The Holland & Holland Paradox was an interesting design. It was a smoothbore until the end of the bores where there was rifling. At the time that it was marketed (late 19th century) centerfire rifle calibers were just coming into their own for dangerous game. The 8 and 10 gauge shotguns were considered to be the most effective against Elephant, Cape Buffalo ect, but the shotgun lacked the accuracy and range of a rifle. The Paradox design was a compromise which offered improved performance from the smoothbore design. It was very popular for many years with hunters not only in Africa and India, but in the United States, England, Canada and Australia. Eventually the larger centerfire rifle calibers such as the .450 3.25" Nitro and .500 Nitro would surpass the big bore shotguns and become the calibers of choice with big game hunters. A second hand Holland & Holland Paradox can command very high prices in today's market.
The Holland & Holland Paradox appears in the following movies, TV shows, and video games:
