POTD: Karl Hauptmann Triple Rifle – When Gunmakers Play God
Sam.S 06.16.25
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here is a Karl Hauptmann Triple Rifle. Instead of the usual two barrels, Karl Hauptmann’s workshop built three side-by-side tubes in 8×57, creating a weapon that fires faster than any bolt-action while carrying more rounds than standard doubles. The trigger setup is straightforward—front for the center barrel, back for the outside pair. For driven boar hunts where animals charge through beech forests at full speed, having three immediate shots beats fumbling with actions every time.
What makes this rifle notorious is its religious theme. Master engraver Gregor Stoegner carved biblical damnation scenes across every surface—demons, serpents, and symbolic references to humanity’s worst behaviors. The metalwork depicts spiritual corruption in stunning detail that would make medieval cathedral carvers proud. Functionally, this rifle handles African plains game or European driven hunts without breaking stride. The included optic maintains accuracy while the triple configuration delivers speed no single-barrel hunting rifle can match.
“Seven Deadly Sins Engraved Karl Hauptmann 8×57 IRS Triple Rifle.” Rock Island Auction Company, https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/4094/3499/seven-deadly-sins-engraved-karl-hauptmann-8×57-irs-triple-rifle. Accessed 9 June 2025.
