Double 50 cal ?

[Freightman]

The boss bought a double 50 cal rifle and I was wondering if someone could tell me what it is! has one barrel on top of the other but only one hammer. To use the lower you loosen a screw and flip the top over and tighten screw. It has fair wood and a patch-box in the butt, a little pattina not rust on the barrels and the only marking I found was on the right side of  receiver "WARRANTY". I can get the rifle for a good price but need to know something about it. the bore is dusty not rusty in good shape over all. Forgot to mention there is a cleaning rod on both sides of the two barrels.

[roundball]

I believe they're referred to as a "swivel breech" design...essentially a double barrel firearm that only uses one hammer.

When I first learned of them my initial thought was it might be nice for a second shot at the ready...but finally decided:

1) A speed loader allows very fast reloading, in about the same time (or less) than it would take to do all that with the swivel breech;
2) A fast second shot is really not necessary in muzzleloader hunting;
3) They are a very heavy rifle with the extra barrel;
4) They don't have the typical lines of a muzzleloader rifle;
5) If they were really viewed as having a lot of positive attributes, everybody would be using them;

My .02 cents...

[Freightman]

Agreed! it is "HEAVY" I think I will Pass I have a hard time with heavy rifles. I think I am getting to old or had too many birthdays.

[Trapper-Jack]

Numric Arms used to put out a swivel breach rifle as well as other styles.  I have one of their Pennsylvania rifles in a .45 caliber and it has "WARRANTY" stamped in the lock.  There are no  marks stamped on the barrel.  I put it together from a kit I got as a kid for Christmas back in 1970.