What's your favorite Antique Levergun Cartridge...

[PatMarlin]

and WHY?

......:drinks:

[45nut]

45-70 ,, "since 1873" says it all for me. :)

[Lloyd Smale]

if something like the 4570 or 4440 can be considered antique those would be my choise. I dont know if you are looking for antique or discontinued. The 4570 is about as versitile as they come and about nothing feeds in a lever gun like a 4440 except maybe a 3840. In a 92 action they both feed like butter and will take care of anything up to black bear with no problem.

[9.3X62AL]

The 44-40 WCF in my old Win '73 carbine (1897). Its 1873 ballistics (200 grain cast boolit at 1200 FPS) are gentle to the operator, and this particular rifle accounted for deer by the hundreds over its 30+ year career and at least 2 black bears that my grandmother saw being taken on the mountain ranch where my Dad was born. I guess blacktails and muleys in the times prior to the Great Depression had not evolved the armor plating they are now equipped with, requiring those belted magnums to dispatch them in the modern era. A wonderful thing, evolution.

The rifle was last fired c. 1934 before I took possession of it in 1999. I got it running, a few internal parts needed replacing. I load SAECO #446 with enough 2400 to enable 1100 FPS, and have shredded more than a few 10-rings with these loads. My intent was to use this as my iron-sight deer gun this past season, but the forests were fire-closed for much of the season--and it only got one day's hunting. It will go afield again next year--the rifle is owed a return to venison-making, and my ancestors patiently await same.

[Steelbanger]

If I'm old enough to be considered an antique then so is the 38-55.
Why do I like it? First, it opened my eyes to how efffective a lower velocity cartridge can be. Also taught me some reloading tricks pertaining to chambers, throats, bullet sizing, and bore measurements. I have found it to be effective on silhouettes and deer, knocking either down with one shot.
I hope my 45-70's don't read this!

[Rimfire]

I like the 32-20 best, have been shooting it for almost 40 years. I like the 25,38 and 44WCF's almost as much too. Shoot them all with cast.

[bishopgrandpa]

Have five 45-70's and 1 444. Guess which I prefer.

[dubber123]

45-70. 32-20 always brings a smile to my face too though.

[corvette8n]

It changes, but for now .45 Colt +P in a Puma 92 clone.
packs a wallop and goes where you point it.:-D

[calaverasslim]

if something like the 4570 or 4440 can be considered antique those would be my choise. I dont know if you are looking for antique or discontinued. The 4570 is about as versitile as they come and about nothing feeds in a lever gun like a 4440 except maybe a 3840. In a 92 action they both feed like butter and will take care of anything up to black bear with no problem.



They say brilliant minds think alike and so true. Lloyd loves the 44-40 and so do I. Hunt with it, carry it in a Colt and/or a USFA. Won't change.

[6pt-sika]

Have five 45-70's and 1 444. Guess which I prefer.

Numbers mean nothing :-D

I have seven 444's , ten 30-30's and five 45-70's [smilie=1:

But I only have ONE 32-40 and that is my preferred caliber !

[405]

Large... 45-70, 405, 35 Win, (348 semi-antique)
Medium... 32-40, 38-55, 30-40, 33 Win
Small... 38-40, 44-40
Why the long list? Have shooters for all of them and they all shoot very well!

If hard pressed to pick one gun/cartridge combo to get the job done I'd narrow it to among these four: a Winchester 71 in 348 or a Winchester 1895 in 405 or a Winchester 1895 in 35 Win or a Winchester 1886 in 45-70

[runfiverun]

model 95 in 30 u.s. govt gets babied alot.
daughter confiscated my 44-40 92
so the 95 is it by default

still have to cast and load for the 44-40 what a rip..

run five run

[Bret4207]

32-20 because it's about perfect for 99.9% of my shooting and farm work. 16 gauge takes care of the other stuff.

[eka]

.38-55

Cause it's the only oldie I've got. :mrgreen:

I also enjoy the puzzled look on the face of some guys at the range when they stroll up and ask what I'm shooting and I tell them.

You sometimes just get a Huh?? :confused:

Then they pick up a blown-out cartridge case and it reads 30-30.

Takes a little "splanin" to straighten that out.

Keith

[w30wcf]

.44 W.C.F. (.44-40) - because it's the first Winchester center fire ctg.
.30 W.C.F. (.30-30) - because it's the first Winchester smokeless ctg.

w30wcf

[Poohgyrr]

30 WCF

The others are great in their way, but this one says Levergun...

[MakeMineA10mm]

Win. 1866 in 44 Henry Centre-Fire.

I just realized, many of us (especially me) haven't answered both parts of the original question.

I like the 44 Henry, because it is the first cartridge that was interchangeable between rifle, carbine, and pistol. The Henry, Win.'66, Colt 1872 Open Top, S&W#3, and even a few SAAs were chambered for the 44 Henry RF. All of these firearms were available in the hey-day of the post-Civil War cattle drives and cowboy era (roughly, depending on who you believe, 1866-1879). The SAA & Win.'73, though in production, were not in wide-spread use, especially out West, until about 1875, nearly the end of the open range era. Sure, the 1880s & 1890s were part of the Wild West. For that matter, I think one could argue, even up until WWI or a little later, say 1920, that at least in places like Texas, NM, and AZ, the west was still pretty wild. But, the open range/free range "cattle drive," Buffalo-hunting, and 2nd-Indian-Wars era was over by about 1880 or 1885. That means over half of what modern folks think of as the golden age of the west, the 44 Henry was the only interchangeable cartridge between pistol and rifle.

Now, since 44 Henry RF isn't available these days, and when it has been, is mighty expensive, I prefer to use my home-made, modernized, reloadable version, and claim (in character) that I had my guns converted to central-fire (which many originals were). What I do is load a 210gr Big-Lube RNFP (mine is the MAVDutchman bullet run on the SASSWire many years ago) in 44 Russian cases and load them to an OAL that is actually just a little shorter than the original 44 Russians. Load them with 21-23grs FFFg (depending on the brand of powder and cases, so that I get slight compression), and I've got a PRETTY close facsimile (without the heel-bullet and outside-lubrication) of the 44 Henry CF.

So far, I've got a Cimmarron repro of the Open Top w/ short barrel (that I plan on having shortened a little more, to about 4") which is going to get a bird's head grip frame and faux ivory grips.

I'm waiting on someone to bring out the S&W#3 in the early version. Seems like the only two versions of the #3 anyone will reproduce is the Russian and the Schofield. I want an original-style #3, with top-strap mounted latch and curved grip/butt....

I think that the company making the rifle conversions for the 45 Cowboy Special can do the same modifications to a 44 Special Win.66, and that will let me shoot my version of this 44 Henry CF, so I'm gonna make some calls come Monday...

