Ordered my retirement rifle

[Big Mak]

I've only been shooting/ reloading BP cartridge for 4 years. (95% Condition 1873 Trapdoor, -1883 cartouche)

I Retire May 24th this year, age 57, after 39 years with the Boeing Company.

Here is what I ordered from Shiloh. Don't hate me.

Model type Recommended by a forum member here over 2 years ago I believe.
Quigley Match 2020, here I come!
16 month wait.....

1874 MONTANA ROUGHRIDER
Options:
CALIBER: 45-70;
BARREL LENGTH: 30";
BARREL FEATURES: NONE;
BARREL WEIGHT: HVY.OCT;
WOOD UPGRADES: SEMI-FANCY (+$306.00);
LENGTH OF PULL - SHOTGUN BUTTSTOCKS ONLY!: NONE ;
BUTTPLATE: TRADITIONAL STEEL (+$96.00);
METAL FINISHES: PACK HARDEN (+$300.00);
BACKGROUND FILL - (ENGRAVED FRENCH GRAY ONLY): NONE;
BRASS ESCUTCHEONS: BRASS (+$25.00);
TRADITIONAL CHECKERING: NONE;
SLING SWIVELS: NONE;
CUSTOM BEDDING: CUSTOM BED (+$50.00);
FOREARM TIPS: NONE;
HARTFORD COLLAR: NONE;
POLISHED SCREWS: FIREBLUED (+$77.00);
SCHNABBLE ON PISTOL GRIP: SCHNABBLE (+$92.00);
REAR BARREL SIGHT: DOVETAIL FILLER (+$35.00);
VERNIER TANG SIGHTS: #107 - LONG RANGE (+$353.00);
FRONT SIGHT: MVA #113 (+$167.00);
DRILL AND TAP MVA SCOPE: NONE;

[Outer Rondacker]

Congrats. You deserve it. Just sucks you have to wait so long but then again you have already waited this long.

[Knarley]

Ooh, baby! That one there is gunna be purdee!!!! Have to show us a picture or two when she gets "Home"

[Big Mak]

As a 'published' professional photographer for gun magazines as a side bidness....you bet I will Knarley! :)

https://photos.smugmug.com/Colt-1908-Model-N/n-GTfjJc/i-DxC6rFV/0/1f239092/O/i-DxC6rFV.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/1873-Springfield-Trapdoor-45/n-gxR9F/i-Q89ZvnV/1/dbe8a4dc/X2/i-Q89ZvnV-X2.jpg

[Don McDowell]

You've got one mighty fine rifle on the pipeline.

[country gent]

Ordering a fine rifle like you have is the easy part. Its the waiting that's hard. Should be a fine rifle.

[smoked turkey]

Congratulations on the upcoming retirement. You will for sure enjoy that rifle. It looks like you picked some good options. It will be a heavy one too. I see your handy work in your wonderful pictures. I am looking forward to seeing the finished product. Mine has similar options but the name on it is C Sharps.

[Tom Herman]

Congratulations, Big Mak!

This is something I was going to do as well: A once in a lifetime purchase, but it hasn't happened yet.
Told myself I'd do that for my 50th birthday, but other things intervened... Hopefully, someday...
Nothing wrong at all with your order! I hope to go to Big Timber and look at rifles at some point.
In the mean time, I'm enjoying the 1868 Springfield, Danish Remington, and 71/84 Mauser, so not all is lost!
Best of Luck on your retirement, and may you have the health to enjoy and do what you want to!

-Tom

[Big Mak]

Congratulations on the upcoming retirement. You will for sure enjoy that rifle. It looks like you picked some good options. It will be a heavy one too. I see your handy work in your wonderful pictures. I am looking forward to seeing the finished product. Mine has similar options but the name on it is C Sharps.

THank you Gentlement!
Say smoked turkey, I toured both C Sharps and Shiloh last August. Both are great manufacturing facilities and both hosts were gracious and full of information.
As a former machinist early in my career, it was fond memories smelling cutting fluid again during the tour!

[WILCO]

Congratulations, Big Mak!

Yep. What Tom said.

[upnorthwis]

Only change I would make is to go with a .45-90. That will get you out to a 1000 yds. where the 70 is a bit tougher to do.

