Gibbs Frontier Carbine

[Swampman]

I saw one of these at the gunshow in new condition for $400.00.  I really liked it but I already have 2 .45-70s.  I wasn't sure if they still make them or if the price was good.

"Built on the proven No. IMKIII action, the Frontier™ Carbine offers .45-70 knockdown power in a short, powerful sporting carbine. Each Frontier Carbine starts out as a rugged, reliable No. IMKIII action. It is then remanufactured and rebarreled with a precision button rifled barrel to exacting standards. A modern front sight has been added, along with a Williams rear sight. The blued barreled action is then hand fitted to a newly finished hardwood stock. The result is a fast handling carbine, ideal for deep woods and brush hunting, with the knockdown power to tackle anything on four legs in North America. It also comes with the same survival kit found in the Quest models. Will accept all No. IMKIII Enfield “no-gunsmithing” type mounts. Weight - 8-1/2 lbs. , Bbl Length - 21”, OAL 40”, Cal - .45-70 Government."

[jro45]

I have never heard of that Barrel. I guess I canot help you out.

[Mikey]

Swampman:  Gibbs either used to or still makes 45-70s out of British 303s and uses a couple of different barrel lengths.  The action of either the No1 MkIII or the Mk1 No4 are certainly strong enough to handle 45-70 loadings in the Trapdoor Springfield range but not hotter and I believe those rifles come with that caveat.

None the less such a rifle would make a good woods gun, although I think a Marlin Guide Gun would be better - the levers are quicker to work and the Marlins can take higher pressure loadings if the need be.  Otherwise, if you want to stick with Trapdoor level loads, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with those for all sorts of North American game, then a Gibbs could be a fun gun. 

Have you tried finding them on the web for more info??  I thought the normal barrel length for one of their conversions was about 21" but maybe it is longer.  The 303 Brits, or the SMLE is known for its fast handling action but I still think levers are quicker.  jmtcw. 

[eod20]

gibbs stopped making them a few years ago i have one built on a mkiii action and have used lever action load level rounds thru it all the time without a problem  the one problem i have had with it was the guy i got it from said it would not feed from the mag properly -  he had the mag spring in backwards it now feeds just fine.  my barrel length it just a hair under 21.5 inches

[Swampman]

That sounds like the one I saw.