Were there any Big Bore Surplus rifles made?

[UMFAN1]

Were any big bore military rifles made? If so, are there any of these available as surplus rifles? Anything worth buying for some shooting fun?

[Mikey]

UMFAN1:  I think the last big bore military rifle made, at least in the US, was the Springfield Trap-Door in 45-70.  There were some european rifles made in big bore calibers but they,like the 45-70, were all in blackpowder cartridges or their turn of the century (1900) upgrades.  I've seen a couple of Swiss Veterellis (? spelling) in some 43 caliber but nothing from after WWI in a big bore.  Hopefully someone else out there will let me know how little I know but I just don't think so.  Mikey.

[John Traveler]

Mikey,

You are 100% correct.

The transition from large calibre blackpowder cartridge rifles to small bore smokeless rifles and ammunition was a rapid one.

From the late 1880's to the turn of the 20th century, every major (and minor) military power that had the resources went to 6.5mm, 7mm, .30, .303, or 8mm military rifles and ammunition.

Large caliber black powder rifles were issued to second-line (mostly colonial troops) well into WWI and the 1920's, mostly by the British, French, German, Dutch, Italians, and Russians.  The "colonials" used these until the 1940's, '50's and '60s, until they were sold off to the North American market as surplus.  What is available today are the much-sought-after military BPCR that shooters want.  

Umfan1, If you want a classic BPCR suplus military rifle, please get into the waiting line with the rest of us!  *GRIN*

John

John

[savageT]

Winchester Hotchkiss 45-70 Government bolt-action internal tube fed saddle ring carbine.  My Dad owned a cut-down sporterized model that I foolishly let go after his death in 1990.  Care to check out the going price on these rare post cival war era government bolt-action 45-70's?


Jim

[John Traveler]

Yes indeed!

That was the rifle featured in the John Wayne cinema "The Sons of Katie Elder".

A genuine classic!  Any shooting speciment must be worth close to $2,000 today.

Wish I had one!

[The Cast Bullet Kid]

Century Arms are converting Lee Enfields to .45-70.

[Double D]

Martini Henry 577/450, the sun never set where this rifle stood guard!

[UMFAN1]

John, I read an article about the .43 Mauser awhile back and it sparked my interest a little. I do remember that being a BPCR.

Thanks for your help everyone!