BPCR what rifle?

[Finger Toes]

I want to get into BPCR and I'm looking at some diff rifles and makers. Is there a preference for the C. Sharps over the Shilo Sharps with match shooters? The Shilo site says they cast their receivers and the C. Sharps machine theirs. The Shilo seems a bit less $ with the long range package, about $1900.00 US. There is a nib C. Sharps in access 30" oct for $3000.00 plus $750.00 for the mid range sight and spirit level. I think that rifle has the rear buckhorn so there would be an open dovetail with the vernier sights or an insert. I don't know if the thing is under 12Lb 2oz but I think its more $ than ordering one from the factory ( but less time). I'm not against trying out something less glamorous but I not against investing in something good the first time either. Any input from BPCR match shooters would be appreciated.

 

[mooncoon]

My personal preference would be for the Shilo gun because they look like the classic Sharps rifle while the C Sharps 1875 gun I don't think was ever in production. I also think that you can probably buy one of the Italian Sharps for about 1/2 the price and for the first several years would probably not be able to tell the difference in accuracy. The only criticism I would have of the Italian guns is that the parts are case hardened mild steel and the pivot pin for the lever in particular, on the one that I had, had the case worn off and would gall up from too much spring pressure.
I also would not rule out rolling blocks although to some extent you are stuck with a single trigger with them. If you rebarrel an antique frame, you do not have to register it and depending on who does the work etc etc, may find it comes out several hundred dollars cheaper than a Shilo and about the same as a Italian Sharps

cheers mooncoon

 

[Sly Old Fox]

BPCR - What rifle?

Have you checked out my .38-55 Hi-Wall not yet on the EE, but in the BP/Antique Forum. It will be on the EE within a year or so. I know, you want to shoot now. This I understand.

But my .38-55 Hi-Wall came to me 50 years ago from a very serious gun nut, namely Jack Sullivan in SW Ontario. It comes with two Winchester molds, the lighter bullet for 100 yds, and the heavier for 200 yds. The lighter bullet mold had the base opened up about .010" to give a flared base. And there is the original Win. hand loading tool. And a fine old Unertyl 12X Scope and target mounts.

The price that I will accept for it will probably be within the range mentioned in this thread.

Remember, they aren't making them anymore, like land. Think about that.

Good luck in getting into this type of shooting and thanks for giving me a chance to rant.

 

[frenchman]

You could go the inexpensive route as well. I had a Ruger No. 1 built in 45/70 specifically for BPCR with a Douglas barrel and had a Long Range sight base installed on which you can mount a Central type sight.

It's going up for sale shortly. I never fired it and finally abandonned the idea of shooting BPCR as the closest place to shoot for me is Connaught Ranges and that's 2hrs from my house.

 

[a j cave]

Talk to Ron Smith the Alberta gun smith. He will have some honest advice as to what way to go. I have a Falling Block Works action & a Smith barrell in 38-55 that I can't outshoot.

 

[Sharps '63]

C.Sharps vs Shiloh

I've owned a C.Sharps '75 'Business Rifle' in 45-70 and it shot like a hot damn. With a smaller hammer, theoretically it has less disturbance during a hammer fall.

Shiloh's barrels are made 'in-shop' whereas I believe that C.Sharps uses Badger barrels which are highly rated. Neither is made like an historic Sharps what with CNC machining, castings, etc.

Currently I own 5 Shiloh products including a 'Business Rifle' in 45-70 and enjoy them all, but sure wouldn't turn up my nose at a C.Sharps product.

Guys like Mike Venturino own and shoot both and will tell you it's a matter of personal choice. If you buy a C.Sharps '74, you get the 'Old Reliable' label on the barrel which Shiloh cannot use.
I have it on my Farmingdale Shiloh and it adds to the authentic look, if that matters.

I've been in both shops and there was a rack of 'ready-to-go' rifles at C.Sharps. No options other than bolt on. Or, you could wait a couple of years for a Shiloh or buy through a speculator/dealer like Goodman.

American products cost more than the Italian imports. You pays you money - you takes you choice. Something is worth what someone will pay for it.