I am seeking information on trying to build a modern day howda that would be legal,any ideals?I would lkie to used a.577Snider cal.I am open for any ideal and the best way to build it.

Take a look at the Pedersoli version (Cabelas catalog has a picture of one...) At least a decent place to start

The 577 would put it into the Destructive Device category. A 50-70 might be fun.

The only way you might get away with a larger caliber is if it is something that you can not buy ammo for. Also the gun would have to be fairly close to an original so that it would be a "Reproduction Antique". You would have to write a letter the the ATF with a rundown of the Antique design you will be copying and the Antique caliber that ammo is not availible for.

Some people at the ATF will try to tell you that, Antique, = Black Powder = Muzzle loader.

You should lookup the Antique section of the GCA and NFA, print it off so you will know the details and wording that needs to be used.

Hope this helps.

quote:

The 577 would put it into the Destructive Device category

IIRC, Lee Jurras, who started the old Super Vel ammo firm in Indiana where I'm from, chambered a .577 wildcat called the .577 Jurras Mag in his line of Howdah pistols that he made several years ago.

better to read the atf regs and call the techincal division.. which will result in you writing them, than taking advice over the internet.

lots of internet rumors on what makes something a DD

I agree that it's better to check with the ATF before doing the build, but I don't think a .577 Snyder would fall into the "destructive device" category, because you could demonstrate that it has a "legitimate sporting purpose" (hunting big game). There are several big bore rifle cartridges intended for African dangerous game that fall into this category.

You could save yourself the headache of asking the ATF (and probably getting numerous and varied answers depending on who you talk to on the phone) and do the build in .500 S&W instead. You did say you wanted a "modern day" howda pistol, after all. Something like a double barrel .500 with 12" barrels would knock down just about any animal on the planet I'd think. In an Encore with a 15" barrel you can launch a 400 grain bullet at 1750+ fps.