Now, for a Buffalo gun, I have two favorites:
1876 Trapdoor Springfield Officer's Hunting Carbine in 45-70 and the 1874 Sharps in 50-90. Like 'em both a lot. But of course, neither of them is a lever-action. If I had to pick a lever-gun in a powerful caliber, it would probably be the Win. 1876 in 50-95. I'm glad they're finally making replicas of those. That was a hole in the line that definitely needed fillin (along with the First-version S&W#3!!!).

[TxGunfighter]

44-40 & 45-70 get my vote
I Like the 45 Colt but It was not used in a rifle back then!

[WyrTwister]

45-70 ,, "since 1873" says it all for me. :)

Yep .

God bless
Wyr

[The Nyack Kid]

this was not that hard of a question
IMO the 45-70 is King of all of the lever cartridges antique or modern .
yep them new young pups aint got nothing on grandpa ,135 years old and still cutting edge.
yes i know the 45-70 first came out in a single shot rifle , but that wasn't it's fault , it just took Browning a few years to get around to the winny 1886.

[krems]

My all time favorite levergun is the classic winchester 1876 in 45-75 caliber. The true "Centennial Rifle. Shot w/ black powder of course and sporting an octagon barrel and tang sight. I'm not sure why it is my favorite but it just looks and feels like a real rifle.

Of course I could add the win. 1873 in 44-40 or 38-40, or maybe the win 1894 in 38-55, or quite posibly the win. 1886 in 40-70 (rare) and or 45-90 / 50 express. etc., etc., etc.,

Krems

[Bullshop]

Like ol Will Rodgers said, I never seen a levergun I didnt like, or sumpin like dat. I prolly kilt more big game with ol BOO then all my other levers together but ol BOO dont make me tingle all over like when I pick up my 1886 Win 50 / 2.2".
With a 26" barrel them sights is far enough appart so ya can see um. With the full length mag tube it will almost double in weight if ya put in all it will hold.
Its slick enough to feed emptys. My favorite boolit is a 510gn WFN and facorite load is pushin it at 1750 fps. The boolit is slow enough that there is a sepperation between the bang when it fires and the SMMMAAACCCKKK when it hits that there is no doubt weather you hit or not.
When the chips are down and I am in trouble with somethin that wants to hurt me this is the rifle I most desire to have in my hands.
It aint quite a 50/110, that would be 50/2.4" but at 2.2" its close enough. Bein otherwise perty origonal as far as the receiver and stock and sights and such it has plenty of character. One little thingy though with that origonal cresent but ya dont never want to shoot it off the bench. Them buts is made to be shot off hand and thats how ya better do it.
Blessings
BIC/BS

[PatMarlin]

Oh I would love to see a pic of that rifle Daniel...


NOW you ruint me.. :mrgreen:

[AllanD]

The 30WCF/30-30 just SCREAMS "lever rifle" and the force behind that is the
nearly six MILLION winchester 94's chambered in it without even considering
how many Marlins of the various evolutionary models from 1893 through the
current 336 have been chambered in 30-30.

If forced to pick one it'd have to be either the 30-30 or the 44-40
Between them they probably account for better than
95% of lever rifles ever made and all the rest together
combined fill in the remaining 5%.


So overall I have to pick the 30-30 as "the king" of lever rifle cartridges.

That being said I also own (and love) my Marlin 1895, but I don't really
consider the 45-70 a lever rifle cartridge, and certainly not dating it to
1873 when the cartridge was invented because it wasn't actually
chambered in a repeater until the Marlin model 81 and the winchester
model 1886 (and it was FAR from the most powerful cartridge chambered
in a lever rifle back then)

The 44-40 actually WAS in a lever rifle in 1873, the 1873 Winchester.

AD

[Adam10mm]

45-70 ,, "since 1873" says it all for me. :)

+1 My one and only levergun is my Guide Gun 45/70. I like the cartridge so much I made it my license plate.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v239/freakshow10mm/Handloading/DSC02783.jpg

[PatMarlin]

My all time favorite levergun is the classic winchester 1876 in 45-75 caliber. The true "Centennial Rifle. Shot w/ black powder of course and sporting an octagon barrel and tang sight. I'm not sure why it is my favorite but it just looks and feels like a real rifle.



Yah- read the article on that one in the national rifleman last night. I wonder what the Turnbol replica costs. They wouldn't say.

[6pt-sika]

Yah- read the article on that one in the national rifleman last night. I wonder what the Turnbol replica costs. They wouldn't say.

Give them 10G's when you order it and when it's finished you "may" not owe them to much more [smilie=1:

[adkpete]

Just got a Model 94 in 32/40 from my Dad's estate it was my Grandfathers and was made in 1912. It has a lot of meaning to me

[ra_balke]

30-30, model 94 carbine, Williams peep sight.

I have had lever guns in 30-30, 32 spl, 38-55, 45-70,32-20,25-35...
The 32 spl is lovely, nice, but when the chips are on the table, I will reach for my 30-30 every time.

And for that ctg, I have a nice new mountain moulds 200 gc bullet. I figure I will get 2000 fps with air cooled ww, and ww-760 powder.

[Four Fingers of Death]

44WCF (aka 44/40) Shoot it out of an old 1866 clone, thinking about getting an 1873 in this fine old calibre.

Why do I like it? It was the most popular round in the gun that really won the west, has been used to shoot more game and defend homes, countries, etc than any other over a huge period of time.

It was also hugely popular in Australia. There is currently an 1873 that was used at the old Pentridge prison for sale. I wish I could afford that one.

Kinda fond of the old 45/70 and the 32/20 in fingerguns and the 45Colt in revolvers as well.

[xtimberman]

.30-40

It's accurate with many different powders and lead bullet weights. Recoil is not bothersome at all with cast loads, and you can literally shoot it all day long.

I have some heavier ordnance, but don't enjoy shooting them all day long.

xtm

[TexRebel]

I like them all from the 25-20 all the way up, I have a model 92 in one variation or another for all the cals, and I just love every one of them

[S.R.Custom]

50-110... (What else are you going to shoot out of a Winchester Model 71? ;) )

[Four Fingers of Death]

PS: My license plates are: SP3006, you guess what my fav 'modern' rifle round is. :)

Remington made M17s (x2), Remington made 03', FN made Mauser 3006, Interarms MkX 3006sporter. There is probably one or two more 3006s in the safe, but thats all I can think of at the moment.

[PatMarlin]

My Great Grandpappy's old colt is a 38 long Colt, and I've never fired it. Just realized I don't have any specs on the case.

Does anyone have any 38 Colt case specs? I was wondering if I could cut down some 38 specials?

Are the 38 S&W specs close? It's fatter than the 38 special.

