The ultra-rare 2 bore behemoth: The Millennium Gun with firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson

Published on September 4, 2024
Duration: 18:33

The Millennium Gun is an exceptionally rare 2 bore rifle, commissioned by the Royal Armouries and completed in 2009. Expert Jonathan Ferguson details its design, inspired by an 1868 harpoon gun and built by Giles Whittome using a robust dropping block action. Weighing nearly 25 pounds, it's engineered to handle immense recoil from its 2,500-grain projectile and 16 drams of black powder, generating over 8,600 ft-lbs of energy for hunting thick-skinned game.

Quick Summary

The Millennium Gun is an ultra-rare 2 bore rifle commissioned by the Royal Armouries, completed in 2009. Built by Giles Whittome, it features a strong dropping block action and weighs nearly 25 lbs to manage its immense recoil from firing a 2,500-grain projectile.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Millennium Gun
  2. 02:24Maker and Design Inspiration
  3. 04:35Weight and Recoil Management
  4. 06:04Action and Mechanics
  5. 08:34Aesthetics and Engraving
  6. 12:10Bore vs. Gauge Technicalities
  7. 15:20Ballistics and Power

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Millennium Gun?

The Millennium Gun is an ultra-rare, custom-built 2 bore rifle commissioned by the Royal Armouries. Completed in 2009, it was inspired by an 1868 harpoon gun and designed for extreme big game hunting.

Who made the Millennium Gun and what action does it use?

The Millennium Gun was made by Giles Whittome, a former managing director of Sterling Armament. It features a robust dropping block action, chosen for its exceptional strength to handle the immense pressures of the 2 bore cartridge.

How much does the Millennium Gun weigh and why?

The Millennium Gun weighs nearly 25 pounds (11.8 kg). This substantial weight, along with the absence of checkering on the stock, is intentional to help manage the massive felt recoil and prevent shooter injury.

What are the ballistics of the Millennium Gun?

It fires a 2,500-grain projectile using 16 drams of black powder, achieving a muzzle velocity of 1,250 fps and generating 8,675 ft-lbs of energy, making it suitable for hunting large, thick-skinned game like elephants.

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