"Can't make a decision" rant

[Razor]

This is getting confusing and frustrating.
Another friggin' option to confuse me further..
'Bout a month ago I deicded I needed a Sharps..
Which one ? Sporting ? silhouette ? AHA ! A 3 band Berdan/infantry.. that one !
Waitaminit.. Them Hi walls look gooood!
OOH .. '85 Hi wall pistol grip, double set trigger, AND a 6x Malcolm scope.. that's it !
38/55 or 40/65 ??
But..That Sharps infantry comes in a "sniper" version w/DST ...Hmmm!
How about a Sharps sniper with a 6x Malcolm..?? COOOOL..
Great, I got it narrowed to a Sharps sniper or a Hi wall..with a Malcolm scope.
45/70 Sharps or a 38/55 Hi wall.. or Maybe a 40/65 ... I'll decide later..
Did a google search for single shot rifles..
WTH is a Meecham ??
Ballard ?? whatzat ??
Hepburn ?? Wuzunt she an actress ?? She into guns?? Mebbe ! ( Autry owned radio an'TV stations..)
WOW !! Beautiful guns... (Holy $&!+ !!! :holysheep:shock:Lookit dem prices dere Ole..!!)
Mebbe that H&R Buffalo Classic ain't THAT dorky lookin'.. ($319 at SW 2 wks ago)
Nah.. I'm a big spender !! (Back to the Sharps.... or maybe the Hi wall..)
Hmm..Stevens ?? They were cheap .22's when I wuz a boy.. whut's a 44 & a half ?? mebbe cheaper than a Hi wall ?
Whoa !! Hey Ole, lookit dese dollar signs, :shock:..Hepbun buy out Stevens or whut ??? Yumpin' yiminy !!
OK.. Sharps or Hi wall..
Gotta make up my mind soon.. otta have my gun money in a couple weeks...38/55 ? 40/65 ? ...45/70 ??
38/55 .. seen some new brass at the gun shop last Sat..HMMM
But I can make 40/65 from 45/70 brass...45/70's kinda cheap, and available... Hmmm.
Damn .. gonna have to make a decision soon..
OOPs .. Just come across a custom REM rolling block in 40/65 ..That's neat.! Not a bad price..Hmmm....
That'd be way cool with that Malcolm scope..
Basically I'm getting a Malcolm scope, but can't decide what gun to put under it...
Dammit.. now I got a headache...[smilie=b:


Razor

[crabo]

Very well put! I think there are a lot of us who feel your pain.

[softpoint]

I've been looking at almost all those,too. Can't get my mind off Ballard and Hi Wall!Maybe a loan on the farm and get both! Gunaholic, the disease where NEED is irrevelant!:)

[Jon K]

Anxiety.......... if you think it's bad now, wait till you get the rifle....
How's the old potato chip commercial go..........BET, YOU CAN'T HAVE JUST ONE............LOL

Just sold 2 rifles, thinking I want to order that Meecham, but kids and unexpected expenses ate up the money. I'll drool a while longer.

Jon

:arrow:[smilie=s::veryconfu

[ktw]

With the Sharps I have decided that shopping for one is, all by itself, a lot of fun. I think I will just perpetually shop for one without ever actually buying one. If I bought one the fun of shopping for one would be over.

I handled one once. Man them things are heavy. And you can lay in a whole pile of primers, powder and brass for that kind of money...

In the meantime, I have over the years managed to pick up a Low Wall (USRAC/Miroku) in 22lr and a High Wall (Uberti) in 38-55. Those have met my needs as far as going out and shooting something, and together they cost me a whole lot less than a Sharps would have.

Maybe someday when the kids are out of the house...

-ktw

[moodyholler]

I guess that's why I have 22 single shots and 15 lever actions. I have a hard time trying to decide on just one make and just one caliber. However, 50-90 and 1874 Sharps, what ever flavor, will get any job done. FWIW moodyholler

[Ammohouse]

Yep, I think we've all been through this struggle.
I couldn't part with the money it takes to get a Shiloh, so I order a Pedersoli Sharps 45-70...that sucker cant shoot!!!!!!
One of these days I'll have enough saved for a FANCY SHILOH, but until then I'll stick with what I got.

[EDK]

You might want to do some research on scopes. The less expensive ones aren't as durable as the Montana Vintage Arms or RHO products. You'd hate to spend the money on something that self destructed when you started shooting the gun halfway serious. I have my gun set up with MVA bases so I can add the scope later.

While I have a SHILOH SHARPS, there isn't anything wrong with the higher end imports. Cosmetics are a part of the difference and some d--- fine shooting has been done with any brand. (I ordered mine just before my 55th birthday AND after my first round through the cardiac unit for blockages!) If you think Shiloh is expensive, take a look at AXTELL or the C. Sharps Boss guns!

