I ran across this passage today in a book I am reading refering to a rifle..........

"The man Horn to whom I sold it soon had enough, and parted with it to a man named Cunningham who, after having his cheek knocked off by the old muzzleloaders terrific kick, sold it to a Mr. Saunders who had his eye damaged for life with it. The last white man I heard of as its proud owner was poor old Blanch, who, I was informed, used to tie a 3 pound bar of lead to the muzzle to keep it from jumping up when fired ".

This was from William Finaughty, who used the gun from 1864 to 1875. It was a 4 bore which fired a 4 ounce ( 1750 grains ) lead ball propelled by 550 gns of black powder. I bet that was something to see!!!!!!!!

It puts a 416 Rigby in perspective............JJ

Anyone know if this gun is still around?

I would say some might still be around in a museum or in someones private collection. I've seen one in a Federal hunting display.