Video: The World’s Largest Centerfire Rifle: SSK’s .950 JDJ

Firing custom 2,400- to 3,600-grain bullets and reportedly matching the power of a World War I tank round, the SSK .950 JDJ is considered by many to be the world’s largest (movable) centerfire rifle. The firearm boasts massive power and an equally large frame. A base model .950 JDJ weighs roughly 85 pounds and virtually requires being fired from a benchrest or similar support piece. Only three were ever made. A call to SSK Industries revealed that the firearm’s action is no longer in production and that a custom-built .950 JDJ today would be in the realm of $17,000. Because of its power the firearm would normally be classified as a Destructive Device, but SSK was able to obtain a “Sporting Use Exception” that would allow them to be purchased much like any other rifle.

If the Tyrannosaurus rex ever came back though some botched theme park experiment, this would be the gun to use.

Unfortunately, the recoil from the rifle is rather “significant.” If that’s not enough to keep you a spectator, each custom-made cartridge for the gun is worth about half a day’s pay on minimum wage, if not more. In the below video several guys from Knights Rifles try out the first .950 JDJ ever made, a lightweight prototype that set the mold for the rest. While it may be a good 30 pounds lighter than its bigger cousins, the gun can “kick like a mule.”

An optional muzzle break for the rifle weighs 13 pounds.

The gun was designed by SSK Industries owner J.D. Jones. SSK manufactures a number of other firearms and firearm accessories including custom work.

Daniel Xu

I'm the knife nut that everybody is ashamed to know. My love of sharp things extends to all kinds of edged weapons, be they small, large or on a stick.