On the all4shooters/all4hunters.com webpages we already spoke extensively about all the previous versions of the Pedersoli Boarbuster lever-action rifle in .45/70, a gun that has made the Pedersoli brand appreciated even in the ungulate hunting sector, thanks to its power, speed and handiness. The original model has given rise to several variants, but the base remains the tried and tested Winchester 86/71 lever action, revised and corrected in the light of contemporary materials and production techniques that have enhanced the effectiveness of the original design bringing it up to date. The quality and performance of the modern .45/70 ammunition is also clearly superior to the original, giving the rifle/cartridge combination an efficiency that was previously difficult to imagine.
At the SHOT Show, Davide Pedersoli introduced three very American novelties, starting with the .45/70 Boarbuster Apocalypse, in which modern aesthetics and functional elements merge with the classic lines of the Western-style gun. The colors and materials used for the finish of the Pedersoli Boarbuster Apocalypse are in perfect steampunk style, a sub-genre of science fiction that combines elements of 19th century technology with Victorian aesthetics and themes, where steam is the main source of energy and mechanical inventions are the order of the day. You could call it a fascinating mix of past and future, with a touch of fantasy.
The Pedersoli Boarbuster Apocalypse could be straight out of a comic book or a movie like Wild Wild West or The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. But aesthetics should not distract, as some of the solutions are decidedly more practical, starting with the polymer fore-end with M-Lok mounting interfaces that allows for the attachment of a wide range of accessories. The grip areas on the fore-end and pistol grip are covered with genuine leather inserts, as is the cheekpiece. The metal parts have a copper-colored Cerakote ceramic finish that contrasts nicely with the grey of the polymer stock and the natural brown of the leather inserts. The barrel of the Boarbuster Apocalypse is 17 inches, or 432 millimeters, long and gives the rifle great handling, with an overall length of 900 millimeters. The rifle twist of this version in .45/70 is 1:18", with six grooves. The tube magazine has a capacity of five cartridges. The Boarbuster Apocalypse's sights consist of a folding rear sight with green fiber-optic inserts mounted at the end of a Picatinny rail, and a ramped blade front sight with an orange high-visibility insert. The Picatinny rail allows for the mounting of any type of conventional or electronic optics.
Two variants of the Lightning pump-action rifle were also presented at the Las Vegas show. The first, suitable for use in Western shooting competitions, is called the Silver Spur and is in .45 Long Colt, while the second is chambered for the more modern .44 Magnum. This new version is distinguished by its removable cartridge retainers that are linked to the movement of the bolt. held in place by the retainers during the upward motions of the elevator, is released when entering the chamber, making the operation smooth and fast. The Pedersoli Silver Spur has a round-section barrel 630-millimeters long for an overall rifle length of 1,038 millimeters. The English-style stock with a beautiful walnut hue contrasts nicely with the case-hardened receiver and the blued finish of barrel and magazine, which has a capacity of ten rounds. The sights consist of an adjustable Buckhorn type rear notch and a blade front sight. The characteristic crescent-shaped recoil pad, made of metal, is also case-hardened and, in addition to being philologically consistent with the gun, facilitates the quick pointing changes typical of Western shooting competitions.
We conclude our overview of Pedersoli's new products with the Jackal, defined as a "muscular" version of the Lightning. It is chambered for the powerful .44 Magnum cartridge and features an oversized pistol grip stock and walnut fore-end to promote a firm grip. The Microcel synthetic rubber recoil pad reduces felt recoil on the shooter's shoulder. The Match PMG (Pedersoli Match Grade) barrel is 483 millimeters long and has a twist of 1:20". The muzzle is 5/8x24 UNF threaded and thus allows for the fitting of a muzzle brake or, where allowed, a sound suppressor. The Pedersoli Jackal has a height- and drift-adjustable rear sight with fiber optic inserts and a ramped front sight, also with a high-visibility insert. The weight of the Pedersoli Jackal is 3.7 kilograms.
The action of the Pedersoli Jackal is equipped with a mechanical safety on the hammer which, once engaged, locks the hammer in the lowered position and also prevents the bolt from moving. The hammer half-cock and the inertial firing pin contribute to the rifle safety during transport. The receiver finish is matte grey, with polished blued barrel, receiver and hammer. The main use of the Pedersoli Jackal is hunting, but thanks to the versatility of the cartridge it is chambered for it will certainly meet the interest of sport shooters as well. For the time being, no official prices have been provided, but we will soon return to the subject with more in-depth details at the EOS Show.
