Guns & Outdoors Forum

This just turned up.
I've been wanting a 45-70 for probably a decade at least.
Came close several times but never quite hit the right one.

Saw this with what I think is an experimental ram rod bayonet.
Cutting edge tactical right there.
Surprised there is no candle holder attachment.

Looked it over....was pretty wow it's in nice shape.
Checked the bore....dang did they even shoot it.

I did tell him I saw a spider and rust chunks.
He said good.

I'll admit I was totally thrown by the case colored receiver.
I mean who knew it was supposed to be.
I've never seen one anyway.

Oh well here it is.
BTW the sling died the day I had him put it away.

Wow, that’s a beauty!!!!!!

Really nice infantry rifle...

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Jayhawker wrote: ↑Thu Aug 03, 2023 10:35 pm Really nice infantry rifle...

.

I would not have liked lugging this around.

beauty!! I have got to get myself one some day.

Very Nice they are a blast to shoot

Diver43 wrote: ↑Fri Aug 04, 2023 1:14 am Very Nice they are a blast to shoot

I hope so.
I've Never shot one or a 45-70 anything but if it's not raining I'll remedy that tomorrow.

This one warrants some research it appears by the cartouche and serial to have been made in 1891

Not my thing. But, still a very cool gun to have.

That is a very cool gun!!

How cool is that. nice find.

SWEET!

Ideally, that'll be the 500 grain round nose bullet you'll want for that one.

https://www.bearcreeksupplybullets.com/45-170-500 Same thing as your rolling block bullets - "coated" but not traditionally lubed.

You will be amazed at how great they shoot, and FUN!! I believe that is the 1888 version with the spike bayonet, some of them had hooded front sights, too! They are zeroed for about 250 yards. I put a taller front sight on mine so there are zeroed at 100 yards now. For the rifle I load a .405 cast and 40 grains of 3031. BP equivalent at 1300 fps.
You will find out these rifles are a hoot to shoot!!

Your right AL
By the serial it looks like it was made in 1891 which matches the cartouche

JunkCollector wrote: ↑Thu Aug 03, 2023 11:02 pm

Jayhawker wrote: ↑Thu Aug 03, 2023 10:35 pm Really nice infantry rifle...

.

I would not have liked lugging this around.

Besides the sight, is the 1884 different than the 1873?
Maybe lighter?

There's not a lot of difference between the two. The breech was modified a little, and other small upgrades over the years!!They aren't as heavy as they look, and they balance well!! Of course, back then, men were men!!

Just my opinion, but I think the earlier style sight was a better combat sight! The Buffington sight was more of a target sight, similar to the sight on an '03 Springfield. A little to complicated for fast target acquisition!! But Col. Buffington was the commander of the Army target shooting team!!

But I said it with a smile!!

Big Al1 wrote: ↑Sat Aug 05, 2023 1:26 pm But I said it with a smile!!

I noticed AL
I've reached a low point it seems
Hopefully I can find some mild rounds

Had one someone had turned into a carbine sometime in the past. The trapdoor and all the metal was pristine. Color case flawless. No pits, no rust, no blemishes at all. The stock was in "ceremonial" condition. Since it wasn't stock and someone had mounted a ramp style hunting sight on it, I got it for about 80 bucks in the mid 70s. Shot well. Carried well. Never got around to hunting with it. Someone offered me a hundred more than I paid for it, so it went out the door...

Hey Dan
I got offered one cheap a year or so ago.
It sounds similar it's sights were probably worth his asking price.