Ideas for a "fun/special occasion" rifle?

Jayne

Jayne

Just here for the memes
Charter Member
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
Joined
Dec 16, 2016
Messages
8,028
Location
Unincorporated Wake County
Rating - 100%
34   0   0
Taking the flintlock out this weekend got me thinking again about getting a "special occasion" rifle. The flintlock is fun, but it's not original. I've thought about getting an original flintlock, but really I think I would prefer something a little more modern, a cartridge gun so it's easier to shoot and let others try as well.

Nothing like an M1, something more 1800s, like a trap door Springfield or Remington rolling block.

Black powder cartridge is OK, and modern ammo isn't required. It must be something I can load though, so those oddball never find 'em big rimfires are of zero interest.

Other than the two I've mentioned, what else am I not thinking of?
 
Blunderbuss.

I broke down and I’m having my Remington model 4 rolling block .22 re-lined. Unfortunately it won’t be done in time for the OCT Battery Oaks gathering.
 
Last edited:
Beowulf. 50 cal straight-walled cartridge, so loading should be a piece of cake.
 
I always wanted to get a BP (cap) rifle in .45 cal (32 cal ?) with tang peep sights. Not too much lead $, slow to burn through shots. A good day at the range.
 
I have a trapdoor and a rolling block, both in .45-70 govt. They are a lot of fun to shoot and especially the rolling block is very safe. Suitable ammo is easy to find online, or you can load it. You might also consider a percussion muzzleloader - much less hassle than a flinter and I enjoy the social aspect of loading and shooting. Thompson Center muzzleloaders are well made and the barrel pops right off for cleaning, without disturbing anything else.
 
Red Marley said:
You might also consider a percussion muzzleloader
Click to expand...

Oddly that has no appeal to me. If I've got to load it from the front, might as well go the whole retro thing with the flint. I can see why if I was actually using the thing that a cap is way way way better than the flint, but as a toy... either you're punishing yourself or you're not. :)
 
Jayne said:
From 2001, so only 102 years off what I'm looking for?
Click to expand...
Missed that part. But you also said modern cartridge and something you could reload...so I’m batting .667, which would be pretty darn impressive. :p
 
I nominate an oddball never-find-ammo big rimfire: M78/81 Swiss Vetterli from 1883.
Vetterli-001.jpg

The one on the top had been sporterized before I got it and it's now converted from 41RF to centerfire by a guy in FL. I load black powder cartridges for it - It makes a satisfying thump with a big cloud of smoke and it's minute-of-man accurate. Total cost including gun, conversion and reloading tools/supplies was under $500
 
Hmmm... Special occasion use, so it should be big and loud. 1800's, maybe something that represents our history and heritage. Something you can reload.

How about....






The Model 1841 6-pounder
61.jpg



Origin: Artillery from The United States
Bore: 3.62 inch - smooth bore
Length: 65"
Weight: Approximately 850 lbs.
Carriage: No. 1 Field Carriage ($9000) | No. 1 Field Carriage cast in Aluminum - (call for pricing) | No. 1 Field Carriage cast in Ductile Iron - (Call for pricing)
Cast: Aluminum | Gray Iron | Naval Gun Bronze
Price: Aluminum Non-Firing - (Call for pricing) | Gray Iron - Smooth Bore (Call for Pricing) | Naval Gun Bronze - (Call for pricing)

http://steencannons.com/cannons/u-s-model-1841-6-pounder/

:D
 
Last edited:
Trapdoor Carbine
 
My Father bring back Type 14 pistol.

The person it was issued to tried to shot my Father with it but my Father was faster with a M-1 Grand.

My Father was a Corpsman. He carried a rifle as if you carried a handgun or no gun the japs would shoot you first.

My Father used to shoot it from time to time.
 
JedPool said:
That would look good rolling down the interstate behind a Prius
Click to expand...
I don't think he has the Prius anymore and you'd have to go with the high speed tires option. Wait... can you tow with at Prius?
 
Catfish said:
I nominate an oddball never-find-ammo big rimfire: M78/81 Swiss Vetterli from 1883.
View attachment 134183

The one on the top had been sporterized before I got it and it's now converted from 41RF to centerfire by a guy in FL. I load black powder cartridges for it - It makes a satisfying thump with a big cloud of smoke and it's minute-of-man accurate. Total cost including gun, conversion and reloading tools/supplies was under $500
Click to expand...

I've got one of those down at my parents house in San Antonio but with a square trigger guard. Another oldie is the British Snider's in .577 (use 24 ga shotgun brass to reload) or the Martini-Henry. My MH MkIII made in 1881 should arrive at the house today from Astan :)


CD
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom