Author Topic: Newbie new rifle question... (Read 1010 times)

1buba · « **on:** September 30, 2003, 05:35:58 PM »

Folks,
I'm just thinking of getting into BPCR shooting. I've found a rifle locally that I like (though there weren't a lot of other options). It is an 1885 Highwall - 45/70 - 30" octagon. Made by Uberti, imported by Taylors.

First question - thoughts on this gun. Pricing looks to be a couple hundered less then the "P" knockoffs (can't remember how to spell the name). I'm thinking this may have to go into sights. So the next question is:
I'm more interested in the mid to long range shooting, so I have some concern about sights. In reading through the archives here, I've seen some written about sights, but is there different spacing on the tang screws? Other things I might need to worry about?

Sorry for the brain dead questions, just hate to get into this blind.

Thanks,
steve

Rick Crabtree · « **Reply #1 on:** September 30, 2003, 05:38:50 PM »

They are nice rifles. But most of the ones I have seen are a little light for BPCR.

1buba · « **Reply #2 on:** September 30, 2003, 05:42:24 PM »

Thanks for the reply. I think this one goes 9.92 lbs as it ships. Still too light? It is a concideration. Besides other bionics, I've had both shoulders replaced, so recoil can be an issues.

Thanks again,
steve

445supermag · « **Reply #3 on:** October 01, 2003, 02:49:21 AM »

buba go to C sharps web sight get the phone# and call. I got a target mod 75 sharps in 40/65 off the rack1136$ no wait. They have badger barrels and pistol grip stocks. NO sights. Go to bufflo arms web and get the sights you want and need for long range. The 45/70 will kick with black p and 500gr bullits. The 40/65 with smokless loads is like shooting a 38s&w Black is like a 30/30. The rifle has a heavey round barrel wight is close to 12 Lb. It is american made and is a lot better than the taylors.

1buba · « **Reply #4 on:** October 01, 2003, 04:17:56 AM »

Hmmm - the Taylors that I'm looking at is only $825. The locals (not personal friends or anything) seem to think it's a great gun for the money. I thought for the difference I coul get the sights. Definately open to the different options though. I'll have to look at the one you mention.

Thanks for the info.
steve

howdy doody · « **Reply #5 on:** October 01, 2003, 05:40:12 AM »

Howdy pard. I thought Cabelas had something along those lines too.
Hey, where ya planning on shootin' that rifle? Do you shoot at Sac Valley Shooting Center over towards Ione?
I shoot cowboy silhouettes over that way that are held once a month and if you happen to have a big bore lever gun, ya might want to try your hand at that too. :grin:

1buba · « **Reply #6 on:** October 01, 2003, 06:08:33 AM »

Howdy, Howdy. (sorry, had to do that). :oops:

Yeah, as a matter of fact, I'm looking at a store called Rancho Cordova Guns - they are big on the Cowboy thing. I'm not sure how much I'll get into it, but I really like the long range thing. I plan on trying it with both BP and smokeless, don't know what I'll end up using most.

I am planning on coming out for the next shoot (I really like Sac Valley), just to watch. I guess the long range guys are shooting BP every other Saturday now.

Let me know when y'all 'll be there and maybe we can hook up. I know typically the BP/Mountain man guys are all good people, so I AM looking forward to it.

PLEASE share any info you think I can use. I never been accused of being the sharpest knife in the scabbard.

steve

WD45 · « **Reply #7 on:** October 01, 2003, 07:29:12 AM »

Ifin I wuz u........ I would see if some of those fellas would let you take a shot or 2 with some different guns and calibers when you go to that shoot and are around many different brands / calibers. Especially if you have shoulder problems. You may want a different caliber or a certain type of stock on that gun so you can shoot without a bottle of advil for the after effects. In the long run it may actually save you money even though what you buy turns out to be a little more initial dough. What good is saving 100 or so dollars if it only hangs on the wall ?
I wish I had a dollar for every time I heard the phrase.... I wish I would have.... or I should have waited until ....
Just food for thought :grin:
But I aint you :-)

1buba · « **Reply #8 on:** October 01, 2003, 11:22:05 AM »

WD45 -
Thanks. I'm sure you are right. I probably will do like you said. Although I must say, the bottle of tylonal has become a steady on the nightstand. We buy them in the drum size @ PriceClub. Besides the shoulders, i've had the hips done too. Now the knee is going so it looks like othroscopic will be in order come winter and our slow time. Not a big deal, but it does make life interesting @ 39. :-)

steve

Bridger · « **Reply #9 on:** October 02, 2003, 01:34:03 PM »

Does that rifle have a crescent butt plate? If so it's probably not going to help your shoulder conditon. I'd suggest a heavier rifle with a shotgun butt and look into the recoil shield sold by Buffalo Arms. I had a 45-70 that weighed about that much and it kicked the crap out of me. I now shoot rifles that weigh 12 pounds or more.

