Pallmetto Arms Co Italy

[nibleyroad]

Has any one had any experience with this Italian gun maker?

[Shorty]

I have a Gemmer Sharps marked Palmetto made in Italy.  I bought it, used, some 15 years ago, and have never found any info on the maker.  Possibly, it's an importer name.  It is of medium quality and required some work to get shooting right.

[Shorty]

P.S.
It has a 23 1/2" bbl, straight octagon, 1" across, which is really odd, but original.

[jeff]

Palmetto Arms has a web site at www.palmettoarms.com.  

I was also trying to obtain information on my Gemmer back in Feb 2003.  Here is the response that I received from my questions ...

 'Sorry for delay in answering to your questions.I was between people around Washington and later New York under snow storms.
So, your questions are, if I'm correct, related to our old production of 45/70 made for Leonhard Allen of Santa Fe-New Mexico.
This small lot of approximately 50 pieces has been produced around 1984 for Allen Firearms in 45/70 and commercialized under the name "Gemmer Sharps" as copy of an original made by Gemmer, formerly last owner of the Hawken Shop of the Hawkin Bros. if I well remember of Saint Louis and well known customizer of cartridge rifles like Sharps and Remington Rolling Block with an old tast of the Hawken plain rifle.
The rifles in question, as all the guns produced in Italy, are mandamentary proofed from our official proof testing house in Gardone Val Trompia who is stamping main parts of the guns with their marks. All guns are tested, for protection of the consumer, with a smokless powder charge at least 30% higher than the stronger load at the moment commercially available on the market.
I don't remember the load used at that time.
I cannot remember and I have no records of the price at which that rifle was sold to Allen, but I think it was on retail at roughtly around 600 dollars.
If I can be of any further assistance don't hesitate to contact me again.
Best regards
Daniel Nauti
President   '



jeff

[Shorty]

Jeff,
That's good info.  Thanks.  Wow, only 50 pieces!  
I have some late mfg. .45/70 Win. loads intended for newer Marlin or Winchester models, and have been leary of using them in my rifle.  Factory specs. indicate that they're way too hot for a trapdoor, but I didn't know how that related to my Sharps.  I've fired a few of them with no problem, but if the Palmetto proofing is that good, maybe I shouldn't worry.

[jeff]

Shorty

That Sharps is a heck of a lot stronger than any trapdoor.  Even the H&R's that were made in the 1980's are still traps and don't have a strong lockup (I had one of those and it didn't shoot worth a hoot (lousy trigger too).  The major difference is that darn butt.  The Gemmer is sharp, narrow and pointy and can make your shoulder wish it hadn't come out with you.

Be safe and proud.  It's a very good rifle and pretty darn good looking too!

jeff

[Shorty]

Jeff,
For some reason that crescent butt doesn't bother me at all.  I've had others shoot my rifle and complain of it.  Maybe my small stature and light frame (although I do have big, broad, manly shoulders) has something to do with it. :wink:  :wink:   Maybe, I just know how to hold it . :roll:

[jeff]

Shorty

You're right!  

But I still maintain that with a 45-70, if you're shooting full power smokeless loads, it will slap you loose if you're not holding tight.  It takes two hands to hold a whopper anlong with solid shoulder contact.

I shoot BP in mine.

jeff

[Shorty]

Jeff,
I've always shot 405 gr. jacketed over 36 gr. IMR 3031, or a comparable load of 4198.  That's "trapdoor safe", and nicely mild.  I finally bought a box of lead 405 gr. bullets, and have loaded 20 rds with blackpowder.  'Haven't gotten around to shooting them, however.