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English Sporting Rifles

When the subject of English rifles comes up, many think of names like Lee-Enfield, Holland & Holland, and Martini Henry. English sporting rifles are designed for hunting and slow-fire target competitions. Often, the caliber depends on the role the rifle will serve. Most competition shooting is done with small-bore rifles and hunting of large and dangerous game with large-bore magnum rounds. English sporting rifles have a long tradition of being overbuilt and well-designed functional firearms

Companies including Holland & Holland have greatly added to the mystique and class that surrounds the English sporting rifle. These rifles are often built to a standard rarely seen in other areas of manufacturing.

English sporting rifles are not highly functional, but often aesthetically pleasing. Rifle shooters in England face a wall of red tape to acquire a firearm, so when they purchase a one, it’s intended to last decades. English sporting rifles are sometimes status pieces and other times, the only rifle that can get the job done.


Quick Facts

  • John Patterson, the famed hunter of the Tsavo lions, used numerous English sporting rifles during his lion hunts
  • Theodore Roosevelt once said about Holland & Holland rifles, “I do not believe there exists a better weapon for heavy game”
  • English sporting rifle maker Westley Richards received eight royal warrants from multiple royal families

Recommended Items at Auction

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P. Webley & Son Birmingham Snider Mk. III Volunteer Rifle
Apr 15, 9:30 AM EDT
P. Webley & Son Birmingham Snider Mk. III Volunteer Rifle
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$8504 Bids
A 15-BORE FLINTLOCK SPORTING GUN BY SIMMONS
Apr 05, 10:00 AM BST
A 15-BORE FLINTLOCK SPORTING GUN BY SIMMONS
by Antony Cribb Ltd
Est: £250- £350
£2000 Bids
AN 18-BORE FLINTLOCK SPORTING GUN BY UTTING
Apr 05, 10:00 AM BST
AN 18-BORE FLINTLOCK SPORTING GUN BY UTTING
by Antony Cribb Ltd
Est: £200- £300
£1600 Bids
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Repetiergewehr, SMLE No.4 Mk 2, Kal. .303British
Apr 15, 9:00 AM CEST
Repetiergewehr, SMLE No.4 Mk 2, Kal. .303British
by Kessler Auktionen AG
Est: CHF0- CHF0
CHF3300 Bids
AN IMPORTANT .461 OBSOLETE CALIBRE FALLING BLOCK GIBBS SPORTING RIFLE OF SELOUS INTEREST
Apr 05, 10:00 AM BST
AN IMPORTANT .461 OBSOLETE CALIBRE FALLING BLOCK GIBBS SPORTING RIFLE OF SELOUS INTEREST
by Antony Cribb Ltd
Est: £6,000- £8,000
£4,8000 Bids

Sellers Who Sell English Sporting Rifles


Antony Cribb Ltd

Antony Cribb Ltd

Kessler Auktionen AG

Kessler Auktionen AG