The Pope’s Holy Rifle — The Remington Rolling Block Model 1867 PontificioA copy of the R
The Pope’s Holy Rifle — The Remington Rolling Block Model 1867 PontificioA copy of the Remington Model 1867 breechloading rifle, The Remington Pontificio was the rifle of choice for the Papal guards, police, and army (back then the Pope had a small army). They were built under contract by both Wesley Richards in Birmingham, England and Leon Nagant (of Nagant pistol and rifle fame) in Liege, Belgium. The Remington Pontificio was chambered for a 12.7 x 45 cartridge, used only by the Vatican. They were stamped on the top of the receiver with the Papal Seal, featuring the keys to the gates of heaven and the triple crown mitre of the Pope. -- source link
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