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Thread: 1885 High Wall for cowboy action side matches

  1. #1
    Boolit Bub
    Rusty Parker's Avatar
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    1885 High Wall for cowboy action side matches

    Posted a similar thread on the SASS Wire this morning, thought I'd get some advice here as well. I've spent the last couple of days exhausting the archived threads here and there on the subject. After shooting my first cowboy match last weekend (and loved it!), I'm interested in getting a rifle for long range stages and side matches for local shoots. Local here in the eastern U.S. means "long range" is typically 100-150 yards, although our local club has an annual buffalo match target at 450 yards.

    Caliber-wise then I'm pretty set on .38-55, I can handle the recoil of larger calibers but I figure why should I if I'm unlikely to see 600-1000 yard events. Although I'm open to .40-65 if the right gun came along and adopted me.

    So I could use help/advice on my gun options. I like the idea of an 1885. I know folks here and elsewhere really like the Browning Miroku BPCR version, but those seem really hard to locate and when they turn up, they might be well north of $2000. So that seems a bit much for one or two stages at most at monthlies. But finding one is the bigger problem.

    Uberti's 1885, which comes with either the single set trigger or double set triggers. Cost is about where I'd like to be, $1k-$1200 or so, then another 300-500 on decent sights, those also don't have to be absolute top shelf. I understand the double trigger is not a true double set trigger, would welcome anyone's opinion on that.

    I've also seen a couple of original 1885 shooter-quality guns ranging between $1500 and $2k. Original guns are original guns, so that's a plus in my mind. Would that be an option for light use/monthly long-range stages? Money-wise I would then probably have to put cheaper sights on one of these just to get started, and upgrade the sights later.

    I'm also curious about the widely-available Win. Miroku 1885 trapper models with the 16" barrel. These can be had for $700-800. Would the accuracy be good enough for 100 yards (I'm guessing it would) but also for that 500 yard target (more questionable). This would truly only be a starter rifle and then I would trade up in a year or two to something better once I know what I'm looking for.

    Are there other options out there that I'm not considering? I've never had a single shot rifle, so this is new territory for me. Not looking to break the bank, but not looking to completely cheap out on the purchase either. I'm aware of C. Sharps 1885's, but with good sights etc that would likely put me over $2500, which is probably more than I'm ready to spend right now.

    One last question on the Uberti product line, I wasn't aware they had a sporting 1885 model and a deluxe model as well. Hard to figure out what the differences are, if anyone can fill me in on the differences/features, that would be great.

    Really appreciate any help you can give me thinking this through. thanks so much!

    Rusty

  2. #2
    Boolit Master Bad Ass Wallace's Avatar
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    Rusty,
    I use Pedersoli Hiwall exactely as you describe for short range side matches, then I have an '86 in 45/70 for the "Pat Garret" matches and 45/90 Sharps for the really long range stuff to 1000yds. (And a few spare toys!)

    Last edited by Bad Ass Wallace; 08-01-2017 at 06:52 PM.
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  3. #3
    Boolit Grand Master

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    The pedersolis are no slouch in the accuracy department. They are good rifles and the barrels are getting rave reviews to accuracy by most. From what it sounds your looking to do there are 3 models of pefersolis for you to handle look at. The 1874 sharps, The rolling block ( the one with double set triggers and sights I believe the john Bodine model) and the High wall will all do what you want. If going 38-55 get a 1-14 or better yet 1-12 twist barrel for the heavy bullets 330-365 grn bullets. If going 40-65 1-16 twist is about right for the heavy bullets. Also Look at C Sharps ( 74 sharps, High walls, and Rem Hepburns repoductions) Shiloh Sharps (74 sharps, 75 sharps and 77 sharps models), CPA (stevens 44 1/2). A little more expensive but you can get just what you want as to wood quality, barrel twists, barrel length, contour, Length of pull. I have a C SHarps High Wall in 38-55 with 1-12 twist McGowen barrel 30" long I shoot either a 365 grn or 335 grain lead bullet over Old Ensford 2F BP. The loads produce 1225 FPS velocity and perform out to 500 yds or farther. 500 is the farthest private local range here. One plus to the 38-55 is it saves you some lead and powder per round. Recoil is lighter than the other rounds also. The above makers rifles are available in 38-55, 40-65, 45-70 along with many others. These old rifles are a ball to shoot and work with. Todays shillouette match with the CSharps 38-55 at 500 yds I hit 8 of 10 rams at 500yds. At 300 yds the 8 hits on the swinging pig appeared to be around 4" in dia just under the shoulder hump. Hearing the ring and seeing the swing is rewarding. The bigger calibers more so as theres more ring to hear and swing to see. The one draw back to the 38-55 is under some wind conditions hearing the ring is hard and some edge or light hits are harder to see. Theres nothing like a 45 cal 550 grn bullet smacking the rams solid to make him ring and wiggle.