[Crash_Corrigan]

I have one that reaches "out there" but the pain is not worth it. I have a Model 1885 in 50-90
Sharps and Kelly Soule Sights in Brass. This is one of the limited Winchester Series made in Japan by Myroku and it is a fine rifle in all respects except for the painful recoil with full boat loadings. Throwing a 695 gr boolit at 1250 fps produced at lot of power at both ends. I prefer to load my rounds with a lighter boolit and utilize closer targets. My favorites come in 38-55 flavors. One is a H&R Target rifle and you can load it both BPCR and smokeless. The other is a Marlin 336 CB with a reamed out chamber to take .380 dia boolits and a worked over trigger. This is also a tack driver.

[RCE1]

My Shiloh is a No.1 Sporting Rifle which was originally in .45/70. I had it extended to .45/90 with no regrets, although looking back on it, .45/70 was probably all I really needed. I shot .45/70 to 1000 yards several times. Many of the matches which go that far actually allow duplex loads, which have no problems getting out there. If it was me, I'd just make sure the rifle was silhouette legal in terms of weight and stock configuration and I'd probably have Shiloh go ahead and drill and tap the barrel for scope blocks. I use scopes on my BPC rifles nowadays and the holes can be filled with plug screws if you choose not to use one. I'd also make sure to get a Soule-type sight. MVA makes some very nice ones, as does Steve Baldwin (my personal favorite) and several other makers. You might say you aren't interested in silhouette shooting, but there are more silhouette matches around than any other type and having a rifle that makes weight and fits in the stock box at Raton might save problems down the line. I've seen hopeful competitors at the nationals hogging wood out of their stock with forstner bits and attacking the combs with wood rasps when told their rifles weren't acceptable. You have to take a lot of wood out of a stock to compensate for a barrel that's too heavy.

It's been a while since I went to Raton, but when I was going there they were quite strict about which rifles qualified and which did not.

[Big Mak]

They confirmed the order over the phone today and I added a 7 deg lead-in on the chamber for when I start getting into the paper patch bullets someday. :)

[Powder River Drifter]

It was thirty (30) years ago this June that I ordered my Long Range Express from Shiloh Sharps. Wolfgang was in charge of the store then. If you have half the fun of shooting yours as I have shooting mine you will be very happy. My only regret is that I did not have a pewter forend tip put on. Had Paul Jones make a custom mold for that rifle and that is all that I shoot with, never had a condom bullet fired , never will.
You will really enjoy your new toy.
Powder river Drifter

[Big Mak]

Personally I am not a big fan of that pewter look when I examined one in Aug 2017.
I went with tradition schnabble, wood carved.

[DHDeal]

Neither of my 2 BPCTR's are Sharps, but I think about getting one from time to time. Not that you asked, but having 2 of these rifles and having shot them both a lot, I would at least get a new one drilled and tapped for a scope. I'm not quite at retirement age, but as it nears my eyes get worse. A scope doesn't detract from the looks to me, and it most definitely makes seeing the target easier.

You don't have to ever mount a scope, but it makes it much easier than shipping a prized rifle off again to do something that can be done at the factory.

There, that cost you exactly what you paid for it. Now where is that extra long box to pack my rifles in to get them sent off to get drilled and tapped. I sure hope the USPS, UPS, or FedEx is gentle to my extra fancy wood that you read about getting ruined by shippers after the owner sends their rifle off to get something done after receiving it....

[DHDeal]

It was thirty (30) years ago this June that I ordered my Long Range Express from Shiloh Sharps. Wolfgang was in charge of the store then. If you have half the fun of shooting yours as I have shooting mine you will be very happy. My only regret is that I did not have a pewter forend tip put on. Had Paul Jones make a custom mold for that rifle and that is all that I shoot with, never had a condom bullet fired , never will.
You will really enjoy your new toy.
Powder river Drifter

The "condom bullets" sure do shoot good. No one will look at you funny if you mention that you put your own on and that they don't tear from a rough bore.

Sorry, couldn't help it.....

[Smoke4320]

"Don't hate me."
Jealous maybe... hate not a chance
Enjoy you worked for it

[rfd]

congrats on ordering a very fine rifle, big mak! 219273

paper patching is the way to go, and then yer .45-70 will become a virtual .45-90 :popcorn: [smilie=s:

[Eddie Southgate]

Congratulations .

[flint45]

Good job and congratulations. I have a Shiloh and a C.Sharps both are fantastic rifles you will have fun, also great photos you have talent my friend!