[floodgate]

Pat:

The .38 Long Colt uses the same case diameter as the .38 Spl., but 1.030" vs. 1.160" long. BUT, almost all of the original SAA's were bored for the "heel" bullet, with an 0.376" groove diameter, so you'll probably want to look for one of the hollow-base .38 Spl. moulds. If you want to try the heel-type bullets, check with HarryO - he's our resident expert on these. I DID at one time have a Bisley with the late, smaller bore, but a previous owner had deepened the chambers to take the Spl. So, slug your bore before going any further. (Back before WWII, Colt bored and rifled their .38 Spl./.357 Magnum barrels about 0.003" tighter than S&W).

The Colt equivalent of the .38 S&W was the .38 Colt New Police; same cartridge but with a blunter bullet profile, and both are several thousandths larger in diameter than the .38 LC and Spl.

floodgate

[texasnative46]

In a lever-gun, make mine .33WCF.
(My GF didn't kill over a couple of hundred WT with his & it's in my will to my nephew, so it will "stay in the deer woods" for another generation at least.)

yours, tn

[Muskyhunter1]

38 55 cause it has been a childhood passion. I basically own 3 rifles (1 x375 Win), 5 molds and 2 sets of dies. It is a true cast boolite king and i love hammering the gong with it at the range.

[Marvin S]

I have one or more of each of the original chamberings for the 92 and 94 Winchesters and one 86 in 33. They all have thier purpose in one way or another so I cant make a choice.

[Gashtyke]

Yes, what Musky said. 38-55. A cast boolit dream. And a challenge in a Marlin CB.

[Four Fingers of Death]

Very fond of the 44/40 and use it a lot. Picked up a 375Win recently, leaning towards that now.

UPDATE:

I know it is not an antique cartridge, but I load it to 38/55 levels. I have never seen a 38/55 for sale in Australia that wasn't a shiny commemorative at too many dollars.

[Good Cheer]

25-35

[40-82]

I always wanted an '86 in .50 caliber, but with the collector's price they bring the rifle is worth more than my hide. Last year I did manage to pick up a 45-70 '86 that had been refinished and reblued. So far I've only killed deer with it, but a '92 in 32-20 will kill deer. It's not enough to have a big rifle. I want to need it. If my health holds, I'm going to get back into country where I need the big rifle. Nothing I have ever used works as well for fast and close work as the '86.

For now of the ones I have used enough to have an opinion of my favorite is the 40-82 with the 40-65 really about the same, but the .33, 38-56, and the 38-70 work pretty well too. One that surprised me is the '95 in 35 Winchester with the 260 grain RCBS cast boolit. For five shots nothing is faster or points better than the '95. Reloading is a little awkward until you get used to it, and that action with the lever opened with everything hanging out reminds me of an aging lady of the evening with her garters showing, but aesthetics aside when things get ugly I could do worse than have a '95 in my hands.

[osteodoc08]

45/90. Have an original 1886 that's been in the family since new.

[kootne]

For me, it's my old '76, 45/75, round barrel, sg buttplate, bore so wore out you think the rifling is sketched in with a pencil. But, 5 shot 2-1/2" groups at 100 yards, straight black 3f loads. No foulers, no mouth to mouth recessitation (blowing to soften fowling), just line up the barrel sights and squeeze the trigger. I've shot a mule deer, a speed goat, 3 elk and a full curl bighorn ram with it. Don't hunt with it much any more because it's so wet where I currently live I don't like dragging old guns with no finish out in the woods to get soaking wet. Never had a shot go where I didn't aim. A friend used to say," those old time fellers were well armed". Who ever packed that '76 around sure enough was well armed.
kootne

[Uncle Jimbo]

I guess it would have to be the 25-20 wcf. It is the only lever I have ever owned. Old model 1894. Made in 1896.

[alg3205]

45-70 in the Winchester 1886. Just fun to shoot!

[Huntsman]

Was always a fan of the 30-30 Win, levers bolts and single shots (TC Contender). A very versatile ctg that will take on (just about) every animal in North America-with big bears in the grizzly nature you might be levering for your life. My 94 gets out atleast once every year whether or not I'm carrying a deer, elk or moose tag I have that much confidence in this cartridge! I'm down to only one 30-30, a 1977 Win Model 94 with Williams FP sight. Drives tacks at 100yds with a 170gr Hornady FN and LeverEvolution, And Shoots just as well with a cast Lee 170 and IMR 3031.
Having said all that a very very close runner up is my Model 94 Legacy in 45 Colt. I shot this with Hdy XTP's and H110 and this load will do what the above will do as long as you limit your range to 100yds & under. It packs a wallop and SMACKS the berm with authority. A soon as I get a good load with a 255gr cast SWC this lever will be accompanying me next fall.

[Grapeshot]

I like my 1876 .45-60WCF. This on is a carbine with a 20 inch tube and a full length forearm that covers the magazine tube. My other lever gun is a 1873 short rifle in .44WCF. I use that one in CAS matches and the 1876 will be used in side matches. both are made by A. Uberti and are very accurate using Goex's Pinacle BP Sub.

[carbluesnake]

.348 gets a nod; lots of oomph on the receiving end.

[smokeywolf]

45-70, hands down.

Forgot to say why. For 140 years, this cartridge has met and exceeded the standards originally set for it. It has defended countries, defended families, fed families, protected livestock and won shooting matches.
This 140 year old cartridge is still widely used and available today.
You can load it light. You can load it hot (in the right firearm). And, it loves black powder. Loaded right, it will drop any critter on the North American continent.

smokeywolf

[mrcvs]

I am a BIG fan of the Winchester 1886 in ANY calibre. However, no one has mentioned .50-70 Government. LOTS of fun to shoot in a Sharps Cartridge Conversion carbine.

[seaboltm]

45-70 because i have one

[Speedo66]

I pretty much got my original 1873 by accident. Someone's uncle was moving to FL, and he was selling a few guns. Didn't really need anything, but how can you not take a look when someone is selling guns?

Turns out one was the Winchester in .38-40, a cartridge I knew nothing about. Didn't really know anything about the 1873 either, but the price was so inexpensive, I said what the heck.

Once I realized what I had, I wanted to shoot it, but almost passed out when I saw what a box of cartridges was going for, over $75 at the time. Found a commercial reloader, bought a few boxes, and then started loading my own. Not difficult at all if you take your time.

The only old gun I'd had was a .45-70 Trapdoor Springfield carbine. That gun beat me up so bad, I sold it. I love the light recoil and accuracy of the .38-40, so this is definitely my favorite.

[dtknowles]

32-20 because it's about perfect for 99.9% of my shooting and farm work. 16 gauge takes care of the other stuff.

