A scrimmage in a border station,
a canter down some dark defile;
Two thousand pounds of education,
drops to a ten rupee jezail.
"Arithmetic on the Frontier"
Rudyard Kipling (1886)
Here in the Khyber Pass, the Afridis at Darra Adam Khel have produced firearms since before the Anglo-Afghan wars described in Kipling's metaphor about the contrast between the British forces and native tribesmen.
These 'jezail' guns were crafted from combined components such as the actions from British Brown Bess muskets, and the barrels often fashioned crudely from steel from stolen rails.
The ability of these artisans in crafting these incredibly effective firearms on simple treadle powered rigs remains amazing even to this day, as they craft replicas of modern weapons.
The .303 was a standard caliber for these 'Martini pistols' from what I have read. It is also noted that only brave souls fire these pieces ...so be careful there!!
Interesting pieces from these volatile regions full of frightful adventure, and troubled times, as the seemingly neverending place of conflict.
All best regards,
Jim