We had some nice weather the other week so I grabbed the FrankenTrapdoor and the short barreled 1851 and headed for the property. Normally, I only carry one or two firearms when I go shooting and rarely do I mix ignition systems but I like the trapdoor and wanted to see how the revolver would shoot, so I could justify the mix. The 50 Gov't shot as I expected it would. Trip the trigger, loud boom, lots of smoke and a hole appeared about where I expected to see one. The 1851 was a horse of a different color. I had never fired it in particular (nor any 51 for the last 30 or 40 years) so I approached it a bit differently. Shooting started out close until I got used to the sights and then progressed out farther and farther. My first shot at 25 yards had me on paper and a little windage got me near where I wanted to be. The next three actually cut a group I could live with. Reload and the paper goes to fifty. The groups opened up some but I could see the potential so I reloaded and started my usual procedure of walking and looking for targets of opportunity. While I could not hit as well at the long ranges as I could with the rifle, I was pleased that at least out to 100 (and maybe a bit farther) yards, I was holding well enough to worry a five gallon pail lid. Anything smaller and I had trouble holding a sight picture. The sighting on the 1851 is the standard hammer V and front cone. I will clean up the V to a square sided notch and install a dovetailed front sight for the next outing and see if it allows me a steadier picture. But I was pleasantly pleased with the 51. I doubt it will replace my 60s as a frequent flier but it will not be a safe queen.
The FrankenTrapdoor? Well, that is one of my favorite rifles and does get out quite a bit. I need to try one more bullet in it and decide what my load for that rifle will be. Then set the sights and forget about them. As it is, I can easily live with the current load, Lyman 515141 cast with 40/1, over a full casing of ffG powder, homemade lube, and a large rifle primer. The new bullet will be similar except a hollow base design.
The FrankenTrapdoor? Well, that is one of my favorite rifles and does get out quite a bit. I need to try one more bullet in it and decide what my load for that rifle will be. Then set the sights and forget about them. As it is, I can easily live with the current load, Lyman 515141 cast with 40/1, over a full casing of ffG powder, homemade lube, and a large rifle primer. The new bullet will be similar except a hollow base design.