Hi-Wall vs Rolling Block

tbrwlf

tbrwlf

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Okay guys, here is your chance to pontificate about your preference in style.

I am considering getting into longer range black powder shooting. I have not decided on a caliber but have settled on one of 45/70, 45/90, 45/120 as my choices.

I have not decided on Hi Wall vs Rolling Block. But I must admit I am leaning towards a Rolling Block.

Opinions based on personal experience would be preferred. Also pictures of your preferred rifle would be appreciated.

Let's keep this friendly please.
 
In this case it comes to personal preference, the Hi-wall is a later design and can handle more pressure, and the hammer is smaller and falls in a smaller arc thereby reducing lock time. Either way, I would avoid the 45/120 as most would agree that the 45/110 is the largest .45 cal. suitable for sustained target shooting, with most going for the .45-2 1/4 (.45/90) for shooting over 500 meters. I guess it comes down to which one you like the looks of the most, some others to consider, '74 Sharps,'75 Sharps(C. Sharps), Rem. Hepburn, CPA Stevens 44 1/2....either way, you'll enjoy them and may find yourself selling your other guns to fund your new habit!!
 
Even though I shoot a rolling block, I think my preference would be for the high wall. On a rolling block if you have a tight chamber the shell can hold the breach open a tiny amount which slows the hammer down and the gun will not fire unless you tap the ear of the breach with a wood mallet (with the hammer down). On the high wall, as long as you can close the breach, the hammer will fall with full force. I do not prefer the Stevens rifles because they are not self cocking but then neither is the rolling block. Ballards are nice but you have to set the trigger before you #### the gun and Hepburns do not have a particularly strong extraction system.

cheers mooncoon
 
I have a rolling block. IMO, it's a poor second place finisher, against a Highwall in comparable condition.

The ability to cam a case fully home in the chamber could (or could not) be a big deal, if you are competing. More choices, as well, by the time you count up originals and repro's of each design.

Neither is as homely as a Sharps.

Cheers
Trev
 
Highwall hands down! Most rolling block rifles have so much drop in the stock that you cannot keep your face on the stock at ranges past 500 yards which makes good accuracy near impossible. My highwall is chambered for 45-100 and even though I am not recoil sensitive I find that after 30 to 40 shots it starts to beat me up a bit. I would probably choose a 40-65 or 40-82 if I was building the rifle again.
Thats my 2 cents worth.
Regards
 
My experience with a rolling block and a hi-wall (actually it was a browning) were good, I mean I like them both.

As Doubleman pointed out, the cone on a rolling block butt stock is low, but if you're going to build a target gun you can make a stock with a high cone.

I noticed while shooting the rolling block that any tiny bits of dirt or brass on the face of the block will spray out when the gun is shot, so wearing saftey glasses is a must. I did'nt have that happen with the hi-wall.

It's difficult to pick one over the other, because both are nice.

Get both:)
 
I have had the Rb ,highwall ,and a ballard ,and a hepburn I still have a Rb in 38/55 and now have two Shiloh Sharps in 45/70 ,You can take a Sharps apart in seconds and they are easy to clean ...reloading stuff is easy to find in 45/70 .
What ever you get you will find a set trigger helps alot but if you become good with a bad trigger you will be a great shot with a set trigger.
 
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