Here is the current plan:
- Shiloh Sharps "1874 Long Range Express"
Maybe consider the No1!
- Shotgun butt with metal butt plate
Yes
- 32 or 34 inch heavy octagonal barrel (please provide advice on length)
30"
- semi-fancy wood (not certain on this)
Fancy. You're only doing this once on this rifle. More figure is more better as you'll not regret doing it but you will regret not doing it.
- standard case colored action
CCH. See above about regrets.
- sling swivels
Why?
- pewter forearm tip
Yes
- no rear dovetail
D&T for BLOCKS too!
- MVR #103 Long Range Soule rear sight
Awfully long staff. The medium length should do 800ish, but it's your choice of course.
- MVR #113 globe front sight with bubble level
Yes
I don't plan to ever shoot it for anything other than steel gongs with shooting sticks. If I want to hunt, I'll save for another one
As to shooting smokeless, I wouldn't dream of buying FACTORY ammo! I merely want the ability to shoot smokeless if I so choose, but I would definitely cast and load my own.
Agreed about factory ammo, but smokeless is just gonna be aggravating and for no good reason. Black will do everything you ever plan to do and honestly, it's easier than smokeless for these types of rifles!