26:01Gehendra Rifle Production and Factories
  35. 26:30Gehendra's Place in Firearms History
  36. 26:41Gehendra Rifle Markings Explained
  37. 27:37Political Changes and Markings
  38. 28:26Gehendra Rifle Usage Under Chandra Shamsher
  39. 29:12British Concerns and Rifle Shortages
  40. 30:13Death of Gehendra Shamsher
  41. 30:48End of the Martini-Frankot
  42. 31:14Gehendra as the Domestic Standard
  43. 31:27Further Martini-Henry Shipments
  44. 32:02Improved Gehendra Model
  45. 32:16Improved Gehendra: Lightbox Comparison
  46. 33:00V-Spring vs. Flat Springs in Gehendra
  47. 34:16Gehendra Carbine: A Rare Variant
  48. 35:56Gehendra Carbine Front Sight
  49. 36:38Shooting the Gehendra Carbine
  50. 38:01Gehendra Carbine: Trigger and Condition
  51. 38:22Lee-Enfield Influence and Cloning
  52. 39:04Gehendra's Obsolete Status
  53. 39:23Gehendra's Handmade Nature and Weaknesses
  54. 39:57Breach Block Fit and Gas Venting Issues
  55. 41:14May's First Impressions of the Gehendra
  56. 42:25Nepalese Martini-Henry Comparison
  57. 43:03Age Difference Between Gehendra and Martini
  58. 43:31Screws and Fit Issues
  59. 44:12Gehendra vs. Frank-Hott Action Safety
  60. 44:49May's Opinion on Gehendra Trigger
  61. 45:47Lever Arm and Sling Swivel Interaction
  62. 46:31Trigger Guard as Lever: Ergonomics
  63. 48:25Martini Lever vs. Gehendra Lever Ergonomics
  64. 49:01Gehendra Action Operation and Trigger Reset
  65. 50:13Shooting Impressions: Trigger Pull Weight
  66. 51:34Trigger Angle and Grip Issues
  67. 52:08Recoil and Sound Comparison
  68. 52:40Bore and Rifling Consistency
  69. 53:06Sights and Overall Feel
  70. 53:20Weight and Length Comparison
  71. 53:51Gehendra's Place as a Domestic Rifle
  72. 54:06Gehendra vs. Martini-Henry: Which is Better?
  73. 55:00Gehendra Design Quirks: Hammer Axis
  74. 56:25Gehendra's Safety and Design Flaws
  75. 57:07External Manufacturer Potential
  76. 57:12Carbine vs. Rifle: Condition and Design
  77. 58:03Improved Gehendra Trigger and Feel
  78. 59:19Shooting the Carbine: Lighter Load
  79. 59:59Carbine Sights and Performance
  80. 61:11Accuracy and Zeroing Challenges
  81. 62:01Rifle vs. Carbine Preference
  82. 62:30Gehendra vs. Other Single-Shot Rifles
  83. 63:46Gehendra as the King of Handmade Guns
  84. 64:15Aesthetic Comparison: Gehendra vs. Martini
  85. 65:33Aesthetic Appeal of the Gehendra
  86. 66:15Japanese Arisaka Design Philosophy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Nepalese Gehendra rifle?

The Nepalese Gehendra rifle is a single-shot, lever-operated firearm chambered in .450 Martini, developed and manufactured in Nepal. It was inspired by the British Martini-Henry rifle but featured a unique action designed for simpler domestic production, despite facing significant manufacturing challenges.

How does the Gehendra rifle differ from the Martini-Henry?

While visually similar, the Gehendra has a distinct action based on the Wesley Richards tipping block design, avoiding the Martini-Henry's complex coil springs. It was intended for easier domestic manufacturing, though this led to quality issues and a notably heavy trigger pull.

What were the manufacturing challenges for the Gehendra rifle in Nepal?