[Big Mak]

Thank you Flint.
Thanks all.

[Big Mak]

congrats on ordering a very fine rifle, big mak! 219273

paper patching is the way to go, and then yer .45-70 will become a virtual .45-90 :popcorn: [smilie=s:

I suspect there is a 45-90 or 45-110 in my distant future, rfd. :)
For now, I'll settle with a cartridge that I hand load with perfection (IMO) :D

[Big Mak]

the "condom bullets" sure do shoot good. No one will look at you funny if you mention that you put your own on and that they don't tear from a rough bore.

Sorry, couldn't help it.....

lmao!!!!!

[woodbutcher]

[smilie=s: Hi Big Mak.Outstanding Sir.May you enjoy both for many years to come.
Good luck.Have fun.Be safe.
Leo

[DW475]

Congrats!! I have a plain version of Shilos 1874 Montana in 45-90 that I had them build for a hunting rifle. It was a 22 month wait but was well worth it.

[jdb3]

I ordered one in 50-90 (50 2 1/2) right after I retired. Shot my best moose with it. Kills with aplomb! Here is a picture. Jim219321

[KMac]

I Retire May 24th this year, age 57, after 39 years with the Boeing Company.
Here is what I ordered from Shiloh. Don't hate me.

Like Smoke I am just jealous. Of the rifle you got coming, but more that you are retiring at 57. I would love to retire in 4 years. Probably be more like 24 years.

[sharps4590]

Mak...in that picture you posted with the old camera's and little Colt, how you git that great big bullet in that itty bitty pistol?..........:razz:

[Dan O]

Nice rifle you will enjoy it. I'm shooting a Mt R.R. heavy half, polished blue, 30 inch. Standard wood and fore arm. 45-70. The 45-70 will work fine on the Creedmoor Range. I won the scope match at Raton in 2016 shooting OE 2f and a BACO 535 Creedmoor bullet, velocity 1225fps. I would get yours drilled and tapped for a MVA scope 23 inch is what I went with. Also I would recommend going with the MVA long range Buffalo Soule. It will work for the 1000 yard targets and the extra windage is sometimes needed. If you go paper patch you can load it like a 45-90.

[Big Mak]

Mak...in that picture you posted with the old camera's and little Colt, how you git that great big bullet in that itty bitty pistol?..........:razz:

Shaddup, Vic! :D
See you soon after I retire, brother.

[Big Mak]

jdb3, wonderful photo.
Thanks for sharing!

My big game hunting days are primarily all behind me after hunting elk, deer and even a draw for big horn (no luck) since 1980 in Montana. I prefer to watch the beautiful creatures today and eat the meat that others give me from their hunts. :D Too much frickin' work! And I'm a lazy upland bird/duck hunter this day and age! :p

[cjensen]

I like your style, my was the same except polished 32” heavy half with ebony foretip, presentation wood.

[Silver Jack Hammer]

I too ordered the Montana Roughrider in .45-70 with a 30” bbl., shotgun buttstock and wood upgraded one tick.

Why don’t you join us for the NRA BPCR matches at the Upper Nisqually Sportsman’s Club in Eatonville. Steve and Becky Morris are the best match coordinators and I have learned so much and had so much fun shooting with this club I can’t descibe it.

[GMW]

I have a Shilo Sharps Military rifle that I purchased off the rack, but I love it like I ordered it. I also have a original trapdoor that looks perfect sitting next to my sharps. Those pictures are fantastic and if that trapdoor shoots half as good as it looks....wow! Good luck with your retirement, you are going to find out that it seems like you had more free time while you were working than in retirement.

[Bob Smith]

You ordered one like mine, I love it! Congrats!

[Silver Jack Hammer]

I waited 2 years for mine. Looking back on it I wish I would have bought a Pedersoli and been shooting it for 2 years while I was waiting. I’m confident the loads I’d have worked up for the Pedersoli would not have been successful in my Shiloh but the experience would not have been wasted time.

[Big Mak]

Well, its FINALLY finished after a 2 year wait.

Can anyone post a picture of the Shiloh rifle case that they include for an additional $70? I want to see if its worth it or just bring my own hard case.

[Don McDowell]

Don't have a picture handy, but they are very good cases, and I have one that has been with me for 10 years and traveled many thousands of miles.

[Big Mak]

I too ordered the Montana Roughrider in .45-70 with a 30” bbl., shotgun buttstock and wood upgraded one tick.

