Author Topic: H&R 1871 Buffalo Classic .45/70 authentic design (Read 988 times)

Carlsen Highway · « **on:** March 16, 2006, 11:01:01 PM »

Hi guys,

I'm new and I apologise in advance if you've all discussed this already. I like old time rifles and would love to get a sharps or remington rolling block in .45/70 but its too expensive for me. Even the pedersoli ones.
But I have come across these H&R BC rifles for good prices - so I hunted down this site. :-)

I understand they are accurate and you guys seem to think them well made decent rifles for the lower price.

My question is about the history. The only reference I can find to them simply say they are based on an 1871 design by Frank Wesson. Is this actually the same rifle they used to make in the 1870's?

The other question was does anyone know if these were actually used by buffalo hunters in that period. All the references to these men in their firearms show that for those who had the cash, preferred sharps and Remington rolling blocks and the rest used whatever they had, springfields, muzzleloaders etc.

In other words is it an authentic design of a rifle that was used in the day?

I know they are allowed to be used in CAS; but there seems to be a bit of discussion whther they should be allowed, in other words some people werent sure if they were authentic or not.

I really can't find any reference to them from the 19th century at all.

Also, how rugger and reliable are they? New Zealand can by fairly rough conditions and is hard on gear. I would like to take it hunting as well as shoot at the range.

If somebody knows or can point me in the right direction?

EVOC ONE · « **Reply #1 on:** March 17, 2006, 12:13:32 AM »

Hello, Carlsen Highway. Welcome!

Sorry. I cannot provide any info you requested. I don't know very much about the Buffalo Rifle, other than its on my "want" list. I suspect that in a short while you'll have a few reply's to your questions.

There are a lot good folks here who are very knowledgeable about our beloved Handi's and they enjoy helping and sharing their knowledge with others.

Again, welcome and I hope you stick around for a while.

EVOC ONE

quickdtoo · « **Reply #2 on:** March 17, 2006, 05:03:36 AM »

Welcome aboard!!

Here's a bit of info for you...

http://www.chuckhawks.com/h-r_rifles.htm

Tim

EDIT: guess my copy and paster got a little confused!! :oops: Jon's site was the intended target!!!

http://buffaloclassic.tripod.com/

Mac11700 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 17, 2006, 06:09:05 AM »

Welcome Aboard

Here's somemore information for you..and a fair close up of the original..

http://buffaloclassic.tripod.com/

http://www.cascity.com/article0899-2.htm

http://asteria.fivecolleges.edu/findaids/umass/mu215.html

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976640433.htm

And a very rare exhibition grade Frank Wesson rifle..http://www.19thcenturyweapons.com/gallerypages/wesson.html

Hope this helps

Mac

Hunternz · « **Reply #4 on:** March 17, 2006, 08:22:22 AM »

Welcome to Greybeards H&R site, from a fellow single shot fan,
15 minutes drive away in Mornington Dunedin. I have a H&R 45-70 but not a buffalo classic, if the weather improves I am going up to the deerstalkers range this afternoon after work, (about 2.30) happy for you to have a few shots,
Regards Howard.

Carlsen Highway · « **Reply #5 on:** March 17, 2006, 12:56:54 PM »

Hey Howard, its a very small world...you don't happen to work for a gunshop I know that closes at 2.00 this afternoon do you?
If you do then you know me already, it's James.
I was going to go up to the range this afternoon anyway to get my BSA sighted in for the roar, but can't make it now - (sick boy at home) thanks for the offer and I would like to take you up on it another time.

Thanks guys for all the links, I'll read through that lot and then I'm sure I'll have some more questions.. :grin:

Hunternz · « **Reply #6 on:** March 17, 2006, 03:26:21 PM »

Howdy James,
should of guessed

. I didn't make it to the range eiother, customers held me up for 3/4 an hour, making it not worth heading up to the range,
next time
Regards Howard.

Ed Hill · « **Reply #7 on:** March 17, 2006, 04:58:00 PM »

C-H, I'll try and give you a couple of quick answers. No, it's not authentic.
There was a Wesson tip up rifle in the 19th century, and it folded in the middle, but that is about the end of the similiarity.

The 45-70 came along after the peak in buffalo hunting.

They are accurate, and a lot of fun. The design has been around a long time and seems very solid. They are simple to work on. If you want a 45-70 for hunting, the short handi-rifle would be an easier carry.

I just shoot targets with my buff, but the 45-70 is a fun cartridge to load, and pretty cheap with cast bullets.
Ed

Carlsen Highway · « **Reply #8 on:** March 17, 2006, 05:58:21 PM »

Thanks Ed. :-)