Hex Bore

Hex Bore is a project by @ResearchPressUK for the study of Whitworth rifles and artillery.

[Hex Bore @hexbore]

The Whitworth Research Project now manages a database of 700 known Whitworth rifles. Please make contact if you own or know of an original Whitworth rifle. #longrange #muzzleloading #targetrifle #civilwar #sharpshooter

[Hex Bore @hexbore]

Study of details on an engraved silver plate of a presentation semi-military Whitworth rifle revealed that the rifle was supplied by Bristol gunmaker George Gibbs, in 1862. The rifle had also been fired by Gibbs at 600, 900, and 1,000 yards, and the sighting found to be correct.

[Research Press @ResearchPressUK]

Historical information on several 19thC gunmakers, primarily those associated with long range target rifles, is available to view via Research Press. Gibbs-Farquharson-Metford pictured. #whitworth #henry #gibbs #rigby #fraser #soper https://t.co/gxvM4viTVY

[Hex Bore @hexbore]

The cased Whitworth military target rifle B101 recently re-surfaced. This rifle was recorded by the Whitworth Research Project in 1978, but not fully documented - so great now to add some detail to the records. https://t.co/e5CVKvbynA

[Hex Bore @hexbore]

The Whitworth Research Project is hosted by @ResearchPressUK. The rebuild of the web site continues and all rifle related posts have been consolidated into a single section - note also the ‘Hex Bore blog’ for news and short items of interest. See - https://t.co/bH92Sbk4Hr

[Hex Bore @hexbore]

Pattern 1863 Enfield-Whitworth Short Rifle - over 8,200 manufactured during 1863 and 1864 for troop trials. More than the entire rifle production by Joseph Whitworth! They are hard to document as the most useful data is on the underside of the barrel. https://t.co/gfEeOvEoYm

[Research Press @ResearchPressUK]

Research Press web site is moving and process is underway! Site has been rebuilt several times since 1998. Structure largely unchanged & links will be redirected. No content will be lost! Thanks you for your continued interest. Please update bookmarks to: https://t.co/wI96ytdYh5

[Hex Bore @hexbore]

Sir Joseph Whitworth died at Monte Carlo on the evening of Saturday 22 January 1887, aged 83. He was buried on Wednesday 2 February 1887 in the churchyard of the 12th century St Helen’s church at Darley Dale, Derbyshire. #OnThisDay - https://t.co/QWBlzGlCV1

[Hex Bore @hexbore]

@sebastianh177 You number of Whitworth rifles built is misleading - more than half were made at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield (not Whitworth Rifle Co.) and used for troop trials.

[Hex Bore @hexbore]

Database update: Previously recorded in 2011, Whitworth military target rifle no. 976 has resurfaced. Records now updated and include a set of photographs. Likely intended as a prize / presentation rifle c1860, the stock carries a vacant oval plaque. 13 January 2024

[Hex Bore @hexbore]

Database update: Whitworth sporting rifle no. 482 documented. Sadly barrel is missing. Remaining parts include stock, lock, breech plug & some fittings. Trigger guard missing and hammer may be later replacement. Although incomplete it is new to the database. 10 January 2024

[Hex Bore @hexbore]

For those with an interest in 'large bore' Whitworth! 20-ton Whitworth guns for the Brazilian Navy in the 19th century, altered to Armstrong system. https://t.co/dV16iEcRTy

[Hex Bore @hexbore]

A reminder that a 'Hex Bore' blog is maintained on @ResearchPressUK web site, where news and information is shared. This also includes an annual summary of updates to the Whitworth database - updated throughout the year. https://t.co/9ASmp46IwB

[Hex Bore @hexbore]

Good to document an original cased Whitworth sporting rifle, from c1860. Rifle is richly engraved and case includes an original cylindrical Whitworth bullet mould, plus fine set of accessories. Previously unrecorded rifles do appear from time to time, but rarely of this quality.

[Hex Bore @hexbore]

Happy birthday Sir Joseph Whitworth, born #OnThisDay 21 December 1803. Renowned for its accuracy, Whitworth rifle was used in long range competition. Never adopted for British Service, it saw limited use by Sharpshooters during American Civil War. https://t.co/oZQMcx3ni5

[Research Press @ResearchPressUK]

Buoyed by their success winning the Elcho Shield in 1873, Irish riflemen wanted further laurels. Their challenge to riflemen of America for a long range rifle match was published in the New York Herald 150 years ago, #OnThisDay 22 November 1873. #creedmoor https://t.co/TaDzNx03ho

[Hex Bore @hexbore]

. . . And again! Another previously unrecorded Whitworth rifle added to the database. This one a ‘D’ series numbered rifle from 1862.

[Hex Bore @hexbore]

Good to be able to update the Whitworth database with two early (1858 dated) rifles. One previously recorded in 2004, and another new to the records. That's the 3rd 'new' Whitworth to be documented this year.

[Rock Island Auction @RIAuction]

The Whitworth rifle was an English-made percussion rifle used in the latter half of the 19th century and was widely considered the first rifle used for true sniping. Watch as Ethan of I Love Muzzleloading discusses Lot 1272, available tomorrow on Day 2. https://t.co/gYTIa08S2Q

[Hex Bore @hexbore]

Heard from an Australian auction house of a Whitworth rifle they are preparing to catalogue. Match rifle from 1865 and tucked away in private collection for 40 years. Previously unrecorded in Whitworth Research Project database - nice to add second new rifle to records in a week.

[Hex Bore @hexbore]

App. 19 of US Dept of Ordnance Report, 1882. ‘Report on European Ordnance & Manufactures.’ English & French ordnance covered. Includes short section on Whitworth’s Guns, with breech loading gun details and Whitworth’s own remarks on early trials and gun construction. @Fort_Nelson