What is an elephant gun?

An elephant gun is a large-caliber firearm specifically designed for hunting dangerous game, particularly elephants. They were commonly used during big game hunting expeditions in Africa and other places where large, thick-skinned animals were found.

Elephant guns are characterized by their powerful cartridges, typically ranging from .375 H&H Magnum to .600 Nitro Express. These high-powered cartridges generate enough energy and penetration to ethically and effectively take down large and dangerous animals like elephants, buffalo, rhinos, lions, bears, etc. The heavy bullets fired from these guns have sufficient energy to penetrate the thick hide and bones of large game.

Elephant guns often have robust actions, such as double rifles or falling-block actions, to safely handle the extreme forces generated by firing magnum cartridges.

Due to concerns about conservation and animal welfare, elephant guns are used less frequently today for hunting purposes. However, these firearms still hold historical significance in the world of hunting and firearm collecting. Some modern hunters still use elephant guns specifically designed for dangerous game hunting where legality permits.