Ray Newman · « **Reply #10 on:** October 02, 2003, 05:26:48 PM »

Bridger gives very wise advise.

Since you have problems w/ your shoulders, a .40-65 will be easier on the body. The cartridge is formed from the ubiquitous & economical .45-2.1 (AKA .45-70) case. The dies to reload for this caliber are easy to find & are also very economical. Same w/ bullet moulds & store bought ready made cast bullets can be had via the internet

If you decide to utilize White Powder (AKA smokeless powder), the case is not that cavernous to cause problems.

Bridger · « **Reply #11 on:** October 03, 2003, 02:20:11 AM »

Thought I might add a little more to the confusion. If you really like the 1885 design look for a used Browning 1885 BPCR. These are now discontinued and unforturnately the price has escalated but they are great rifles. Another excellent choice is the 1874 Pedersoli Sharps Silhouette model that as far as I know is only sold through Dixie Gun Works. These rifles have heavy barrels and shotgun butts and will weigh in the 12 pound area. With your shoulder problems I'd think Ray's advice on the .40-65 is the way to go no matter which rifle you choose. Good luck

1buba · « **Reply #12 on:** October 03, 2003, 11:53:06 AM »

Thanks guys. I really appreciate all the info. Will keep it in mind. Next topic.... Sights. Suggestions. Don't have the best of eyes, would like to shoot mid to long range. Thinking vernier, but some of the other styles don't look like they'd be to bad. Is one type or another better/more appropriate?

Thanks again.
steve

Ray Newman · « **Reply #13 on:** October 03, 2003, 06:39:40 PM »

I see you live in River City, AKA Sacto. Once a month, there is a silhouette match @ the Folsom Shooting Facility-Sloughhouse. Contact Arnold Moose 209-366-0715 for dates & times. I believe there also is a LR (800, 900, 1000 yds) there 2-3X a year.

Id drive on over & look @ the rifles & the sights. You can easily spend $4-500 plus on good sights: meaning repeatable settings & able to hold its settings. Good sights are worth their weight in gold & if you sell the rifle, you can keep the sights.

Ive seen Shooters skimp on sights only to become dissatisfied, as they were not worth the initial investment. When they finally bought a good set of sights, they had a difficult time selling the old sights or they sold them @ a great loss. Such a loss only makes the purchase of quality sights more expensive.

Under some circumstances, a wind adjustable front sight is desirable. If there is too much wind, you can roughly dial in the wind on the front, & save the wind adjustment on your rear sight for fine-tuning.

I would not be w/o a front sight that does not have a bubble level. It is very easy to develop a cant, which will throw your shots off & you can run out wind adjustment on your rear sight w/ a cant. I once saw a shooter run out wind @ 300 yds because he failed to center the bubble. Once he did, we had to start over from scratch.

As for a rear sight, definitely get a long-range (LR) sight. W/ a LR sight, you can shoot mid- range, but you cant shoot LR w/ a mid-range sight. I would hate to see you run out of staff when you really need it

A vernier is the only way to go as it offers precise adjustment. Also a Hadley style eyecup w/ has different sized aperture holes for varying light conditions is a worthwhile investment.

1buba · « **Reply #14 on:** October 04, 2003, 07:58:07 AM »

Thanks -
I'm planning on checking out the shoots they have at SVSC. I shoot out there sometimes myself. Nice place.

Interesting info re: the sights. I really appreciate it. Anyplace on the web that has a comprehensive review of brands, etc? I kind of doubt it, but it's worth a try. Somehow I seem to be drawn to the slightly off beat shooting styles. First it was long range handguns before they were cool, now this.

All, thanks for the info. You have to love a country like ours that lets us spend so much money just to have fun. Even if this IS Kalifornia.

steve

Bridger · « **Reply #15 on:** October 04, 2003, 08:52:31 AM »

You can check out the web site for for Buffalo Arms as they carry several different brands and if you call them they will take the time to help you make a choice. Another sight that is worth serious consieration are those made by Ron Heilman, very reasonably priced and excellent quality. He does not have a web site but if you go to Shiloh Rifle's discussion forum there are lots of posts on sights as well as information on how to contact Ron. Many shooters on that forum, including me, have a set of his sights and everyone seems happy with them.