thefirearmblog.com gives us a heads-up on the up-coming auction of “An Exquisite, Beautiful and Steampunk-esque .50 BMG rifle.” Click here to see the full glory of a weapon that embodies “a sub-genre of science fiction, alternate history, and speculative fiction . . . set in an era or world where steam power is still widely used, usually the 19th century and often Victorian era Britain” (Wikipedia). Somehow I don’t this homebuilt rifle is powered by water vapor. Nor do I see the point of a spirit level on the nose of a rifle. But hey, what do I know? I think laser sights are distracting. What’s your take on this retro-futuristic alternative universe re-innovation?
Levels on precision rifles are common and I have them on mine, albeit not near the muzzle, they lie under my scope.
This rifle reminds me of the custom firearms made for royalty in the late 1800s. It is a work of art and will never be fired. It will be displayed proudly in a wealthy home. When you look at it from that perspective, it makes perfect sense. As a rifle for use? Not so much.
You do see a lot of spirit level front sights on long-range black powder cartridge silhouette & target rifles (.45-70, .45-90, .40-65, etc.), especially those using the iron sights. These sights are generally long-range, aperture peep sight rear, interchangeable aperture/post/crosshair hooded front sights. The spirit levels are on the front sight so you can see them through the rear peep sight while aiming the rifle. The purpose of the level is to prevent you from canting (leaning) the rifle even a small amount. At 500 to 1200+ yards, a small degree of cant will throw your point of aim way off. The spirit level ensures that you are holding the rifle at a consistent level every shot, so your sight adjustments will be consistent. That is your gun geek info lecture for the day.
The gun in question is WAY cool, and an excellent example of the way custom gunmakers produce what can only be described as art. That gun would fit perfectly into the collection of a hypothetical steampunk wealthy "charmingly eccentric firearms enthusiast", or CEFE. (We gun nuts feel that political correctness should be applied to us, too.)
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