R.B. RODDA – BEST DOUBLE RIFLE 450-400 3″ WITH EXTRA 470 BARRELS WITH TARGETS AND LOAD DATA BY KEN OWEN

A formidable and highly versatile British dangerous-game rifle — R.B. Rodda Best Double Rifle in .450-400 3" Nitro Express with an additional .470 Nitro Express barrel set, fully restored in the United Kingdom by Chris Soyza.

Originally chambered in .450-400 3" NE, the rifle features 24" barrels with a quarter rib carrying one standing and two folding rear sights, the classic and practical configuration for serious field use. The additional .470 NE barrels, built by Hauptman, are likewise 24 inches with matching quarter rib and sight arrangement, allowing seamless transition between two of the most respected Nitro Express cartridges.

The rifle is equipped with double triggers, ejectors, splinter forearm, and pistol grip, maintaining traditional best-gun architecture and handling characteristics. Both barrel sets weigh an identical 11 lbs 3 oz, reflecting careful regulation and balance in each caliber. The rifle measures 15" length of pull, giving it authoritative, confident dimensions appropriate for heavy-recoiling cartridges.

Importantly, the set is accompanied by targets and load data from Ken Owen, adding meaningful documentation to the rifle’s regulation and performance history — a valuable inclusion for both the collector and the sportsman.

Presented in its makers case, this Rodda represents a rare opportunity to acquire a fully restored British best double with two properly configured big-game barrel sets. The pairing of .450-400 and .470 NE offers exceptional versatility, combining manageable recoil and deep penetration with the commanding authority of the larger bore — all in one cohesive, professionally restored package.