:cbpour: :redneck:

[Razor]

OH... The PAIN !!!..[smilie=b:
You guys AIN'T a whole lot of help here..
NO one has solved my dilema for me..
To wit:
" git the Hi Wall in 40/65 " or " put the Sharps Berdan under that Malcolm 6x "
You all are just aggravating the situation...
Maybe a little background here would help;
I'm 60, married 38 years..
I ain't real good at making my own decisions...(here, eat this.....or..NO, here, wear this shirt.....)
Got it narrowed down to Sharps, Hi Wall or Hepburn...
I must say tho, I do like the idea of "git one of each"
Still got to decide which is the first one tho..:groner:
I checked AXTELL, DSA and several others' prices.. :holysheep Hoy Vay !!
I wasn't aware that there was more than one manufacturer of Malcolm scopes.. Leatherwood.(.More searchin')
Nothing would set me off more, than having a $400 scope come apart from recoil...
Thanks for that reminder.
I REALLY like them Hepburns..Mebbe after I win the lottery..
I think it's probably gonna be Uberti Hi Wall, pistol grip, double set trigger, 30" Oct. bbl, 38/55...
WAIT.. the Sharps...[smilie=b:

Razor

P.S. In case you fellers ain't too sure about my attitudes..
I enjoy a goodly amount of sarcasm, and humor...
I ain't terribly impressed with my own importance...
and quite often will play the Devils' advocate..( say 'yes' just 'cause you said 'no'..)

[ktw]

I ain't real good at making my own decisions...(here, eat this.....or..NO, here, wear this shirt.....)

Show your wife the pictures and the prices. Let her decide. :bigsmyl2:

[JSnover]

Show your wife the pictures and the prices. Let her decide. :bigsmyl2:

HA! Last time I tried that she picked out a dishwasher.
And it doesn't shoot worth a damn.......!

[OldBob]

HA! Last time I tried that she picked out a dishwasher.
And it doesn't shoot worth a damn.......!

You probably ain't loadin' it right................

[waksupi]

We aren't here to help. We are here to enable.

;o)

[mroliver77]

So I have been considering the Malcom scope for my RB in 45-70. Has anybody used one? Good, bad indiferent?
J

[JSnover]

I tried the Leatherwood Malcom (bought it thru Cimarron). And I like it but it needs a little work.
Today I'm lapping the inside of the rear tube mount. The surface was very rough and didn't have enough contact with the tube to hold it still, even after tightening the screws as much as I dared without stripping them. I'm also adding a copper shim.
RHO and MVA make a higher-end version. These must certainly be better-made but will cost near $1k.
It's a 6X scope and it's clear enough for 200 yards. I've heard some negative comments about this model but I still think it has potential if the user has a little skill and patience.

[zipdog]

Razor, I just went through the same process. I started out wanting a .45-90 High Wall (there's a beauty on GA), then Sharps 74 & 75, etc. until someone talked me out of the .45-90 cause I want to use smokeless. Well, then I started looking at .45-70, .40-70, etc. until my decision was made for me.....a guy over on the ASSRA forum put me on to someone on the BPCR forum who had a Uberti .38-55 high wall with a new Leatherwood Malcolm scope plus a loose Browning Soule-type tang/hooded front with sprit level. I hadn't really considered .38-55, but I couldn't pass this deal up. I should have it tomorrow. I can't wait to get into this .38-55 thing!

[Razor]

I wanted a scope because I'm an old fart with bifocals...:violin:
Iron sights are a fuzzy notch that I kinda line up with the fuzzy post and somewhat center them on the fuzzy round thing (target?)...(Gawd.. I hope it's the targit an not the neighbors Holstein...):oops:
I really like the Malcolm look, but don't need the frustration of a marginal scope...
That and I can't justify $1k for a scope...OK.. so I'm cheap !!:roll:

Zipdog... thought about changing your handle to "Luckydog "???:drinks:
I joined ASSRA last night and noticed your score on the Hi wall....
I'd have been all over it if'n you hadn't beat me to it....
You WILL post some range results later...right ???

I just traded one of my Swede M96's for an 1863 .54 Sharps today..
So, it looks like I'm gonna go for the Hi wall in 38/55...:-D

Razor:cbpour:

[NoDakJak]

Razor: Ya just described me! Without a scope i have discovered that my Asperly Aimless Ultra Improved which has a custom barrel chambered to the Begote 357/218 Bee, semi improved shoots more accurately than I can hold. What i have discovered is that you can forget all the other crap and just purchase a Meacham or CH Sharps Hi-Wall in 30-40 Krag and ya have the best of both worlds. Right now my best cast boolit shooter is a #3 Ruger in 30-40. I can load 32 S&W levels for small game, Boolits for large game or J-Bullits at 30-06 levels for long range or game such as the big bears. It is pretty damned close to the perfect one rifle concept for North America. Ya might say the almost perfect Subsistance Rifle and I intend to write an article about it soon. My two bitts for what it is worth. Neil

[bullshot]

One rifle concept noooooooo! One rifle in each caliber ---yes -yes-yes :mrgreen:

[exblaster]

Razor Have you looked at these? http://www.peabodyrifles.com/

Just tryin to help.