16 Gauge, I thought I might be the only guy with a 32-20 and a 16 gauge :smile:

Tim

[TXGunNut]

45-70, even tho my rifle is anything but an antique. 30-30 is a close second even tho I mistakenly consider it a modern cartridge. 45 Colt comes to mind as well even tho my late friend JT would argue that it's not truly a correct "antique" levergun cartridge. Someday maybe I'll have leverguns in 32-20 and 38-40 and they'll be my new favorite.

[marvelshooter]

.38-55 since it is the only lever gun I have and also because it was my Dad's.

[rintinglen]

Not really a true antique, but I am enamored with my model 71 and the .348. The rifle is slicker that the proverbial reptile nasal mucus, and the Cartridge is a potent thing. I have 3 molds for it, the 200 grain RCBS, a 220 grain Accurate mold. and the Lyman 358-429. You may ask, 358-429? Isn't that a might large? it sizes easily to .350 and shoots great over 13 grains of Red Dot. At 50 yards, it more than holds its own with the heavier boolits, accuracy-wise. And for killing paper, the lighter charge is excellent. For deer, I load the RCBS or Accurate boolits over a stiff charge of WW-760. So far, the deer are ahead of me on points, since they seem to disappear whenever my 71 and I take the field.
I also like the 250 Savage. But not for boolits.

[yooper]

One of the "funnest" to shoot for me is my Savage 1899-H takedown in 22 Savage High Power. It's sure not the most versatile, the most powerful, the most accurate or the most - just about anything you name. But when you take it to the range, it'll sure get a lot of attention. It's a neat little cartridge and, of the 11 different calibers I've got in leverguns, it's my favorite. The fellow in the Savage ad shown with a tiger taken with the 22 HP is NOT me, by the way. ;)
yooper

[MtGun44]

45 -70

Bill

[wch]

32-20

[Lead Fred]

45/70, used both holy black & smokeless, reaches out there & will lay down anything that walks on the planet.

[bob208]

hard to say I like them all. for just banging around the 44-40---38-40. for varmints .25-20---32-20. for deer a 94 rifle not a carbine in .30-30. if really on the out back that same 94. but in .32 Winchester spl. because made shoot cast bulls and black powder if need be.

[Firebricker]

.45-60 Always wanted one. I really hate admit why because it is a silly reason but I always loved when Steve McQueen says "45-60 h#ll thats what I shoot" or something to that effect in "Tom Horn" Even was a little disappointed when I found out he most likely used a 30WCF at the end of his career. FB

[StrawHat]

I used to be overly fond of the 45-70. Then I started using the 405 WCF. Flatter trajectory, longer reach and a rifle that is a joy to own and carry. And it hits just as hard.

Unfortunately, my favorite cartridge, the 50-70, was not offered in a lever gun or that would be my pick.

[w30wcf]

.25-20 / .30-30 / .44-40 / .45-70 depending on the job.....

w30wcf

[felix]

I'd pick the 45Colt for sure if I could have a gun custom made. Well, not really a custom gun, but at least a custom chamber. Why? I like having the versitility of 35K cup loads, as well as 7K cup. Yes, both, and this cartridge volume is just about perfect for both. Big chambers destroy brass. Because of this, the much later designed 41 and 44 maggies both win out in terms of brass longevity. However, the 41 Colt or the 38-40 would do fine for this thread's theme should I have them, and especially so given "proper" chamber specs. Heeled boolits just don't appeal to me. Too much like the 22LR having their serious lot-to-lot problems. ... felix

[LtFrankDrebbin]

I can't decide yet between 25-20 or 32-20.

Both cheap to load, both don't blow yah ear drums out, both a hoot to shoot, both punch the lights out on critters

(the list can go on and on)

The whole Winchester 92 cartrige family have got me. Big history the them here in Australia. Law enforcemet, bush rangers, boudary riders and how can you not admire buffalo shooters using cut down 38-40's or 44-40's riding full gallop along side the buff for a spine shot!

[Four Fingers of Death]

I have both, but would probably just stick with the 32/20 if I could only have one as it is generally a bit more cast boolit friendly. If I didn't have either, I would probably buy the first one that comes along with a good barrel.

Mine are both 1892 Winchesters (although I do have a Savage bolt rifle and a Rossi break action in 32/20). I would love to get a pair of marlin 1894s in these calibres and mount 2-7 Leupolds or similar on them.

[Four Fingers of Death]

I have both, but would probably just stick with the 32/20 if I could only have one as it is generally a bit more cast boolit friendly. If I didn't have either, I would probably buy the first one that comes along with a good barrel.

Mine are both 1892 Winchesters (although I do have a Savage bolt rifle and a Rossi break action in 32/20). I would love to get a pair of marlin 1894s in these calibres and mount 2-7 Leupolds or similar on them.

[Eutectic]

I've always thought the .25-20 the absolute best "walk around, running varmint target" type lever action caliber in existence for just plain fun!. Until a couple years ago it would be my favorite; and it still ranks very high....

But I've worked with the .38-40 Model 92 extensively for a while now and its accuracy is absolutely uncanny.... I never seem to get bored shooting paper with it as I am continually amazed as shots in the group touch each other!

Then...... I hunted with it.. It is my favorite antique lever gun cartridge now..... The .38WCF (aka the .38-40) is number one! The thread linked below couldn't keep it from first place for me!

Eutectic
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?220283-Elk-with-a-38-40-!!

[TheCelt]

the 30 WCFs big brother, the 32 Win Special!!

[Four Fingers of Death]

I have both, but would probably just stick with the 32/20 if I could only have one as it is generally a bit more cast boolit friendly. If I didn't have either, I would probably buy the first one that comes along with a good barrel.

Mine are both 1892 Winchesters (although I do have a Savage bolt rifle and a Rossi break action in 32/20). I would love to get a pair of marlin 1894s in these calibres and mount 2-7 Leupolds or similar on them.

I've got a 1892 that could do with a reline, that 38/40 might be the way to go, I have enough 44/40s.

[robertbank]

The 44-40 WCF in my old Win '73 carbine (1897). Its 1873 ballistics (200 grain cast boolit at 1200 FPS) are gentle to the operator, and this particular rifle accounted for deer by the hundreds over its 30+ year career and at least 2 black bears that my grandmother saw being taken on the mountain ranch where my Dad was born. I guess blacktails and muleys in the times prior to the Great Depression had not evolved the armor plating they are now equipped with, requiring those belted magnums to dispatch them in the modern era. A wonderful thing, evolution.

The rifle was last fired c. 1934 before I took possession of it in 1999. I got it running, a few internal parts needed replacing. I load SAECO #446 with enough 2400 to enable 1100 FPS, and have shredded more than a few 10-rings with these loads. My intent was to use this as my iron-sight deer gun this past season, but the forests were fire-closed for much of the season--and it only got one day's hunting. It will go afield again next year--the rifle is owed a return to venison-making, and my ancestors patiently await same.