  4. #4
    Boolit Grand Master In Remembrance
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    I wasn't aware they had a sporting 1885 model and a deluxe model as well. Hard to figure out what the differences are, if anyone can fill me in on the differences/features, that would be great.
    * Quality of wood
    * Pistol grip
    * Checkering on stock & forearm
    * Double set trigger

    Accuracy, 38-55:

    Regards
    John

  5. #5
    Boolit Master BCRider's Avatar
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    In terms of the .38-55 not beating up your shoulder you are 110% right in that thinking. I love the two I've got. You can easily shoot a few dozen rounds in a short time and not feel the need for a cold pack or popping a few Advil....

    I found an 1885 in .38-55 about a year and a half ago. But this chambering isn't a regular Uberti option. Instead it's a special version sold through Taylor's. So you'll likely need to go that route.
    Witty saying to be plagarized shortly.....

  6. #6
    Boolit Master

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    Another thing you might want to consider is that the Miroku versions are 1885s in name only and little else, they are thoroughly modern rifles of a very different and modern design that bear only a passing outward resemblance to "real" Highwalls of the original design and almost nothing internally is even close to the originals. Of course the Pedersolis, CSharps, etc are pretty much true to the originals in both appearance and design function with only a very few minor deviations, unlike the Mirokus which are different in almost every respect except for the name.
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  7. #7
    Boolit Buddy rr2241tx's Avatar
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    For the use you describe, the Taylor's single trigger, either with or without checkering as you please, should be just dandy. The barrel sights should be adequate and are much easier to deal with than tang sights.
    rr2241tx
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  8. #8
    Boolit Master

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    I've got the Taylor (Uberti) in .38-55 with the single trigger and Lee Shaver sights...possibly the most accurate rifle I own. Off the bench, I can easily hold close to MOA out to 200M and stay under 2 MOA (10-shot groups) at 300.

    Bill
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  9. #9
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    Really appreciate all these responses, I am mulling over a couple of options from folks who have rifles to sell. And they're all good options, too, which is great. But I'm also pricing out the Taylor's single trigger with the Pedersoli sights, I think I can keep that to just around $1500 or thereabouts. Any thoughts on Pedersoli sights versus anything else?

    John Boy, I appreciate your posting those photos of the deluxe grade Uberti, that is a nice looking stock.

    I'll try to keep folks posted on how it goes. I'm curious with the Uberti's, which length brass do you all use? Starline lists two lengths, one is 2.080" and the other is 2.125" long.

    You all have been great for helping me think through this, I really appreciate it. Any other advice you have, I'd love to hear. thanks again.
    Rusty

  10. #10
    Boolit Master

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    I looked at buying the Pedersoli sights a year or so ago but it seems the reviews of these things are not good, one fellow even said he became so frustrated he took his off at the range and thew them away!
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  11. #11
    Boolit Master marlinman93's Avatar
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    I would look at the Lee Shaver economy soule sights. In the same price range as Pedersoli, but much better quality! $225
    http://stores.leeshavergunsmithing.c...e-type-sights/

  12. #12
    Boolit Bub
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    Quote Originally Posted by oldred View Post
    I looked at buying the Pedersoli sights a year or so ago but it seems the reviews of these things are not good, one fellow even said he became so frustrated he took his off at the range and thew them away!
    Quote Originally Posted by marlinman93 View Post
    I would look at the Lee Shaver economy soule sights. In the same price range as Pedersoli, but much better quality! $225
    http://stores.leeshavergunsmithing.c...e-type-sights/
    this is really helpful, oldred I think I ran across the same review last night. Marlinman, appreciate the link to Lee Shaver's site. Another question: the economy comes with one rear iris, the super grade comes with a Hadley eye cup. I use adjustable irisis on my Anschutz and CZ .22 sporters, so I'm used to having that flexibility. Would you (a) recommend using the Hadley cup and/or (b) getting the super grade, which comes with the eye cup but also has a stronger detent spring that keeps the sight from tipping forward under recoil? is the 38-55 recoil enough to push the economy sight out of place?

    and thanks again for the input.