Exblaster

[Jon K]

Razor,

I know this is not what I said in my earlier post, all I can say is OOPS.........I just bought a CPA 44 1/2, add 1 more to the single shots.

Jon

[e15cap]

Do not look at arizonasharpshooters.com. Steve Rhoades always has some nice stuff for sale and is a very nice guy. You will get a severe case of chase your tail looking at his site. Best Roger

[NickSS]

Start buying them one per year when you get your tax refund and in 20 or so years you will have less choices to worry about and a lot of nice shooting Irons like I have. Oh I just got this years gun its a nice C. Sharps High Wall in 40-65. Last years was a C. Sharps 1874 9n 50-70. Oh what fun.

[badgeredd]

Razor Have you looked at these? http://www.peabodyrifles.com/

Just tryin to help.


Exblaster

You are a mean person! Now I have to try to figure a way to go through SWMBO to get one! You are rotten I think. Thanks for the help, I needed it even if Razor didn't!

[Razor]

Jon K... That's another one I'd like...someday

e15cap...You KNOW what I did don't you ??I had to look... Wow.. nice guns

NickSS...$2300 tax refund..split with the wife.. she blows hers.. I'm looking at rifles, $700 med bill shows up !! Wife wins $2500 at a casino... we split..she blows hers..I go looking for another rifle..a $435 bill shows up !!!
I get the BUSH BUCKS ..comin'soon.. Now she's talkin' 2 wks in CA to pick up a grandson for the summer !!![smilie=b:

exblaster...SURE you are !!:twisted: (trying to help) NICE.. and cheaper than a SHILOH too.

With friends like you guys eggin' me on.. who need enemies...:lol:

But I do appreciate the help.. seems I jus' can't manage to get into enough trouble by myself anymore...:roll:


Razor
:castmine:

[Dan4570]

Hi,

I know the feeling, :mrgreen:

I might can offer you some help if you have not decided yet.

Here is what I ended up with,

A used 1874 Shiloh Sharps, 45-2 4/10 (45-90 for the winchester fans) it was a Bridgeport model with the Schnabel fore arm, (I prefer the other style of fore arm) It had the caliber I wanted, and a target front sight, a hunting tang, and the millitary stock/but plate (It fits me, so minimal kick, the shotgun style but plate is a bit too long for me in a standard length of pull& that = lots of kick when it don't fit) The bbl was 32"?? Still wondering why any one would want that?? OK, my buddy has access to a machine shop and he is a gunsmith so we can deal with bbl later, and I can live the forearm, it had most of the things I wanted. so, LAY-A-WAY !!! and several months later I got my Christmas, birthday, Easter, anniversary (I know, I for got several holidays) present....and I was not in the doghouse for it!!:grin:!

I kept fouling out the bbl in about 5 to 8 shots!! and that is with Vigilante Bullet Lube products in the bbl and on the bullets! (VBL is designed especially for use with BP) Modern bbl twist is 1:18 ( eats lube, handles/requires heavier bullets , and eats a little velocity) originals were in the 1:20 range, and it handles the fouling better. I noticed the fouling starting to grow after 3-5 shots depending on current humidity.

I am shooting a 560 grn Creedmore from a Brooks mold that I was told was designed for 45-90, and larger for the 1,000 yard game. (it has 5 grease grooves!) It is backed with 85 grns of Kik FF, and kicked out about 1,250 fps (no slouch it will toss a 500 grn gov bullet at 1,400 !!) The recoil is mild with the heavier bullet, and 485 grn-ers kick out about 1,440 and they hurt ! ouch !!! any way I was still growing fouling.

I started researching and found that the original bbl lengths offered by Sharps Company in the 1870's when they introduced the cartridge was 26 and 28" bbl's only,,,you could get any bbl weight you wanted. The 30" was not offered untill almost 5 years later, and as a special order target bbl, (19th Century target shooters swabbed every shot, <I have never read about them using modern Snakeoil--aka the blow tube> no offence to those who use them, I wont own one & the day I have to have one, I will use the Shiloh as a fence post!!)

