Who says 130-year old designs can't shoot?

[iamkris]

I've owned this Cimarron-imported Pedersoli 1874 Sharps for about 2 months. It's a Billy Dixon model...45-70 Gov't, 32" barrel, tang vernier sights, globe front, double set triggers. I've been playing around with only one bullet and 2 powder combo's so far. I general, it is grouping in the 1-1/4" to 1-3/4" range with the different loads I've tested. Yesterday, I went up to the rifle range and took the opportunity to steal 30 minutes and take a few shots her. It grouped about like it has in the past. Took a couple of shots for the first time at 200 yards against a 10" target. Could barely see the thing and the shots hit about 18" low (sights are right on at 100).

Shot several groups at 100 yards. They were running 1-1/2" or so. Then I really buckled down and shot this group....I'll make no pretenses that I could ever do that again. 0.42" with 405 gr LFN D&J hard cast over 39 grs IMR 3031. Wierd thing is that the wind is kicking up and gusting 20-25 kts today. Must have kicked up at the right time.

Those old boys knew what they were doing...it kills me to hear folks that think interesting firearms didn't start until the EBR (don't get me wrong...I like my black rifles...they just aren't necessarily the only game in town.)

 

[Jim Watson]

Now all you need is some real gunpowder instead of those chemistry lessons with the funny numbers on the can.

 

[MrAcheson]

If you only had one shot wouldn't you demand an accurate gun?

 

[iamkris]

Now all you need is some real gunpowder instead of those chemistry lessons with the funny numbers on the can.

Got a can of GOEX FFg sitting right here. Just need to get a drop tube...

If you only had one shot wouldn't you demand an accurate gun?

Good point, never thought of it that way. Maybe you prioritize different things given different boundary conditions.

On a related note, I had the Sharps and my new AR out together yesterday at the range. A father and son team who were new to rifle shooting and out testing their new Remington 597 stopped by and asked what I was shooting. I started telling them about the Sharps and its history. Showed them how the falling block action works. Told them the story of Billy Dixon at Adobe Walls. I showed them the .45-70 catridge and how and emty case swallows up a .223. Let them shoot a couple to see what it feels like.

I had four 30-round AR mags laid out on the bench next to the Sharps so I told them that I had just converted the Sharps over to a mag fed rifle for real firepower. They just said, "Oh...yeah...that's a good idea." I waited for it to sink in and when it didn't finally had to tell them I was just pulling their leg.

 

[Sylvilagus Aquaticus]

I have a long-time friend who has gotten into competition shooting (BPCR) with a Cimarron Sharps in the last few years. He shoots out to 600 years (oops, yards...too much headache medication...ed. Rabbit) in several of his matches. His target groups look remarkably similar to yours (at closer ranges, not 600 yds, mind you) and I figure it's probably time I consider getting one for myself. I keep kicking myself for not picking up a really nice Pedersoli Remington falling block complete with vernier tang sights and a 34 inch hex heavy barrel I found for $600 about a year ago.

I guess I'd better get to looking at my CDNN Investments catalog again for pricing.

Regards,
Rabbit.

Thanks for the heads-up, preacher.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Nice shooting there. Those old guns had a mortar like trajectory compared to what our smokeless guns do today but woe to the fellow who was hit by one of those 405 grain slugs. Yeooowww!

 

[Preacherman]

I have a long-time friend who has gotten into competition shooting (BPCR) with a Cimarron Sharps in the last few years. He shoots out to 600 years in several of his matches.

Now, THAT'S a long-time friend indeed!

 

[Dave Markowitz]

That is one nice rifle, and some fine shooting indeed.

I have wanted a Sharps for a long time.

 

[Sylvilagus Aquaticus]

arrrgh...thanks, Preacher.

He's an old codgernaut, anyway.


Regards,
Rabbit.