Newbie to falling block

My favourite would be one of the Sharps replicas. The main reason is that the lock mechanism is completely isolated from the breach area and you don't have to worry about rusting from fouling build up. Regardless of what action you choose, a good set of sights, especially the tang sight are going to run you several hundred dollars

cheers mooncoon
 
I have a Uberti High Wall Winchester Model 1885 replication, with the 32" bbl, fancy chequered stock and the hard-to-get-used-to crescent butt-plate. I was quick to put a nice leather shoulder-saver on it, seeing as how I'm just too old to change my ways of holding a rifle, and shoot only 405gr hard-cast lead in it.

At 100m with open sights I can keep every shot I shoot inside a four inch circle - the load is just 33gr of H4198. It's kinder to shoot for noobs, too. The fit and finish is not just good, it is excellent, with beautiful deep case-colouring and a lovely stock wood. The long octagonal barrel is still flawless from end to end, in and out. A real joy to shoot.
 
Again, many thanks for the input and a big thank you for the advice I'm receiving via PM. Must say it's fun learning about this unique area of shooting and collecting.

Going forward:

- leaning towards a rolling block in 45-70
- like the profile of the low wall, octagon bbls
- also plan on checking out the Springfield trap doors
- like the Sharps but maybe not for the first purchase
- considering Pedersoli and Uberti but will probably pass on the IAB
- eventually I'll consider casting my own but not at first, trying to keep the expense and learning curve at a minimum

Perhaps most importantly, I need to educate myself as much as possible before making a purchase. You Tubes are a beautiful thing.

Nibe
 
I'm a fan of Ruger No. 1s because of the solid actions. I actually just acquired a No.1 rebarrelled to 45-120 that I'll be shooting with BP once I get the courage to actually set one off! Pretty intimidating loading a cartridge that could also be used as a club.
 
Nibe said:
A bit more than I want to spend coming out of Xmas but man, that looks sweet.
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That would be a good choice. They are well built and accurate. The only things I don't like about them is that they are hard to take apart. Or maybe that out to be "hard to put back together" :).

The only advice I'll give is to do a lot of reading before you buy. These single shots aren't particularly cheap, and a decent set of sights can be surprisingly expensive. I'd recommend a Pedersoli, or the rifle in that link. Make sure it either comes with decent sights, or if not price the sights out before buying the rifle.

Chris.
 
handofzeus said:
I'm a fan of Ruger No. 1s because of the solid actions. I actually just acquired a No.1 rebarrelled to 45-120 that I'll be shooting with BP once I get the courage to actually set one off! Pretty intimidating loading a cartridge that could also be used as a club.
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The Ruger #1 and #3 are excellent rifles but often aren't permitted in the traditional black powder competitions. If there are particular shoots you want to attend double check the rules. 1800's design and an exposed hammer are required so even the Martini action doesn't qualify.
 
vagrantviking said:
The Ruger #1 and #3 are excellent rifles but often aren't permitted in the traditional black powder competitions. If there are particular shoots you want to attend double check the rules. 1800's design and an exposed hammer are required so even the Martini action doesn't qualify.
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Ha, no worries here. I only compete with myself.....and kick my own ass.
 
I would second oldrodder's suggestion.
I have a Browning BPCR that I bought in the nineties, and while I haven't shot it in a couple of years, it's a keeper.
I've put 10 into 4 inches at 200 yards with iron sights, from a bench. I'll probably never do it again, but It's fun trying.

With an elderly steel Lyman 310 tool, It's a complete and satisfying package. It's not overly heavy and seems to handle a bit easier that the 74 Sharps, but perhaps that's just me.

Perhaps, there's some wiggle room on the price.
 
Depending on your intended use.
- A number of large frame Martini were converted to 45/70 over the years. They're nice gun

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For a smaller "boom", many Cadet were converted to 357

cadetside.jpg


On of the fun "plinker" I had the chance to play with, was a 1885 low-wall in 44 mag. Sweet little thing.
 
mooncoon said:
My favourite would be one of the Sharps replicas. The main reason is that the lock mechanism is completely isolated from the breach area and you don't have to worry about rusting from fouling build up. Regardless of what action you choose, a good set of sights, especially the tang sight are going to run you several hundred dollars

cheers mooncoon
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Starting to move towards the 1874 Sharps. Love flipping through the Marstar site but difficult to assess when you don’t have access to try-outs. I’m thinking I might end up with an Uberti or Pedersoli Sharps for my first gun in the 2,500 range.
 
handofzeus said:
I'm a fan of Ruger No. 1s because of the solid actions. I actually just acquired a No.1 rebarrelled to 45-120 that I'll be shooting with BP once I get the courage to actually set one off! Pretty intimidating loading a cartridge that could also be used as a club.
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I'm a fan of Ruger #1's as well, but this rifle will keep you out of BPCR competitions as it does not have an exposed hammer! Have fun with this cannon!
 
Nibe said:
Starting to move towards the 1874 Sharps. Love flipping through the Marstar site but difficult to assess when you don’t have access to try-outs. I’m thinking I might end up with an Uberti or Pedersoli Sharps for my first gun in the 2,500 range.
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The Pedersoli rolling block rifles are also worth looking into too.

Chris.
 
Nibe said:
Starting to move towards the 1874 Sharps. Love flipping through the Marstar site but difficult to assess when you don’t have access to try-outs. I’m thinking I might end up with an Uberti or Pedersoli Sharps for my first gun in the 2,500 range.
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Even though I enjoy shooting trapdoors, martinis, Sniders and sidehammer Peabodys , their disadvantage is that you cannot push a cleaning rod through from the breach. About the only two I can think of, offhand, that can be cleaned from the breach as well as easily stripped and reassembled are the Sharps and the Ballard. The 1875 Sharps is a perfectly functional falling block but to my eye does not have the ### appeal of the 1874.

cheers mooncoon
 
mooncoon said:
The 1875 Sharps is a perfectly functional falling block but to my eye does not have the ### appeal of the 1874.

cheers mooncoon
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My thoughts as well. Of course not having handled one yet it’s a lot about aesthetics right now.
 
mooncoon said:
Even though I enjoy shooting trapdoors, martinis, Sniders and sidehammer Peabodys , their disadvantage is that you cannot push a cleaning rod through from the breach. About the only two I can think of, offhand, that can be cleaned from the breach as well as easily stripped and reassembled are the Sharps and the Ballard. The 1875 Sharps is a perfectly functional falling block but to my eye does not have the ### appeal of the 1874.

cheers mooncoon
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Apparently you live longer if you own a Ballard... they are sweet rifles.
 
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