A couple of Darras' handmade handguns

archer · 26th April 2009, 09:00 PM

The handmade Martini 303 British weighs 3#s But the Recoil and muzzle flash was unreal even with country-made reloads with filed down once fired bullets.
Even I was too faint of heart to try the second one, a 410 or 41 cal. Firing pin
was removed eons ago. My interest was in the now called ergonomics of the Namba type grip it totally locks both the elbow and wrist for a very steady sighting platform.

Keep in mind these were labor intensive hand filing from scratch cottage items.

Jim McDougall · 3rd May 2009, 10:15 PM

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

26th April 2009, 09:00 PM	#1
archer Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 373	A couple of Darras' handmade handguns The handmade Martini 303 British weighs 3#s But the Recoil and muzzle flash was unreal even with country-made reloads with filed down once fired bullets. Even I was too faint of heart to try the second one, a 410 or 41 cal. Firing pin was removed eons ago. My interest was in the now called ergonomics of the Namba type grip it totally locks both the elbow and wrist for a very steady sighting platform. Keep in mind these were labor intensive hand filing from scratch cottage items. Attached Images

3rd May 2009, 10:15 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,943	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