Greener Pastures

I acquired a robust, handsome, single-shot rifle last year from a chap who had it made up years ago for black-powder shooting at range competitions. The action was taken from a Martini-styled Greener 12-gauge shotgun, that would later turn a plum colour in the blueing process. It’s chambered in .32-40 calibre, heavily barrelled, straight stocked, with stunning walnut in the fore-end and buttstock.

rear sight, a Parker Hale, is wonderfully machined, moving through adjustments as smooth as a silk scarf sliding off Venus de Milo’s remaining shoulder. The wide, protected front sight makes target acquisition natural, instinctive. After seeing the rifle’s accuracy at the range, I got a hankering to take it for