Lancaster Howdah Pistols

Published on November 8, 2014
Duration: 15:42

This video delves into the intricate design and historical significance of Charles Lancaster's Howdah pistols. It highlights their reliability, unique features like oval rifling and a folding set-trigger, and showcases both the 4-barrel .476 and the formidable 2-barrel .577 models. The presentation emphasizes the exceptional British craftsmanship and the pistols' role as backup weapons and for big game hunting.

Quick Summary

Charles Lancaster Howdah pistols, made in the late 1800s, featured unique 'oval rifling' with ovoid bores for reduced fouling and easier cleaning. They were chambered in calibers like .476 and .577 and often included advanced mechanisms like folding set-triggers.

Chapters

  1. 00:19Introduction to Lancaster Howdah Pistols
  2. 01:53Historical Context & Military Use
  3. 02:55Mechanical Overview: .476 4-Barrel Model
  4. 05:51Unique Folding Set-Trigger Mechanism
  5. 07:08Lancaster's Oval Rifling Technology
  6. 09:59The .577 2-Barrel 'Monster' Howdah
  7. 13:02Provenance and Accessories of .577 Model

Frequently Asked Questions

What were Charles Lancaster Howdah pistols used for?

Charles Lancaster Howdah pistols were primarily used as backup weapons by British officers, particularly during colonial service in India and Sudan. Their robust design and powerful calibers also made them suitable for big game hunting.

What is unique about Lancaster's oval rifling?

Lancaster's patented 'oval rifling' features bores that are slightly ovoid rather than perfectly cylindrical. This design imparts spin to the bullet effectively, is highly resistant to fouling from black powder, and is easier to clean than traditional rifling.

What calibers were Lancaster Howdah pistols made in?

Lancaster Howdah pistols were produced in a range of British calibers, including .380, .450 Adams, .455 Webley, .476, and the very large .577 caliber.

What was special about the trigger mechanism on these pistols?

Some Lancaster Howdah pistols featured a unique folding set-trigger. Pulling the lower half acted as a cocking motion, creating a very light and crisp secondary trigger pull for precision, while still allowing a standard heavy double-action pull.

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