.45-70s that meet these criteria?

[Iggy]

Elk, Mule Deer, Antelope, and too many pests to mention have fallen to this old thumper.


1879 Trapdoor.

Sharp's 45-70 will get'r done too.

 

[Ole Humpback]

So quick to jump on the Trapdoor??? While it is in 45-70, there are tons of cartridges that were developed for Sharps rifles that range from 40-44 all the way to 50-90. Pedersoli makes dozens of Sharps variants in either 1863 or 1874 models and have just about every classic Sharps cartridge avaliable.

http://www.cherrys.com/ped_cart.htm

 

[Tallinar]

Trapdoors and falling blocks are all fabulous. They are also all expensive compared to the simple, sturdy H&R.

 

[Jason_G]

Well as much as a Sharps intrigues me, I think I am going to be limited by budget to something along the lines of the H&R Handi-Rifle, or maybe the TCA, if I can get a workshop stipend at my job. I guess the Sharps will be something to look forward to later on. It'll actually be next season before I can afford to do anything anyways.

Thanks a million for all the input guys.

Jason

 

[Red October]

+1 for the Trapdoor.
I have an 1884 and love it.

 

[bangaway]

H&R has a buffalo classic in 45-70 for $400. It has a 32 inch barrel like the trapdoor. The other 45-70 H&R rifles sell for about $270. Look for used. As for speed in weak actions I found an article about Quackenbush air guns. They shoot 45-70 510 gr cast boolits from airgunswith a puny 600 ft pds energy. African game as well as american deer and buffalo fall with one shot. Interesting read. Been going to use trail boss to get this speed/energy for deer next year. Just read 45-70 trapdoor 1873 tests where 45-70-500 went through 5 1/2 inches into wood at 2500 yards. 45-70 knocks stuff down. I like it. Get one if you can. Have fun and bangaway.

 

[lowerunit411]

ive seen some 1895s marlins for sale for not a lot more than that buffalo classic and id spend my money on one of those before id drop 400 on an H&R...just my .02

 

[marksman13]

I went with a T/C Encore. I liked it I guess, but it kicked like a freaking mule. I enjoy bow hunting, so I ended up trading it on something else. That was an awfully light gun for a 45/70. Even with a scope I think it was well under 7 pounds. I shoot my guns a lot, but I really didn't enjoy shooting that Encore. I don't miss it, but then I don't live on 60 acres and hunt every day anymore either. If you want versatility and don't mind recoil it's not a bad choice.

 

[marksman13]

Read the post, lowerunit. His gun has to meet certain criteria.

 

[lowerunit411]

your right Marksman13....my apologies

 

[Maple_City_Woodsman]

I would have went with a TC Encore as well.

Its accurate, flat out cheaper than any decent quality sharps or trap door replica, and the utility is just plain MORE - and what else are single shot rifles about if not accurate utility?

I probably would have picked a different pre 1900 cartridge, such as 303 Brit or 30-40 Krag, but 45-70 works just fine.

 

[gunner69]

I own the Sharps in 45-70, and have taken several hogs & deer with it, and it is one heavy so-and-so in the woods.

I ended up buying a Charles Daly Lil Sharps in 38-55. If you read up on the 38-55 you will see that out to 200 yards it was used for a target cartridge. It was, and still is with a lot of folks, one hell of a black bear, deer and hog cartridge. Three deer and one hog........ one shot each with my 260gr handload. The rifle is light and the cartridge won't loosen you teeth for you. Plus the rifle has a "set" trigger feature that is great in a tree stand.

 

[Flatbush Harry]

If I didn't read this wrong, I'll be qualifying with my Ruger No. 1A in 6.5x55 Swedish. Hot eff'n tuna!

FH

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

Take a peek at the uberti hunter carbine.

That is if you can handle a 4.5lb 45/70 rolling block

No thank you. Think I like the position my shoulder is in presently and not in a sling.

 

[natman]

If I didn't read this wrong, I'll be qualifying with my Ruger No. 1A in 6.5x55 Swedish. Hot eff'n tuna!

FH

I don't think a Ruger 1A will meet the exposed hammer rule. It's an obvious gerrymander to exclude the superior Martini-Henry.

 

[bangaway]

gunner69

What is a Charles Daly Lil Sharps in 38-55. Can it be bought new? Barrel length, weight, sights, cost? As you can tell I have not heard pf this gun. Yes it should be a good choice for hunting. Less kick than 45-70. H&R made a 38-55 buffalo rifle too. New can be found but used is more likely. What bullet do you use? Have fun and bangaway.

 

[rcmodel]

http://chiappafirearms.com/product/829

http://www.littlesharps.com/

http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/muzzle-loaders/idealsharps.php
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_589/products_id/75211

rc

 

[Owen Sparks]

Realize that the Handi-Rifle can be had at a fraction of the cost of most of the others mentioned and the deer will not know the difference.

 

[x_wrench]

All I've ever heard my entire life is "you can't shoot full power loads in a trap door, because the action is too weak". Is that hogwash, truth, or is the truth somewhere in between?

well, full power as in 43,000 cup, no! but you might be surprised at just how much velocity you can get within the pressure limits if you look around a bit. at least as long as you handload. i shoot several "trapdoor" loads out of my marlin 45/70 that are plenty for deer. i may not want to go after a Kodiak brown bear with those loads, but they will definitely stop a deer. actually, probably anything except big browns in the lower 48. those big heavy bullets do wonders. with small bores (.30 cal and under) speed is king. but not so much with big bores.

 

[biohazurd]

I really like the handy rifles. I own 3 in different calibers. I usually only need one shot for most things i shoot anyway.

 

[rcmodel]

i may not want to go after a Kodiak brown bear with those loads, but they will definitely stop a deer.

Do not underestimate the power of a 405 grain LRN bullet loafing along at only 1,300 FPS.

They will shoot clear through an Indian pony as designed, or a Buffalo, or a Ford F-150 Crew-Cab.
Lengthwise!

rc

 

[H&Hhunter]

If you want an exposed hammer, single shot 45-70 that can handle full power modern loads get an 1885.

Browning makes a nice repro, as does Winchester. If you want super nice get a C Sharps it's one of the nicest 1885's built and the price is reasonable for what you get.

 

[gunner69]

Thanks for the help RCModel, I do like the 38-55 a lot. Old time caliber that will drop the game and not kick hell out of you. My favorite is the 260gr handloaded bullet. However, if you don't reload there are several factory loads out there. And yes, the 1885 is a very good choice too. Folks forget the 38-55 was a match caliber as well as a favorite hunting round way back when. Google this caliber and you will be surprised......