Gahendra: the Nepalese Not-A-Martini (Updated)

Published on July 8, 2018
Duration: 12:02

This video provides an expert-level overview of the Nepalese Gahendra Rifle, a unique firearm domestically produced in Nepal starting in the 1880s. Ian McCollum details its Peabody-style action, Damascus barrels, and hand-made construction, emphasizing the historical context and manufacturing challenges. The video also covers the rifle's markings and its recent availability to collectors through significant arms cache discoveries.

Quick Summary

The Nepalese Gahendra Rifle, named after General Gahendra, was domestically produced in Nepal from the 1880s. It features a unique Peabody-style falling block action, Damascus barrels, and Henry-pattern rifling. Due to its hand-made nature without standardized parts, shooting is generally discouraged; if fired, use reduced loads and slug the barrel first.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Gahendra Rifle
  2. 00:32Historical Context and Nepalese Arms Production
  3. 01:49Hand-Made Manufacturing Process
  4. 03:14Technical Characteristics and Safety Precautions
  5. 04:36Design Comparison: Peabody vs. Martini Actions
  6. 06:08Interpreting Markings and Inscriptions
  7. 08:23Arsenal and Sight Markings Explained
  8. 09:21The IMA Cache Discovery and Collector Availability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Nepalese Gahendra Rifle?

The Nepalese Gahendra Rifle is a firearm domestically manufactured in Nepal starting in the 1880s, named after General Gahendra. It features a Peabody-style falling block action and Damascus barrels, and was produced entirely by hand.

How does the Gahendra Rifle differ from the Martini-Henry?

While often mistaken for a Martini-Henry, the Gahendra Rifle uses a distinct Peabody-style falling block action with a hammer and flat spring, unlike the Martini-Henry's striker and coil spring mechanism. It also features Henry-pattern rifling.

What are the safety considerations for firing a Gahendra Rifle?

Shooting the Gahendra Rifle is generally discouraged due to potential manufacturing inconsistencies. If firing is attempted, reduced loads are recommended, and a barrel slugging test should be performed first to ensure proper bullet sizing and safe operation.

How did the Gahendra Rifle become available to collectors?

A significant number of Nepalese surplus arms, including Gahendra Rifles, became accessible to collectors around the year 2000 after International Military Antiques (IMA) purchased a large cache from a palace arsenal in Kathmandu.

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