I know some one will cry, here it comes.....3"+ of fouling.....We removed 4" of bbl. the 32"bbl was way out of balance, and a pain to deal with unless you only intended to shoot it off cross sticks, I wanted to use mine, deer, elk, bear, buff, moose (if I ever draw a tag), coyotes and heck, gopher season is starting now !! I got to get her to shoot!

The 28" bbl offers a clearer sight picture (front sight is much sharper!), it is a historic bbl length, offers some extremely fine ballance to the gun it's self. (it ballances just under the rear bbl sight, the 32"bbl balanced way out at the end of the forearm, yuck) Recoil is a little different, it is quicker, and less p-u-s-h when you shoot it. OH yeh, after 8 consecutive rounds, no dry hard fouling at the muzzle, it was soft fouling at the muzzle and the lube star on it was the full 1" of muzzle !! (not a waste of lube, if your shooting bp your lube should lubricate the bullet, and soften fouling. The best lubes of the era (19th Century) were somewhat self cleaning! VBL offers that with the proper bp bullet and bbl length) I only got 2 rounds through the crony before our few min of spring time went away, and it started snowing...raining...winter time again, and no shadow, so no readings.

It appears that I was wrong, and so is everyone hollering for a longer bbl !! Modern Hollywood invention ? maybe, there were some back in the day, 45-100 and 50-100 came in 30" bbl and modern target shooters thinking they are Mathew Quigley en-carnate (34" bbl !!) ...It looked like I had gained 10-15 fps, I didn't loose anything that is for shore. I should also require less elevation on my spiffy new Long range MVA soul sight to get the same elevation (shorter bbl = less up to get the same angle of trajectory) I had expected a 25 to 50 fps jump, others claimed I would get that much loss in velocity, I figured minimal to no gain is OK as long as I didn't loose velocity, I need that 1,250, looks like I will be running 1,260 now. However I think I found the sweet spot where it should shoot indefinitely, or at least provide some fine hunting accuracy, and certainly well enough for ring ing steel out to 800 yds with nothing more than loading the next round and taking my time lining up the shot.

Many originals of the caliber were 26" bbls, (that includes Win and Marlin Lever guns) That includes many of the 40's. 28" bbl was considered a rifle , and 30" bbls a target rifle, (swabbed every shot) the 28" and shorter bbls were expected to provide hunting accuracy, (a string of shots) for shooting buffalo. (I don't know how many shots they expected for this) I expect to get a minimum of 18 to 20 shots on target at 200 to 300 yards with out swabbing the bbl, this is what I consider hunting accuracy. My 22" bbl Rolling Block 45-70 will shoot indefinitely with VBL and BP.

the straight walled cartridges are easiest to get to shoot, and the 40-50 SS, 40-70 SS, 45-70, and 50-70 are good beginner bp cartridges and fairly easy to get accuracy from. my 45-90 offered some new challenges. the 38-55 is a mid range cartridge, and for a game like the quigley shoot, you will never hear it hit the target at 800, and they barely go "tink' at 600. the 40's perform well, but are wind sensitive, and offer low recoil, (I have had one but looking to get a 40-50 SS for my daughters). 45-70 and 45-90 are the hands down favorite cartridges for the long range game , just shoot 500 grn or heavier bullets, and the faster twist (1:18) rifling like a linger based bullet in my experience, my 45-90 was key holing 500 grn gov bullets but shot 485 and 530's just fine. my Rem RB 22" Douglass bbl loves the 560's I am now casting. I have not tried the 405 bullet in my 45-90 though I have a mold, I am afraid it will strip out of the rifling.

Hope this helped, but now i figure I really made yer eye-ball twitch...LOL

Dan

I have no use for smokeless powder, it is nothing more than a passing fad, a novelty, and will likely never catch on...

[oldred]

Hi,

I know the feeling, :mrgreen:

I might can offer you some help if you have not decided yet..

I hope they have decided by now that was SEVEN years ago!

[rfd]

a 7 year old thread revisited? :)

but i'll add in my penny's thoughts on getting an s/s rifle - it pays to think about a rifle's main use, then move on to function and form. lotta folks are swayed mostly by aesthetics, and then realize their folly with function issues. anyhoo, there is much to consider if one wants to do it (s/s rifle purchase) "right".

[woodbutcher]

:twisted: Hi Razor.The decision is easy.Just buy one of each.
Good luck.Have fun.Be safe.
Leo

[doc1876]

It don't matter. You know the old saying. Always a faster gun, hotter woman, shinier car comes to town. You will be rubber necking something else right after you buy.

[3leggedturtle]

Buy whichever one you find 1st; at a decent price!!

[oldred]

Did you guys not see the date here? This an old thread and the question was asked SEVEN years ago, the OP has not even been back here in over three years (Feb, 2012)!

[doc1876]

I guess we all need new bifocals