Great post Al, thanks for that.

Merry Christmas to all

Bob

[missionary5155]

Good morning
I will have to add the Winchester 1876 in 50-95.
I bought a above #5000 Chappy 50-95 from the Arizona Liquidator when they were only $580. It was a tough choice between that Big caliber .50 and the 45-75. But having shot the 50-95 I can say I have no regrets.

I choose to use the 350 grainers as I am never excited about "very light for caliber" boolits. With a modern case full of 3F (86 grains compressed) the near 9 pound rifle will fling that .515 diameter at 1465 fps cronographed. Velocity deviation is about 4 fps. That load will print under 3 inches all day long at 100 yards. I have seen just over 2 inch groups cast from 50-50 using cross sticks which is how I hunt. With the full buckhorn sight I installed ( took off that ladder sight) it is an easy task to "thwap" any visible 6 inch white paper plate out to 200 yards. Realisticly I have little desire to be shooting at critters over 125 yards. I would take a 125 yard shot but my preference is well under 75 yards. So far 5744 turns in a close second in accuracy right at the same 3F velocity.

The caliber 50-95 in a Winchester 1876 was the rifle of choice for many hunters of mean nasty critters that tend to bite back when aroused. They feed flawlessly IF you head that overall cartridge length. Yes the model 1876 rifles are heavy and "clanky" but when you only need one shot the noise factor is no issue. Recoil is easily absorbed and no issue to me. Personally even with the little I have thumped things with the 50-95 I would not hessitate to use it with the 3F 350 grain cast load on any critter walking on our side of the world.
Mike in Peru

[shdwlkr]

Well I like
256 win mag, 25-35, 32-20, 38spl, 357mag, 44spl, 45acp, 30-30, 375 winchester, 45-70 all lever action, well except for one or two.
Yes I like a lot of bolt actions also
I like a caliber with some history, yes the 375 winchester is sort of new really only a higher pressure 38-55 and I like it at 38-55 loadings.

[robertbank]

I wold be remiss in not mentioning my favourite rifle cartridge that was chambered in a Winchester lever and that is the .303 British. It has great round in my Longbranch. Looking for a decent Winchester 1895 lever gun in this caliber. There are a few floating around and come up for sale occasionally. Might get on it next spring and look to barreling the gun if necessary.

Take Care

Bob

[Crawdaddy]

I didn't read all 78 posts so hopefully no one posted this yet.

My favorite antique (tongue in cheek) lever gun cartridge is the 450 Marlin. Can't believe they discontinued it. I guess it is a niche cartridge, no advantages over th tried and true 45/70.

[downwind]

If it's got a "dash" in it's name and it's loaded with black powder it's for me!!!!!!!!!!!! (25-20, 32-20, 38-40, 38-55, 44-40, 40-65, 45-70, etc...)

Can't get enough of them- it's the romance and the fun of reliving history!

THANKS
DOWNWIND

[jrmartin1964]

I know it's not generally regarded as a lever gun cartridge, but for me it's the .30 Govt. 1903 in its only commercial offering, the Winchester Model 1895. Not as glamorous as the .405 Winchester, but was also among the firearms Theodore Roosevelt carried and used in Africa.

[Magnum6]

Yup" 45~70 say's it all for me too . I'll Still take down any kind of meat in the world with the right bullet . Next to that would be the ole 30~06 ' It'll do the same , with the right bullets .

Magnum6

[Four Fingers of Death]

The 405, Teddy R's 'Lion Medicine' got all of the accolades, but I reckon three times as much ammo would have gone through the 30cal on that trip.

I always fancied one in 30Govt, 303 (Brit) and 7.62x54 R. I ran across a 303 at a gun show after spending an obscene amount of money on guns and gear. I was pretty cashed up, but couldn't bring myself to spend that much money on toys in the one day, so I let it pass.

[gandydancer]

45/70 for me.

After the Sandy Hook tests of 1879, a new variation of the .45-70 cartridge was produced: the .45-70-500, which fired a heavier 500 grain (32.5 g) bullet. The heavier 500-grain (32 g) bullet produced significantly superior ballistics, and could reach ranges of 3,350 yards (3,120 m), which were beyond the maximum range of the .45-70-405. While the effective range of the .45-70 on individual targets was limited to about 1,000 yards (915 m) with either load, the heavier bullet would produce lethal injuries at 3,500 yards (3,200 m).

[pworley1]

I like the 45 75 Winchester as an antique. It is a hoot to shoot from the 1876 Winchester.

[Doc_Stihl]

45-70
Think of how many cartridge have come and gone in the time that the 45-70 has been around....

[dverna]

.38 Spl - over 100 years old so it qualifies as "antique". I have three rifles (although only one is .38 Spl only - the others are .357/.38) and four revolvers for it.

It is dirt cheap to shoot. It is dead simple to reload - straight walled case. It has scores of cast bullets it can use. In a modern action, it can be loaded to .357 mag levels.

Light recoil and accurate. Tons of fun to shoot.

Don Verna

[JHeath]

and WHY?

......:drinks:


The .41 Long Colt of course.

Why? Because you can't get it. Sound familiar?

" I read on Grover Cleveland's internet that Colt made a run of Burgess Rifles in .41 LC. It might have been for Davidson's. I checked the auction sites but haven't found one yet, dag nabbit!"

or:

"The .44-40 is too big for law enforcement, and the .38-40 is too small. Why doesn't [company X] have sense enough to make a .41 LC to go with my Colt Thunderer? Me and my posse would go straight to the JC Higgins store and each buy ten of them!"

or:

"I am a big .41 LC fan. Does anybody know if I can rebarrel my .44 rimfire Henry rifle to .41 and sleeve the cartridge elevator with horn or gutta percha? It looks simple. Or will I have to change something else? I tried calling Steve's Gunz, but the telephone hasn't been invented and he's not born yet."

[robertbank]

Jheath as you likely know the 41LC was actually a .386 give or take. There were lots of variations in barrels made by Colt. I use .38spl brass to make cartridges for my .41LC. They work well in the old girl. The cartridge and the guns made for it were never going to threaten anyone at the Olympics bit they were pretty good at ending less than civil discussions. I read where the .41 Short Colt was a favourite of the hookers in some parts of the US. I seriously doubt the cartridge ever made it's way to a lever gun but you never know. Thw US girls hockey team beat our team the other day in pre Olympic play so anything is possible.

Take Care

Bob

[JHeath]

Jheath as you likely know the 41LC was actually a .386 give or take. There were lots of variations in barrels made by Colt. I use .38spl brass to make cartridges for my .41LC. They work well in the old girl. The cartridge and the guns made for it were never going to threaten anyone at the Olympics bit they were pretty good at ending less than civil discussions. I read where the .41 Short Colt was a favourite of the hookers in some parts of the US. I seriously doubt the cartridge ever made it's way to a lever gun but you never know. Thw US girls hockey team beat our team the other day in pre Olympic play so anything is possible.