Nepal faced challenges including a lack of high-quality metal, precision machine tools, and skilled labor. This resulted in the Gehendra being largely handmade, with issues like interchangeable parts, inconsistent rifling, and over-hardened breach blocks.

What are the key technical features of the Gehendra rifle?

The Gehendra is a .450 Martini caliber, single-shot, lever-action rifle with a tipping block breach loader. It uses flat springs instead of coil springs and has a unique lever integrated with the trigger guard. However, it suffers from a very heavy trigger pull and potential breach block issues.

Is the Gehendra rifle considered a good firearm?

The Gehendra is appreciated for being a domestically produced firearm in Nepal, especially given the manufacturing limitations. However, its handmade nature, quality control issues, and extremely heavy trigger pull mean it is generally considered inferior to its British counterparts like the Martini-Henry.

Related Articles

All Articles →
5.56 NATO: The Complete Guide
Explainer20 min read

5.56 NATO: The Complete Guide

7.62x39mm: The Complete Guide
Explainer22 min read

7.62x39mm: The Complete Guide

More General Videos You Might Like

Minute of Mae: Nepalese Gehendra Rifle
Minute of Mae: Nepalese Gehendra Rifle

The C&Rsenal Minute of Mae episode examines the Nepalese Gehendra Rifle, a tipping block, breech-loading, black powder firearm. It highlights the rifle's construction, noting the use of hand-fitted, often poor-quality parts, leading to common breakages. The video discusses its similarities to the Martini Henry and Wesley Richards designs, its heavy trigger, and moderate recoil.

Gehendra Rifle
Nepalese Rifle
Channel:C&Rsenal
Category:Reviews
Date: May 8, 2025
Duration: 1:01

More from C&Rsenal

View all →
Guess what we found.
Guess what we found.

This video demonstrates the loading technique for a Howell Automatic Rifle, a semi-automatic conversion of the SMLE. The process involves using four 5-round stripper clips to load a 20-round detachable box magazine. The demonstration highlights efficient use of stripper clips and proper manual action cycling.

Howell Automatic Rifle
SMLE
Channel:C&Rsenal
Category:Training & Techniques
Date: Oct 21, 2017
Duration: 0:43
Mae Shoots the Springfield 1903 Air Service Rifle
Mae Shoots the Springfield 1903 Air Service Rifle

This video demonstrates the specialized loading procedure for the Springfield 1903 Air Service Rifle, highlighting the use of stripper clips to fill its unique 25-round extended magazine. Mae, exhibiting high authority and expertise, showcases proper technique for engaging targets at 70 yards, emphasizing disciplined trigger control, efficient bolt manipulation, and consistent cheek weld during live fire. The demonstration covers the bolt-action operation, recoil impulse management, and analysis of shot placement.

Springfield 1903 Air Service Rifle
Bolt-action
Channel:C&Rsenal
Category:Training & Techniques
Date: Jan 18, 2019
Duration: 3:21
British Lancaster ASMR
British Lancaster ASMR

This guide details the firing procedure for the Lancaster 4-barrel pistol, as demonstrated in an ASMR-style video. It covers loading, action closure, and firing, emphasizing mechanical operation and recoil. The video highlights proper muzzle discipline and the historical expertise of the presenter.

Lancaster 4-barrel Pistol
Charles Lancaster & Co
Channel:C&Rsenal
Category:Training & Techniques
Date: Nov 29, 2023
Duration: 0:13
Live Fire from the Episode 034: The Lewis Gun
Live Fire from the Episode 034: The Lewis Gun

This guide details the process of loading and firing the iconic Lewis Gun, as demonstrated by firearms experts Mae and Othais. It covers the unique method of loading the pan magazine and the techniques for engaging targets in both short bursts and sustained fire. The demonstration emphasizes proper handling and the effectiveness of the light machine gun at various ranges.

Lewis Gun
World War I
Channel:C&Rsenal
Category:Training & Techniques
Date: Sep 14, 2016
Duration: 2:34
Find an FFL
Licensed dealers in your area