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Quick Look

The Nitro Express rifle originated in the late 19th century as a big game hunting cartridge in British Africa and India. It was designed for powerful, long-range hunting of dangerous game. Today, Nitro Express rifles remain prized among collectors and big game hunters for their classic design and stopping power.

Why It's a Top Choice

Exceptional stopping power on large game
Classic craftsmanship and durability
Reliable in harsh environments
Iconic status among big-game hunters
Suitable for dangerous game hunting

Key Variants

Express 450 Nitro

A heavy-hitting rifle favored for elephant and Cape buffalo hunting.

Express 500 Nitro

Popular for thick-skinned dangerous game requiring deep penetration.

Express 577 Nitro

Classic African safari caliber known for extreme stopping power.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	Nitro Express Rifle	Winchester Model 70	Mauser 98
MSRP	Varies by custom build	$900–$1,200	$1,000–$1,500
Capacity/Size	Usually 2-5 rounds, large calibers	3-5 rounds, various calibers	5 rounds, multiple calibers
Weight	12–15 lbs (heavy)	7–9 lbs	8–10 lbs
Optics-Ready	Often drilled for scopes	Standard drilling available	Standard or custom mounts
Trigger Type	Double set triggers common	Single or double set triggers	Single or double triggers
Notable Pro	Unmatched stopping power	Proven reliability	Classic bolt-action design
Notable Con	Heavy to carry in the field	Less suited for large dangerous game	Heavier trigger pull on some models

Best Use Cases

Big game dangerous game hunting
Safari expeditions
Collector's firearms
Long-range hunting
Range testing with large calibers

FAQs

Can I hunt elephant with a Nitro Express rifle?

Yes, Nitro Express rifles, especially .450 and above calibers, are widely used for elephant hunting due to their deep penetration and stopping power.

What is the typical weight of a Nitro Express rifle?

Nitro Express rifles typically weigh between 12 and 15 pounds to manage recoil and maintain stability when firing large cartridges.

How does the Nitro Express compare to Mauser 98?

Nitro Express rifles offer larger calibers and more stopping power, while Mauser 98 rifles focus on reliable bolt-action design in varied calibers.

NITRO EXPRESS RIFLE for Sale