Take Care

Bob

Thanks. My humor is dry and I never use smileys. Since .41 Mag fans complain about the lack of lever rifles, I figure 120 years ago the same nonconformists were griping about the lack of .41 Long Colt lever rifles.

(I owned a .41 Blackhawk and Model 57 and could easily join them)

I thought the .41 LC was about .406", with a heeled bullet. The heel was .386"

The .38-40 measures only about .401. So the .41 LC must make a bigger wound channel by 5 thou, thus fills the "performance gap" between the .38-40 and the .44-40. Again, no smiley.

[robertbank]

If I remember correctly Mike Venturino (sp) did a conversion using a 38-40 SAA into 41LC. I have all three Lyman molds for the .41. Two were really for the long Colt while the lighter heel based boolit was for the .41 Short.

I plan to load some cartridges up in January. I have a bunch of formed brass and boolits cast.

Take Care

Bob

[JHeath]

Thw US girls hockey team beat our team the other day in pre Olympic play so anything is possible.

Take Care

Bob

BTW Bob, I am from Seattle, but I lived in Montreal for 5 years and married a Quebecoise so am probably less familiar with the Rest of Canada than most Americans . . .

[Four Fingers of Death]

Huge bang, lotza smoke, dead things! It would be hard to tell the difference at either end.

[Walter Laich]

45-70
I can load it from 'squirrel' to 'deer' and beyond.

[303carbine]

The 45-70 is my favorite, it's a timeless classic that gets better with age.:cool:

[robertbank]

BTW Bob, I am from Seattle, but I lived in Montreal for 5 years and married a Quebecoise so am probably less familiar with the Rest of Canada than most Americans . . .

Nope, not possible. CBC interviewed a Professor from Harvard who was willing to sign a Ban the Saskatchewan Seal Hunt petition. I suspect there are members here who would sign it as well.

Take Care

Bob
ps Ah those girls from Quebec are the prettiest on the continent.

[JHeath]

Nope, not possible. CBC interviewed a Professor from Harvard who was willing to sign a Ban the Saskatchewan Seal Hunt petition. I suspect there are members here who would sign it as well.

Take Care

Bob
ps Ah those girls from Quebec are the prettiest on the continent.


I think the guys on this thread would only argue about whether a .45-70 with a shotgun buttplate makes a better seal club than a .30-30 with a crescent buttplate.

Old Soviet joke: "Our agricultural scientists are the greatest in the world! We can plant wheat in Kazakhstan, and it comes up in Saskatchewan!"

[Four Fingers of Death]

Did you hear about the Harp Seal that walked into a club?

[robertbank]

I think I can say with some certainty the seal population in Saskatchewan will not be affected by the killing of seal pups. Nor will anyone in Saskatchewan care about any petitions to end the seal hunt in that Province. The latter you can bet your life on.:wink:

Take Care

Bob
ps Some might want to look up on a map where Saskatchewan is.:grin:

[Clay M]

My very favorite is the .45/70.My second favorite is the .405 win.
My favorite antique revolver cartridges are the .38/40 win and the .45 Colt.

[JHeath]

I think I can say with some certainty the seal population in Saskatchewan will not be affected by the killing of seal pups. Nor will anyone in Saskatchewan care about any petitions to end the seal hunt in that Province. The latter you can bet your life on.:wink:

Take Care

Bob
ps Some might want to look up on a map where Saskatchewan is.:grin:

There is nothing funny about the fact that global warming has virtually exterminated the native Saskatchewan seals.

The question is whether traditional Metis weapons can humanely reduce the population pressure from invasive Jackaseals following the warmer weather north. Louis Riel killed no native seals after 1885 so I think Saskatchewanians should be restricted to BP cartridges. In other words, if it is not a British Petroleum cartridge, it should not be used to kill seals in Saskatchewan.

[robertbank]

There is nothing funny about the fact that global warming has virtually exterminated the native Saskatchewan seals.

The question is whether traditional Metis weapons can humanely reduce the population pressure from invasive Jackaseals following the warmer weather north. Louis Riel killed no native seals after 1885 so I think Saskatchewanians should be restricted to BP cartridges. In other words, if it is not a British Petroleum cartridge, it should not be used to kill seals in Saskatchewan.

Well the Metis wiped out the Seals in neighbouring Alberta completely using BP cartridges so I am not so sure that is the answer either. If you aren't careful you are going to have the West Coast tree huggers on your case.

Take Care

Bob

[JHeath]

Well the Metis wiped out the Seals in neighbouring Alberta completely using BP cartridges so I am not so sure that is the answer either. If you aren't careful you are going to have the West Coast tree huggers on your case.

Take Care

Bob

I am in Washington state where we know how to deal with tree huggers. We legalized pot, and they don't get out of the house much anymore.

With them out of the way, we can hunt tree octopus again:
http://zapatopi.net/treeoctopus/sightings.html

. . . but it is a catch-and-release program for now, limited to muzzleloaders and archery.

During elk season, I drew a tag for mountain walrus . . .
http://tinyurl.com/p8h5etz

. . . but the minimum caliber is .45-75, probably a holdover from all those Mountie surplus 1876 Winchesters. I only have a .45-70 : (

I hardly ever go to B.C. even though it is close. I am not comfortable driving on the left side of the road.

[missionary5155]

Greetings and Haleluyah !
I am all set then with a 50-95 !
Mike in Peru

[onceabull]

Should any one of you have a "decent"( or better) Colt Army Special in 41 L.C. classified as surplus.please P.M.. 5 " barrel preferred,but will negotiate on others,if preferred not found.. Thx, Onceabull

[JHeath]

Should any one of you have a "decent"( or better) Colt Army Special in 41 L.C. classified as surplus.please P.M.. 5 " barrel preferred,but will negotiate on others,if preferred not found.. Thx, Onceabull

(That's not a lever gun cartridge/question but I can blame myself for bringing it up.)

Guy on the Castboolits Wheelguns/handguns forum needs to dispose of a Colt Army/Navy .41 LC:

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?225372-Colt-DA-41-info-on-gun-needed

[Magnum6]

45-70
I can load it from 'squirrel' to 'deer' and beyond.

Hey" Sound's like something I should try out on them there , ole tree rat's , Walter :bigsmyl2: So clue me in on good squirrel load in that ole 45~70 ya got ?

[KirkD]

Here is a post I made on this forum back in 2008, but I thought it would be appropriate to repost it in this thread ....