Why don’t you join us for the NRA BPCR matches at the Upper Nisqually Sportsman’s Club in Eatonville. Steve and Becky Morris are the best match coordinators and I have learned so much and had so much fun shooting with this club I can’t descibe it.

Sorry so long replying, I've since moved to Montana.

[Big Mak]

I have a Shilo Sharps Military rifle that I purchased off the rack, but I love it like I ordered it. I also have a original trapdoor that looks perfect sitting next to my sharps. Those pictures are fantastic and if that trapdoor shoots half as good as it looks....wow! Good luck with your retirement, you are going to find out that it seems like you had more free time while you were working than in retirement.

After 2 years, you are CERTAINLY correct! Holy cow! Busy busy busy.

[sharps4590]

Wellll....congrats Mak!!! Enjoy, I certainly enjoy mine!

[Bad Ass Wallace]

This was my retirement present to myself after 46 years of service.

Great choice, may you live long enough to wear it out!

https://i.imgur.com/chnKiwxh.jpg

[bigted]

This was my retirement present to myself after 46 years of service.

Great choice, may you live long enough to wear it out!

https://i.imgur.com/chnKiwxh.jpg

Man that is awsome. Id like to see more details on that ... Ped isnt it?

Mac, cant wait to see your new adoption. That is EXACT what I will order with exception of the chamber. I really like the Roughrider configuration. Even tho it was not in the original lineup from C Sharps way back when but that IS the exact rifle I will someday wind up with ... either brand new or a very good second hand one.

Look forward to your range report.

[Big Mak]

Will do Big!

Anyone know what the OAL of the rough rider with a 30" barrel would be, roughly? I'd ask Shiloh but they are slow to answer.

[Gunlaker]

Will do Big!

Anyone know what the OAL of the rough rider with a 30" barrel would be, roughly? I'd ask Shiloh but they are slow to answer.

It will depend completely on the bullet you use. There is no set number. Just start by seating the bullet out as far as it will go.

Chris.

[Lead pot]

47-1/4" Mak

[Big Mak]

47-1/4" Mak

Thank you!

[Big Mak]

Gunlaker, I should have been more specific, and not used the term OAL. Lol.

But regarding your reply, I have a Ogive 45-70 case and tool so I'm going to start about .050 from the lands.

[Lead pot]

Mak that is standing on the floor plumb. The inner curb of the buttplate it will be a little less.

[smithnframe]

Very nice!

[Gunlaker]

Gunlaker, I should have been more specific, and not used the term OAL. Lol.

But regarding your reply, I have a Ogive 45-70 case and tool so I'm going to start about .050 from the lands.

Ha, I totally misunderstood until I saw Kurt's reply. :-)

Chris.

[Big Mak]

Picked it up on Tue enroute from MT to MN!
Well worth the 2 year wait.
Photos taken in hotel room with cell phone.
Wife wouldn't let me bring it to bed. :(

6 more photos here ~~~>
https://sportsdad60.smugmug.com/Shiloh/n-q9SBsW266213

[Markopolo]

wow.... sure is a beauty!!! if it was mine, I would have to get it drilled and tapped though. you will get the "old eye thing" soon enough.. every year my "readers" go up in power .25... i cant remember what 1000 yards even looks like.

[Big Mak]

Roger wilco Markopolo, when that day comes Shiloh is only a 4 hour drive, I'll bring it back for a tap and scope or have my local GS do it for me.

[Gunlaker]

That's really nice! Beautiful wood. But then I've never met a Shiloh that I didn't like :-)

Chris.

[bigted]

Just GRAND!!! Great lookin Shiloh. The Roughrider is my pick as well.

If 44-77 is anything as fun as my Remington roller in 43 Spanish is ... then my chamber would certainly be the 44-77.

Ive got 5 45-70's so another gubbermint chamber would have to be another genuine chamber.

Congrats my friend on a certain fun rifle. Please give a range report. She's a beaut.

[FarNorth45]

Congratulations , and thats a Beautiful rifle. But now i just realized buy looking at your pictures, I'm a idot and installed my Baldwin front sight backwards rrrrrh!!!! I'm new to these sights , and at the time of install it only made sense to me to install it with the cap towards me . It actually works great backwards ha! . I did think that i was adjusted higher at 100yrds than i should have been though ........ it's that moment that makes you feel not so smart lol.