Gurkha Bira (Gardner) Gun of the Victorian Era

Posts : 1862 Join date : 2009-03-25

Invented by General Sri Maharajah Gehendra Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana (1871-1905) the "Bira" Double Barreled Quick Fire Rifle was no less than a virtual copy of the British Gardner Gun. In Martini-Henry .455/577 caliber fed from a double stacked 120rnd Pan Magazine the weapon was fired by a Crank Handle not unlike the American Gatling Gun. Interestingly, however, it required cranking Backwards (Counter-clockwise) which is supported medically as it is more efficient, apparently, to "pull" than to "push" Was wondering if these were used in the Zulu war 1879. (What an interesting looking weapon)

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Posts : 2558 Join date : 2009-04-06 Age : 61 Location : UK

24th you might find this interesting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_17ij6cntgI

Posts : 1093 Join date : 2009-01-14 Location : East London

I would have preferred this to a knuckle-duster Rolling Eyes

Posts : 1093 Join date : 2009-01-14 Location : East London

I must admit never came across this before, never read anything about this weapon being used in the AZW.
Looks impressive by a bit cumbersome to be transported easily. By looking at it I bet it was no light weight .

Posts : 527 Join date : 2009-02-28

24th heres a link to a website which contains all the information needed with refrence to the Bira Gun. Great photos !!!

http://www.gunsandammomag.com/cs/Satellite/IMO_GA/Story_C/A+Sleeping+Giant?packedargs=pagenum%3D1

S.D

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