Over the lunch hour today, I decided to go for a walk down to the river to get the blood circulating before I headed back to work. As I was walking back up the grass path, with cornfields on either side of me, I realized that, after several years of buying, selling and trading, I had eventually settled on certain old calibers that, for me, are my favorites. These are the calibers that, now that I have them, I've at long last found contentment.

We won't all have the same pet calibers, but for me, these are the ones that somehow have the greatest nostalgic attraction. To see these old leverguns in these calibers hanging on my wall invokes images of old cedar rail fences, the smell of woodsmoke curling out of a farm house chimney, fall mornings, an old John Deere tractor retired under a blaze orange Maple tree and Whitetail deer cautiously venturing onto a harvested cornfield looking for stray cobs. Here are my favorite calibers and some of the guns they come in. I use cast bullets in all of them and have not bought commercial ammo in years. Each one gives me a special pleasure to shoot or to hunt with.

32 W.C.F. (otherwise known as the 32-20):
Another farm family, just 4 miles from our farm, had an old Marlin leveraction rifle in 32-20. One of my best friends, Alvin, grew up on that farm and one of his older brothers became my brother-in-law eventually. One day, Alvin showed me a new box of 32-20 ammo he had bought. I don't know if it was those little cartridges or that old Marlin that hooked me, but ever since, I wanted a 32-20. I've owned a couple 32-20's and have found it to be my favorite small game cartridge. The one I've settled on is an original Winchester Model 65 shown below ...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/3855Win/Desktop%20Photos/Model-65-Full-Plain-800.jpg

44 W.C.F. (otherwise known as the 44-40):
When I was a kid, my grandpa was over one day and started talking about the 44-40. He said the bullet moved so slow, you could catch it in a baseball glove (my grandpa exaggerated sometimes). I'd never heard of such a round before, but it sounded fascinating to me. If that old bullet moved that slow, then it must punch like the dickens to make up for it, I figured. I don't know what it is. Maybe it is that short, fat cartridge and that wide lead bullet. It's probably also the long history of this old cartridge that has great appeal to me as well. Anyway, I don't ever want to be without a 44-40. My current example is an original Winchester model 1892 made in 1913 .....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/3855Win/Desktop%20Photos/600pix92.jpg

The venerable 38-55:
The old-timers where I grew up in central Manitoba all seemed to swear by the 38-55 when it came to Elk. By gum, I had to have one. As a teenager, I'd get ammo catalogues from the local shooting supplies store and look longingly at the picture of the 38-55 cartridge (as well as the 44-40). That long, almost straight-walled case and that 255 grain bullet was a-calling to me. The very first levergun I ever owned was a Wincheter model 1894 that letters as shipped in 1899, with a full octagon barrel. I still have that old rifle and never plan to sell it. A few years back, I bagged a Whitetail buck with that old timer. Nothing beats taking game with an original vintage rifle. Here's a photo of it, along with a Winchester SRC in the same caliber, lettered as having been shipped in 1907. I am doggoned happy with these two 38-55's ...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/3855Win/Desktop%20Photos/38_55-Oct.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/3855Win/Desktop%20Photos/38-55-SRC.jpg

The 45-70:
The 45-70 cartridge was another one that I'd often linger over in those ammo catalogues. I suppose I've got a weakness for these old black powder cartridges. What fascinated me about the 45-70 was its big, wide, heavy bullet. I've owned 6 different 45-70's over the years and still own 3. There was a brief period of time about two years ago when I didn't have one. Talk about withdrawal pains. When I finally got a replacement, I knew that never again did I want to be without a 45-70. Here's some photos of two that I currently have. The first is an original Winchester 1886 Takedown shipped in 1901 and the second one is also an 1886 with a full octagon barrel and half mag that letters as having bee received in the warehouse in 1904.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/3855Win/Desktop%20Photos/86-Takedown.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/3855Win/Desktop%20Photos/86-half-mag.jpg

The 30 W.C.F. (otherwise known as the 30-30):
A lot of farmers in our area had 30-30's either in Winchester or Marlin. The 30-30 had class and I would often practice drawing a Winchester Model 94 as a young teenager whenever I found a blank piece of paper and some spare time. The local store had them for $99. For a 13-year old farm kid, however, $99 was an almost unreachable sum of money. Believe it or not, I didn't get my first 30-30 until the age of 53. Here it is, a Winchester Model 94 made in 1954, the same year I was born.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/3855Win/Desktop%20Photos/Old-Savage.jpg

Here's a photo of my favourite cartridges. From left to right we have the 32-20, then the 44-40, then the 30-30, followed by the 38-55 and, last of all, the 45-70.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/3855Win/fav-carts.jpg

Well, that's just a few thoughts about my favorite calibers. I have to admit that I don't have a hankerin' for any more; these are the ones, at least for leverguns. As for single actions, well it's the 44 Russian and the 45 Schofield, but that's a different topic.

[Four Fingers of Death]

I remember your post well. "I didn't get my first 30-30 until the age of 53" Heck, with a nice 38/55 in the armoury, you don't need no steenkin' 30WCF, haha!

Nice rifles.

[TonyCC]

well said mate, loved reading that :)

[OverMax]

I don't hunt with my antique rifles. They only see paper. My two old antique Winny's are both 1894s (L-Barrels) in calibers 32-40 & 25-35. The ability to shoot light weight cast and reduced target powder charges these days is a real benefit and pleases this shooter. Both rifles are truly enjoyable to shoot all day long having little recoil. If I feel the need for some Big Bore Action and manly shoulder bruising. I get out that Iver Johnson single shot 12 gauge I have and 1-1/4 Federal slugs. After shooting a five pack of those Federals and I'm ready to head on home.

[northmn]

Depending on what one calls antique thats mostly what I shoot.
35Remington from 1916 or so gets a lot of use lately, but for BP cartridges I now use a 32-20 a lot and have been working on a 38-55. Got 2 deer with the 38-55 and plan on using it again. The 32-20 makes a great little 4 wheeler/tractor gun. Got one deer with the 45-70 but I find it a little more gun tahn I like for my hunting, but still have the Remington rolling block because I sometimes get and urge to try it again.

DP

[riorider]

Gotta go with 348 winchester if thats old enough ya and because it an awsome round that was ahead of its time!

[Geobru]

My favorite antique caliber is the 40-82.
It has been a great teacher on how to come up with a good load for a rifle. I had to experiment with bullet sizes, powders, fillers, and sights to get an old 1886 that has been in my family for the last 84 years, to shoot accurately.
This last summer, I took it to my brother's to shoot it. After shooting a box of rounds through it, he looked at me and said, "I never dreamt that I would ever shoot that old 86."
I enjoy shooting that gun more than any of the others that I own, although, I have a 64 in 32 Special that is a tackdriver that is my #2 rifle.

[smokeywolf]

This was what I grew up with.

