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Spud
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Interesting High-wall
Oct 10th, 2021 at 12:01am
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OK, here's one for the High-wall fans and something you don't see very often. I've admired this HW since the early 80's and recently it's owner (an old friend) decided to pass it on. It's in .405 WCF and the receiver is marked 'R B RODDA & Co., CALCUTTA. A few of these HWs in "Tiger" calibers were imported into Australia during the 70's and generally they were in "well used" condition with loose actions, worn bores & cracked, oil soaked stocks. I'd say they were carried by the locals who assisted on hunts where the well heeled sportsmen were armed with British made  doubles or bolt-actions.
Luckily this one is in pretty good shape with a tight action and an excellent bore. The stock has an old repair but I'd surmise that it was carried rather than used. There's probably a reason for that as it would have kicked like a mule with nitro loads Shocked.
It letters down to the 4 leaf express sight but interesting has no British proofs. From the factory records it apparently sat in the factory store for a couple of years before being sold. How it got to India would make a great story.
I am going to shoot it but I think I'll stick to cast loads Wink.
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calledflyer
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Re: Interesting High-wall
Reply #1 - Oct 10th, 2021 at 12:51am
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Now, there's a rifle that makes me envious! I have only seen a single example of that version and it was like the others you described, but with a price that made me wonder why it wasn't engraved or something. 
Let us hear how the shooting goes. You lucky so and so. Wink
  
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Spud
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Re: Interesting High-wall
Reply #2 - Oct 10th, 2021 at 2:15am
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Thanks CF. Yes I know how lucky I was to have snagged this gem. According to Bert Hartman's survey of serial number records for WACA, probably less than 50 HWs were chambered in this cartridge. This one was manufactured in 1906 & shipped in 1909. People probably wanted the '95. My friend also had another HW in .50 Eley (3 1/4" case!!) and that one was very well used...boy that must have been a beast to fire. It had several repairs to the stock.
Here's another photo for you CF of that rear sight.
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calledflyer
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Re: Interesting High-wall
Reply #3 - Oct 10th, 2021 at 3:34pm
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Time had made me forget whether that sight was what was on the one I saw. I have the similar leaf sight that was found on a few Winchester Rifles- but it is less suited to snap shots like the one you have. No doubt why the tang sight is there too- for the more precise aim.
Thanks for showing us all this true jewel of riflery.  Smiley
  
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ISS
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Re: Interesting High-wall
Reply #4 - Mar 31st, 2022 at 11:12pm
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Very nice rifle.

If I ever found one in decent shape, it would come home with me; to stand next to my 1895 405.  Can't kick as hard as the 1895 with its crescent butt plate...

Rich

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oneatatime
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Re: Interesting High-wall
Reply #5 - Apr 1st, 2022 at 1:00am
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Somehow this subject reminded me of the time back in the 60s when i was talking with my gunsmith friend and a friend of his (a military officer) walked in with a Winchester 86 in 50-110 he had "liberated" in SE Asia.
  
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