express rifle

American  

noun

1. a rifle designed for firing at game at short range.

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express rifle British  

noun

1. a high-velocity hunting rifle for big game shooting

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Etymology

Origin of express rifle

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

His white hunter will take him where the game is, stand by with an express rifle in case he misses.

From Time Magazine Archive

A pair of able 0.500 bore express rifle barrels were accordingly fitted in this way.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 441, June 14, 1884. by Various

"Oh, of course," he said ironically, "an express rifle would be better, for who knows but we might meet an elephant here in the desert."

From Tarzan the Untamed by Burroughs, Edgar Rice

She radiated gladness as she made her way towards the lake carrying an express rifle in the crook of her arm.

From A Mating in the Wilds by Binns, Ottwell

My weapon was a 450 double express rifle, by Alex.

From Ladies in the Field: Sketches of Sport by Greville, Beatrice Violet Graham