I seem to remember reading about a tough-as-boot-leather professional safari guide having to go have a lie-down in his tent after firing a mere .600 so, not wanting to develop a really serious flinch, a .700 has little attraction for me. But handy for vaporizing a problem deer, I have no doubt, and you could always say it was hit by a train.
Holland & Holland’s Mighty .700 Nitro Express
When told that Holland & Holland would not build him a .600 Nitro Express, one man, through determination and perseverance, ended up creating the most powerful sporting cartridge in the world: the .700 Nitro Express.
by JOE COOGAN posted on July 18, 2022
NEWS, RIFLES, AMMUNITION, RIFLE AMMUNITION
Support NRA American Rifleman DONATE
Holland & Holland’s Mighty .700 Nitro Express
Holland & Holland’s .700 NE Royal de Luxe is a side-lock double with 26" barrels and weighs 18 lbs. It features the finest deluxe-grade walnut and ornate engraving masterfully executed by the renowned Brown brothers of Swindon, U.K.
Despite owning a large number of best-quality double rifles, Beverly Hills businessman William Feldstein had never ordered a double gun to his own specifications. All the rifles he bought had been made for other people “back in the day.” As the crown to his impressive collection, he wanted to add a battery of big-bore rifles so, in 1985, he paid a visit to Holland & Holland’s prestigious shop in London … check in hand. He was there to order a set of four Nitro Express (NE) double rifles tailor-made to his personal preferences. He wanted the set to include large, elephant-capable chamberings: a .375 NE; a .500/.465 NE; a .577 NE; and a .600 NE.
William Feldstein
Beverly Hills businessman William Feldstein, featured here in an R.M. McPhale oil painting, was always fascinated with guns and hunting and initiated research and development of the .700 NE in 1985.
The London firm was only too happy to write Feldstein’s considerable order, but with one caveat: a .600 NE would not be possible. Hollands had made its final .600 in 1975, announcing, certifying and assuring the customer who bought it that they would never turn out another one, which greatly enhanced that last .600’s collector value.
The H&H board of directors responded to Feldstein’s request and subsequent insistence to build him a .600 with an unequivocal and emphatic “No.” Furthermore, they took umbrage at his suggestion that they were wrong in their decision to stop making .600s, refusing to budge on the issue.
Not one to give in easily, Feldstein countered with his customary nonchalance, “Well, if you won’t build another .600, then make me a .700 H&H.”
The board thought the silly Yank had lost his mind, daring to order a Holland & Holland rifle in a ridiculously large and non-existent caliber. A mirthful outburst erupted at Feldstein’s expense—the board considered him impudent and marveled at the audacity of his proposing such a whimsical project.
When the laughter died down, the board calmly explained the many reasons why they would be hesitant to even consider his request for a .700. Feldstein’s interest, passion and fascination for guns over the course of his life had led him down a path culminating in that confrontation with Holland & Holland of London.
.700 Nitro Express
Interest In Africa
As a youngster, Feldstein discovered the writings of the early African explorers. Men like Sir Samuel Baker, William Cornwallis Harris and, of course, Henry Stanley and David Livingston fueled his interest in Africa and ultimately in big-bore rifles. Their exploits sparked a desire in Feldstein to follow in their footsteps through Darkest Africa. He dreamed of one day going there to face the same odds with the same rifles they had carried and upon which their lives had depended...
-due to CGN length limitations, this is continued at the link-
https://www.americanrifleman.org/co...5m_-66ST3LFdA0JE_sa0kMPJ1bHckKkE3ALKmWpujY_0o
Holland & Holland’s Mighty .700 Nitro Express
When told that Holland & Holland would not build him a .600 Nitro Express, one man, through determination and perseverance, ended up creating the most powerful sporting cartridge in the world: the .700 Nitro Express.
by JOE COOGAN posted on July 18, 2022
NEWS, RIFLES, AMMUNITION, RIFLE AMMUNITION
Support NRA American Rifleman DONATE
Holland & Holland’s Mighty .700 Nitro Express
Holland & Holland’s .700 NE Royal de Luxe is a side-lock double with 26" barrels and weighs 18 lbs. It features the finest deluxe-grade walnut and ornate engraving masterfully executed by the renowned Brown brothers of Swindon, U.K.
Despite owning a large number of best-quality double rifles, Beverly Hills businessman William Feldstein had never ordered a double gun to his own specifications. All the rifles he bought had been made for other people “back in the day.” As the crown to his impressive collection, he wanted to add a battery of big-bore rifles so, in 1985, he paid a visit to Holland & Holland’s prestigious shop in London … check in hand. He was there to order a set of four Nitro Express (NE) double rifles tailor-made to his personal preferences. He wanted the set to include large, elephant-capable chamberings: a .375 NE; a .500/.465 NE; a .577 NE; and a .600 NE.
William Feldstein
Beverly Hills businessman William Feldstein, featured here in an R.M. McPhale oil painting, was always fascinated with guns and hunting and initiated research and development of the .700 NE in 1985.
The London firm was only too happy to write Feldstein’s considerable order, but with one caveat: a .600 NE would not be possible. Hollands had made its final .600 in 1975, announcing, certifying and assuring the customer who bought it that they would never turn out another one, which greatly enhanced that last .600’s collector value.
The H&H board of directors responded to Feldstein’s request and subsequent insistence to build him a .600 with an unequivocal and emphatic “No.” Furthermore, they took umbrage at his suggestion that they were wrong in their decision to stop making .600s, refusing to budge on the issue.
Not one to give in easily, Feldstein countered with his customary nonchalance, “Well, if you won’t build another .600, then make me a .700 H&H.”
The board thought the silly Yank had lost his mind, daring to order a Holland & Holland rifle in a ridiculously large and non-existent caliber. A mirthful outburst erupted at Feldstein’s expense—the board considered him impudent and marveled at the audacity of his proposing such a whimsical project.
When the laughter died down, the board calmly explained the many reasons why they would be hesitant to even consider his request for a .700. Feldstein’s interest, passion and fascination for guns over the course of his life had led him down a path culminating in that confrontation with Holland & Holland of London.
.700 Nitro Express
Interest In Africa
As a youngster, Feldstein discovered the writings of the early African explorers. Men like Sir Samuel Baker, William Cornwallis Harris and, of course, Henry Stanley and David Livingston fueled his interest in Africa and ultimately in big-bore rifles. Their exploits sparked a desire in Feldstein to follow in their footsteps through Darkest Africa. He dreamed of one day going there to face the same odds with the same rifles they had carried and upon which their lives had depended...
-due to CGN length limitations, this is continued at the link-
https://www.americanrifleman.org/co...5m_-66ST3LFdA0JE_sa0kMPJ1bHckKkE3ALKmWpujY_0o
