I Have This Old Gun: Woodward .500 Express Double Rifle

Published on July 23, 2025
Duration: 4:31

This video explores a vintage Woodward .500 Express double rifle, highlighting its historical context in dangerous game hunting, particularly for tigers. It details the unique challenges of regulating double rifle barrels for accuracy and discusses the rifle's design elements, such as its underlever locking mechanism and exposed hammers, which place it in a transitional period of firearm development. The .500 Express cartridge is also examined for its power and suitability for large game.

Quick Summary

The Woodward .500 Express double rifle was primarily designed for dangerous game hunting, offering two rapid shots before reloading. Its barrels require precise regulation to ensure both strike the same point of impact at 100 yards. This rifle represents a transitional period in firearm design, featuring an older underlever lock and exposed hammers, reflecting the late 19th-century era of the British Raj.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary purpose of double rifles like the Woodward .500 Express?

Double rifles, such as the Woodward .500 Express, were primarily designed for dangerous game hunting. They offered the critical advantage of two quick shots before a reload, essential for engaging large and potentially aggressive animals in close-quarters situations.

What makes regulating double rifle barrels important?

Regulating double rifle barrels is crucial for accuracy. It's the process of ensuring both barrels consistently strike the same point of impact at a specified distance, typically 100 yards, which is a complex task beyond simply zeroing a single-barreled firearm.

What historical context surrounds the Woodward .500 Express rifle?

The Woodward .500 Express rifle is situated in the late 19th century, a period often referred to as the tail end of the British Raj and the golden age of British firearms. These rifles were favored by the aristocracy for hunting expeditions, including tiger hunts, and are even referenced in popular culture like The Beatles' "The Continuing Ballad of Bungalow Bill."

What are the key design features of the Woodward .500 Express discussed?

The Woodward .500 Express features an underlever locking mechanism patented in 1859, known for its strength but slower operation. It also has exposed hammer spurs, a design element that was becoming outdated by the 1870s in favor of internal hammers.

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