Looking for opinions on the Chaparral 1876 rifle

[Jack Straw from Wichita]

If anyone reading this owns or owned a Chaparral 1876 rifle, would you please post your opinions? I have read the review on gunblast.com, and it sounds pretty positive. But I would also like to hear from owners, especially their opinions of the rifle's accuracy and the quality of the action & trigger. I'd also like to know how much this rifle kicks in .45-60. Thanks in advance.

-Jack

 

[iamkris]

No shooting experience unfortunately. I did handle one at the NRA Convention in May. The fit and finish was quite nice, the wood beautiful and the color case hardening was vivid. And I just LOVE the sound of the brass elevator (as in a '73). It was a well balanced rifle. My only complaint was that the action was very stiff. I didn't try the trigger.

It is a big rifle...I'd think the cartridge would be manageable in it.

 

[Father Knows Best]

I'd also like to know how much this rifle kicks in .45-60.

I've never shot one, but I can pretty much guaranty that it doesn't "kick" at all. The toggle link action used in the 1876 (and the 1873, and 1866 and 1860) is pretty weak. That limits it to very low pressure rounds. The .45-60 is downright anemic. On top of that, the 1876 is a HUGE rifle, weighing in the range of 11 pounds, if I remember correctly. I think it will "kick" about as much as a heavy barrel .22LR, which is to say it won't.

The 1876 doesn't really have much going for it, other than it looks cool. Even in its day, it didn't sell very well. People who wanted firepower went with the 1873 in 44-40. If you needed extra power in those days, you stepped up to a single shot Sharps or Rolling Block or similar, because those firearms could handle the whomper cartridges needed for Bison and other truly big game.

 

[Jim Watson]

Lots of discussion, mostly favorable on the SASS Wire.
http://sassnet.com/forums/index.php?showforum=12

 

[Onmilo]

There is a very good write up on these rifles here:
http://www.gunblast.com

I am hoping and praying the manufacturer produces this weapon in the 22" barrel length carbine with full length forend.
They make one I will buy it in .45-60.

Only fairly mild loads should be used in these rifles, they are still toggle links even though the steel is much improved from what was available in the 19th century I still wouldn't try to magnumize one of these rifles.

22 grains of SR 4759 and a 350 grain flatnose lead bullet should make an effective, pleasant, and safe to shoot load in the .45-60 rifles.

 

[chad1043]

How much does this rifle cost?

 

[Jack Straw from Wichita]

Re Price

How much does this rifle cost?

Around $990 at Buffalo Arms.

-Jack

 

[Jack Straw from Wichita]

The 1876 doesn't really have much going for it, other than it looks cool

Well sure, but what else do you need?

Thanks for the input.

-Jack