I am trying to decide between the 1885 falling block and the rolling block in 45-70. I am looking for my first black powder cartridge gun, but I have never handled either of these guns. there don't seem to be too many opportunities to check these out in my area so I am going in blind.
Falling block or rolling block can't decide
- Thread starter murph
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I was just about ready to recommend the rolling block for the same reason :>) I have both a Winchester model 1885 and a Remington rolling block. I like the rolling block for black powder and the high wall for smokeless. I prefer the Sharps to both actions but something not considered in the OP statement was price. You can probably buy a rolling block for less than a high wall and far less than a Sharps. Replicas are made of all three rifles and I suspect the cost of a new Italian copy is about the same regardless of action
cheers mooncoon
Alberta Woodsman
CGN Regular
- Location
- In a holler some wheres
Have you ever actually disassembled a rolling block? I find it extreamly easy. Trigger group, hammer and breech block in with only 4 large screws to take out.
Now that I have said this I will also say that I have never dissasembled a highwall, I have a sharps though if they are similar?
I've had both; I miss my Rolling Blocks the most. Had a 45/70 and a 50/70. Both black powder. I didn't find them hard to keep clean. The 45/70 I fired a few THOUSAND times with 500gr lead, 60gr. black. It was no worse for wear when I sold it.
Murph are there any clubs near you that might have black powder shoots? Or maybe one of the bigger gun shows? I don't know how close to Ellwood Epps you are, but they generally have some used single shots around.
In addition to action type you might want to think about what sort of stock you want ( pistol grip vs. straight grip, how much drop, etc ). Some of that depends on what you want to do with the rifle of course.
I'm a big fan of the Winchester 1885 single shot, but also really like the Sharps rifles. And the Steven's and the Ballards
Chris.
In addition to action type you might want to think about what sort of stock you want ( pistol grip vs. straight grip, how much drop, etc ). Some of that depends on what you want to do with the rifle of course.
I'm a big fan of the Winchester 1885 single shot, but also really like the Sharps rifles. And the Steven's and the Ballards
Chris.
Alberta Woodsman
CGN Regular
- Location
- In a holler some wheres
I see what you mean. I have a pedersoli sharps and the breech block/lever spring is so strong I have to take the forend off and loosen the spring.
There's no doubt that the falling block design is stronger. But if we're talking .45-70 loads that are limited to black powder or smokeless pressures that are similar to black powder loads then a rolling block is just fine. What needs to be avoided are the strong load data used for things like Marlin guide guns and similar modern designs. Stick with load data intended for trapdoors and rolling block rifles and either is fine.
Really though both the Remington rolling block and the Browning/Winchester falling block are classic designs. If you enjoy single shot rifles then you'll likely end up with one of each.
Really though both the Remington rolling block and the Browning/Winchester falling block are classic designs. If you enjoy single shot rifles then you'll likely end up with one of each.
If you refer back to the original post, his choices were a rolling block or a model 1885 (Winchester) falling block. The Sharps is 1874 and I will agree is the easiest of all to take apart and more importantly put back together
cheers mooncoon
Murph. If you are coming to Sudbury PM me. I can meet you with my rolling blocks and a couple of sharps rifles.
I have not had the pleasure of owning a highwall.
Both sharps and rollers are easy to disassemble.
An issue to consider is that most rolling blocks are in 8x58RD and brass must be formed unless you are lucky.
And you must be a reloader to make use of these in original caliber.
You may get lucky and get a rebarrelled roller in 45/70.
I love all of my singles. Lots of fun to shoot and reload for.
I have not had the pleasure of owning a highwall.
Both sharps and rollers are easy to disassemble.
An issue to consider is that most rolling blocks are in 8x58RD and brass must be formed unless you are lucky.
And you must be a reloader to make use of these in original caliber.
You may get lucky and get a rebarrelled roller in 45/70.
I love all of my singles. Lots of fun to shoot and reload for.
One more thought Murph, are you looking for a rifle with a set trigger? If so it'll likely be easier to find an 1885 with a set trigger than a rolling block. I do know that Pedersoli did make some rolling blocks with double set triggers, but most rolling blocks I see have plain triggers.
Chris.
Chris.