  13. #13
    Banned bigted's Avatar
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    Your choice of 38-55 is a great choice. I have a couple to include a moruko which i have too much money into as it came to me in a trade being bored to 45-120 whick i still have the barrel for in case i feel the need for a very lite 120 to relocate my clavical.

    The 38 is very fun tho

  14. #14
    Boolit Master marlinman93's Avatar
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    I have a couple of Lee Shaver's economy Soule sights, and have no problem with the staff moving under recoil. The Hadley can be added to the economy, if you like them. The super grade is a fantastic sight, and if you might use the sight on more than one gun, Lee sells bases separately, and I'd go with the super grade for sight swapping. I prefer to have a dedicated sight on each gun, and not a fan of swapping.

  15. #15
    Boolit Grand Master

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    You really want the tang sight to tip forward under recoil as it helps keep it out of off of your eye forehead under recoil. On the 38-55 its not as big an issue as with bigger guns. Getting bumped by the sight on a 45-90 is no fun LOL. I hadley eyecup can be a big plus as it allows quick easy selection of appeture size for a civen day. They can be added to most tang sights simp;y by knowing length of threads and thread size and thread pitch then finding the correct one. I believe merit is making their adjustable appetures to work on some tang sights now also.

  16. #16
    Boolit Bub
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    thanks for the input on the recoil and the sight, that makes perfect sense. BigTed, you made me smile with the clavicle relocation line. I'll have to remember that one and use it some day.

    Another quick question, looking over options for guns--any thoughts on pistol grips versus straight stocks?

  17. #17
    Boolit Master marlinman93's Avatar
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    Many of my old guns have original vernier tang sights, and most have a stop built into the sight so they wont go forward. Never had one hit my eye, even with heavy recoil calibers, but it has crossed my mind, knowing the sight wont give any!

  18. #18
    Boolit Master
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    Regarding sights, like the old axiom: Buy once, cry once. A lesson I learned the hard way long ago. The economy Shaver is definitely a better choice than the various Italian made sights, the upgrade is even better as are some other excellent ($$$) choices. One other thing to consider with a rifle used for silhouette, make certain the twist rate can stabilize the heavier bullets necessary for the rams. Evidently some shooters feel a 105mm might be a bit light for the "Big Foot Rams". lol
    Lyn
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  19. #19
    Boolit Bub
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    I'm getting closer and closer, have some real options each with pros/cons. Any thoughts on the higher end Pedersoli sporting high wall? http://www.davide-pedersoli.com/scheda-prodotto.asp/l_en/idpr_178/rifles-high-wall-pedersoli-high-wall-sporting-30.html

    I'm seeing several of these online in the $2k range, but I believe they have the match barrel but also beautiful wood. I'm not much of a wood snob, but when it's there I like it. I'd almost be willing to spend the extra $$ because of the wood. And I can't believe I'm actually considering that.

    LynC2 has me really thinking about the rate of twist in these guns. The Taylors/Cimarron Ubertis are 1:18, the Winchester/Miroku Hunter is 1:14, and the Pedersoli sporting is 1:12. Since I started this conversation thinking that 90% of my shooting (at least initially) would be 100-150 yards, and with the lightest bullets I can get away with, the Ubertis seem most suitable. On the other hand, the 1:12 twist in the Pedersoli will help most with that occasional 500 yd buffalo, plus I am aware of the fact that once I've tried this I'm likely to be hooked and will take up BPCR silhouette shooting as my next hobby. But would the 1:12 throw a 230gr boolit well enough at 100 yds? I'm guessing it would.

    The Winchester at 1:14 is obviously a nice compromise in the middle. I'm only nervous (and only a bit) about the trigger.

    So help me out, what do you all think? again, you've all been really really helpful in getting me to look at the pros and cons of the various options, so thanks again.
    Rusty

  20. #20
    Boolit Master marlinman93's Avatar
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    You can always shoot lighter bullets in faster twist barrels, so a fast twist gives you options of the light or heavy bullets. But a slow twist gives you no option of a heavy bullet, and you'll be limited to the light bullets, and closer distance shooting.

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