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Author Topic: Avoiding the long throats on a used Sharps  (Read 740 times)

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Offline Stuart C.

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Avoiding the long throats on a used Sharps
« on: October 07, 2012, 06:23:38 PM »
Hi folks,

So how can you determine if a used gun you're looking at has or doesn't have the dreaded freebore?
Is there a serial number range for post early 1980s Shilohs or a C. Sharps without it?
Can you see the ~.5" throat?
I had to ask because from what i've read (first mistake) they sound like a real bear to deal with. I'm usually the guy that finds this kinda thing out later. :o
Cal is 45-70 and I don't load paper patch. I guess you could reachamber to 45-90+ but would prefer not to. What do you think?
Thanks much!
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Offline Nobade

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Re: Avoiding the long throats on a used Sharps
« Reply #1 on: October 08, 2012, 03:24:32 AM »
If you're not shooting paper patched bullets I don't see why it is a problem. My C.Sharps rifle has a pretty long throat in it, about 5/8 inch, and it allows me to seat grease groove bullets out a bit and fit more powder in the case. It's no big trick to get 80gr. in the case with a droptube and compression die.  With #457125 and KIK powder it's an honest 1 1/2 MOA shooter, and I can't even see all that great any more.

So personally I wouldn't worry about it if you find a rifle you like. Just seat those bullets to bump up into the lands, enjoy the added powder room, and go shooting.

BTW, I did finally get this rifle to shoot PP fairly well using a 3/8 thick grease cookie. So even that can be done if you really want to.
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Offline Ranch13

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Re: Avoiding the long throats on a used Sharps
« Reply #2 on: October 08, 2012, 03:59:21 AM »
If it's a Shiloh if the serial # has a B prefix or suffix it's not likely to have had the long throated chamber.
There's alot more angst and worry about the long chambered guns than there really is problems with it. There are a couple of ways around it, either shoot .460 diameter bullets seated as far out of the case as they will chamber, or stretch 45-70 cases to fit the chamber or cut down 45-90's.
But by all means shoot the rifle first and see if there really is a big problem or not.
And you can always have Shiloh or C Sharps rebarrel the gun or rechamber it if the problems are insurmountable.
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Offline pacecars

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Re: Avoiding the long throats on a used Sharps
« Reply #3 on: October 14, 2012, 06:46:14 AM »
Might run over to the Shiloh forum and ask Kirk
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