In 1985, big game hunter and gun enthusiast, William Feldstein, walked into 33 Bruton St., London with a check in hand to cover the cost of a large gun order. Feldstein wanted Holland & Holland to build him a set of five bespoke large-bore nitro express double rifles with the 600 Nitro Express anchoring the set.
Upon hearing Feldstein’s request, H&H told him they could not fulfill the entire order because the last H&H double gun in 600 NE had already been built back in 1975. At that time, Holland & Holland had certified that 600 NE rifle as the last one. Feldstein was told an unequivocal “no” to his request for a 600 NE.
“OK, then build me a 700 Nitro Express,” Feldstein demanded indignantly. When the chuckles subsided, Hollands’ board of directors calmly explained that idea of building a rifle for a non-existent caliber was preposterous.
Through Feldstein’s dogged persistence, H&H eventually agreed to consider his proposal. Wary of undertaking such a seemingly impulsive scheme, they stipulated conditions that would have dissuaded a man of lesser means and resolve.
“Design the cartridge, give us the specs and we’ll talk again,” Feldstein was told.
Feldstein did, in fact, finance, develop and produce 5,000 rounds of 700 Nitro Express cartridges, so the company agreed to continue the project. By January 1990, a beautifully engraved double sidelock Holland & Holland Royal De Luxe prototype in 700 NE was completed. The recoil was described as, “about on par with a light, 10-pound 500 Jeffery magazine rifle with the character of a faster recoiling 8-bore.”
Feldstein’s field test for the new behemoth prototype was a 21-day Ethiopian elephant hunt. Accompanied by PH Nassos Russos, Feldstein collected an elephant on the third day and was ecstatic with both cartridge and rifle performing as expected. The success of his hunt prompted him to claim, “the fantasy and dream have become a reality.”
The original price of $115,000 for a 700 NE was quite a deal—today you can expect to spend more than $300,00 for a bare-bones double rifle, and much more with personal order requirements. To date, Holland & Holland has built 18 double rifles in 700 NE.