93006

This pic was probably taken in about 1958. You can only see about a 1/3 of them in this picture. Wish I had half of what was there.

The lever guns from right to left, the '76 was likely a 45-60, the '73 44-40, the '73 without the loading gate is a 22 short, the '86 is 40-65, the '95 was 30-40.
How would you choose between all those?

[williamwaco]

If I'm old enough to be considered an antique then so is the 38-55.
Why do I like it? First, it opened my eyes to how efffective a lower velocity cartridge can be. Also taught me some reloading tricks pertaining to chambers, throats, bullet sizing, and bore measurements. I have found it to be effective on silhouettes and deer, knocking either down with one shot.
I hope my 45-70's don't read this!



DITTO:

It is the perfect cast bullet rifle cartridge.
It is the only thing that will out-shoot my .30-30 cast bullets.
Use Unique load to 1100 to 1200 fps.

[Ibgreen]

95204
A real antique favorite of mine is the 1865 Spencer 56-50. Nothing like accurate fat .520" boolits coming in high trajectory, 1000FPS-MV, and making 3", 3 shot groups at 100 yards.
The Spencer 56-56 and 56-50 are probably the oldest big bore lever actions.

I agree

[smokeywolf]

Welcome to the party Mr. Green. That's a swell looking rifle. Thanks for the pic.

smokeywolf

[Four Fingers of Death]

Nice old rifle.

[Ibgreen]

Thanks, that is an 1868 spencer new model rifle. Estimated one of 1000 or so. I also picked up a M1860 rifle missing some parts. To my surprise, underneath the dirt and grime I found an engraved receiver. "Capt. Joseph Blackburn. 5th Tenn Cav." (Union)http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/01/syzusa4e.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/01/ny3aqu2a.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/01/jamury2e.jpg

[PatMarlin]

Wow. What are you going to do with it?

[Ibgreen]

I purchased it to build a sporting rifle clone for deer hunting. I am now on the fence.

[dragon813gt]

Well I'm using PennDOT's definition of antique which is over 25 years. And they're close enough at 94 and 99 years old respectively. I'm a big fan of the 300 and 250 Savage cartridges. A lot of that has to do w/ the platform they were designed for. I love the Savage 99. What's not to like about a quick handling lever w/ a rotary magazine that allows to you to shoot spitzer bullets. They are also great cast bullet shooters. I just picked up a 99 in 300 today. And I'm still waiting for one in 250 that's in good shape to show up. They are usually in very poor shape when I do find one.

[quasi]

50-95 for me. I have a Chapparal 1876 short rifle clone on the way to me, 45-70's I have as well.

[Four Fingers of Death]

I purchased it to build a sporting rifle clone for deer hunting. I am now on the fence.

It is pretty much a junker how it is. I think I'd be possibly handing it on to a museum or restoring it to original and getting a top engraver to re-do the engraving. Great find.

[Firebricker]

Ibgreen, Now that is an awesome find I wonder if it is possible to get some history on Captain Blackburn? FB

[Ibgreen]

So far I found out that he was voted Capt at age 18 of the 5th Tenn Cav. Their objective was to counter confederate Guerrilla fighting in middle Tenn. He was possibly awarded the Spencer by his Commander Col. Stokes (the serial number is missing in the Springfield database making it a private purchase).
Blackburn later became Col of the 4th Tenn mounted infantry. Shortly after the war, he made the New York Times by Beating up former CS General Joe Wheeler. Wheeler had issued an order during the war that if Blackburn or any of his company were captured, they were to be executed.
He later was a representative for the Tenn state constitutional convention and later in life was arrested for Forgery. He served Two Years in prison and was released via a Pardon by U.S. Grant. (The forgery was believed to have been a set up by former confederates). He was also a US martial at one point after the war.

That's about all I know!

[Ibgreen]

Here is his picture and his Pardon.http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/05/7epamyme.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/05/ydazuva4.jpg

[robertbank]

Now that is really well done. I would be inclined to turn it over to a museum as opposed to restoring the gun. A piece of history for sure.

Take Care

Bob

[Four Fingers of Death]

The guy lived a huge life!

[williamwaco]

.38-55 and .32-20 in that order.

Both are unsurpassed cast bullet launchers.

With excellent accuracy, low recoil, and loads of fun.

[Ibgreen]

It should be easy to find a hammer and lock for it. Joesph Blackburn must be the only man in history to have slugged Confederate Gen. Joe Wheeler after the war, in a NYC street!

Actually the beating happened in Nashville and Joe was beaten with a Cane.

[9.3X62AL]

I would lean toward a museum donation and SUBSTANTIAL resulting tax write-off, after professional appraisal to support the tax claim. I explored this option with a couple firearms I own with far less historic significance than this example. FWIW, I opted to retain and enjoy these arms and to keep them in my family. Yes, I shoot them--and hunt with the carbine. Yours is a very different case, though--local history here, as opposed to national significance with documented provenance.

[Grapeshot]

I have had a bunch of leverguns over the years. Two Marlins in .45/70, two Uberti 1873's in .45 Colt. One of which was a Musket Version with a 30 inch barrel. An improved Henry 1866 as well as an iron framed 1860 Henry, both by A. Uberti and an 1873 Short Rifle all in .44WCF. The last one, and my favorite lever gun is my A. Uberti 1876 .45-60 WCF Carbine with a 20 inch barrel and a fore stock that covers the magazine tube and is capped off with a steel cap two inches or so from the muzzle.

The reason I like this one over the rest is simple. The weight absorbs recoil when I load a 60 grain charge of 2Fg and a 350 grain cast LRNFP in a shortened .45/70 case. I can even load a 405 grain LRNFP on top of 55 grains of Goex 2Fg or Pinnacle. Both bullets are accurate out to 100 yards and it is just a cool rifle that has a lot of style points.

[JimP.]

76 Winchester 45-75, holds 11cartridges, sweet shooter

[JHeath]

I would lean toward a museum donation and SUBSTANTIAL resulting tax write-off, after professional appraisal to support the tax claim. I explored this option with a couple firearms I own with far less historic significance than this example. FWIW, I opted to retain and enjoy these arms and to keep them in my family. Yes, I shoot them--and hunt with the carbine. Yours is a very different case, though--local history here, as opposed to national significance with documented provenance.

+1

A friend bought a some large de-mil US WWII naval ordnance at auction, figuring them for scrap metal. After a little thought, he started donating one large item per year to museums around the country, and deducting the dollar value *as historical artifacts* off his taxes. MUCH better deal than selling them by the pound.

[jonp]

38-55. Have a Saddle Ring Carbine bought new around 1900 and passed down.

[buckwheatpaul]

1873 Winchester in 32-20...my grandads and I learned on it.....

[MarkP]

38-55