Which BPCR rifle is best ??

[pistolfan]

Hey Guys: Been thinking again about trying some BPCR shooting but not sure which model of rifle to get. I like the looks of both the Highwalls and the Rolling Block. Don't like the Sharps at all, purely a subjective feeling. I guess I want to know which is the easiest to load when shooting, stronger action, better trigger,  inherent accurate, that doesn't matter that much because I'm only a fair to good shot but still need all the help I can get. I guess I just want a feel on what you guys think is the better rifle type, or what to stay away from. Thanks for any inputs. Peter aka pistolfan

[Ray Newman]

Any recommendation will nbe subject to how much money you want to spend & how much money you can honestly spend....

See a similar thread on the American Single Shot Rifle Asso. board:

http://www.assra.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=ssr;action=display;num=1124695698

[pistolfan]

Good point Ray I honestly would say I'd like to spend no more than $1300.00 +/- a little.

[Ray Newman]

For that 'kinda' money, 'd look @ the Pedersoli or Uberti rifles & the other imports. Esp. if 'ya' want a rifle ASAP.

http://www.davide-pedersoli.com/
http://www.uberti.com/

Otherwise, I'd look for a Browning BPCR series in either .45-2.1" (AKA .45-70) or .40-65 WCF, which was probably the best BPCR rifle for the bucks. These rifles were designed & built for BPCR silhouette shooting. However, Browning stopped making them. While a previously owned rifle or a NIB are available every so often, they can be just about @ your limit. I've seen them on the various auctions sites & ads for anywhere from US $1200.00 -1400.00.

Sometimes, you'll see a Browning "Traditional Hunter" series rifles for sale, but these are NOT the same rifles. However, Browning did chamber one of those models for a .38-55 WCF & I believe a .45-2.1".

Do you have any reloading &/o casting equipment? Another cost factor that you must consider as these rifles have a large appetite for heavy bullets & @ store-bought prices, they aren't cheap.

A few days ago, there was a thread http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=72361&sid=8be2d295ce8fe53c590730c46a3783f2

which had links to BPCR reloading, casting, etc. You might want to take a look @ it & get some more ideas.

[Ray Newman]

Left out a link to some more M1885 Winchester clones:

http://www.cimarron-firearms.com/

[pistolfan]

Thanks Ray: I have reloading equipment except for dies and molds, I am leaning toward the 45-70. If for no other reason  components are easy to find for it. I have plenty of lead, I belong to the Cast Bullet Assoc. so I cast and shoot a fair amount of lead each year. Have been picking up pure lead wherever I can find it for awhile now so have a fair supply of that also. Thanks again, I'll try and find a Win. Highwall if I can, maybe if I take the better half out more often, dinner - dancing I can increase the amount I can safely spend - yea right who am I kidding. Peter

[iowa]

Pistolfan:  Take Ray's advise.  For the money you can't go wrong by buying a Browning BPCR in either 45-70 or 40-65.  I have bought several in the $1250 range, with excellent wood and of course the Badger barrel. They shoot great.   Most will come with the Browning soule sights, which are only marginal for serious work, but will get you started.   Stay away from the Traditional Hunter model though, as it I believe uses different rifling and is not exactly suitable for BP.  I have Shiloh Sharps at nearly three times the price of the Browning, and believe me you just can't beat the Browning.    Best regards steve witt

[muzzleloader73]

hello, check out csharps 1885's. the wait is about 6 month's. it is built like the early one's. they come to full cock when you close the action. glad i bought one and not the browning. much better made. have you reloaded cartridge's with black powder before? if not, forget about anything you know about smokeless reloading. different ballgame, but enjoy. i've had alot of fun with mine in 45-70. thanks

[TexasMac]

muzzleloader73

Have you actually owned and shot a Browning?  Just wondering since you said the CSharps were "much better made.  I have several Browning and have checked out the C Sharps.  I don't own a C Sharps, so can't compare how they shoot, but I'd be hard pressed to say they are much better made.  I grant you the Browning's don't copy the original Winchester actions but they are very well-made rifles.  

By the way, you also mentioned "they come to full cock when you close the action".  Are you implying the Browning's do not?  When I cycle the action of my Browning's they are certainly in full cock when I close the action.

Regards,
Wayne

[Ray Newman]

TX Mac: you're Dead Nuts on!

Also, the Browning BPCR comes w/  an aperture front sight w/ spirit level & a wind adjustable vernier rear. The BPCR model is all set up to be competitive in silhouette, paper punchin', or long range.

If 'ya wanna' a heavy weight barrel, pistol grip &/or cheek rest, C. Sharps charges you extra. Such items are standard on the BPCR.

@ one time, C. Sharps advertised that their rifles had badger barrels. I couldn't find anything on their web site about barrels. Is this still the case?

[Dana C]

I have a 45.90 C Sharps that is wonderful.  I have also owned a Browning BPCR which foolishly I sold.  The C Sharps will shoot 45-70's to the same point of aim up to 100 yards and is very accurate, even with a buck horn ladder iron sight.  
Yes, they come with Badger Barrels.

[Tackleberry]

Consider the Marlin/ H&R1871 Buffalo Classic..in 45-70...very accurate, and I believe with the right sights can hold it's own against the Rolling Blocks and Sharps and I own both of the others...Buffalo Classic can be had for under 400.00

[Bear Rider]

Tackleberry,

I suspect that somewhere out there a group is gathering up chain, a post, firewood, and torches; getting ready to roast the heretic. 

[Oklahomabound]

Single shot or lever action?  Modern or replica of old rifle?  I like shooting my Pedersoli U. S. Springfield trapdoor carbine; also like shooting the H&R Buffalo Classic; however, I love to shoot my Chaparral Arms 1876 Winchester lever action .40-60.  All depends on what it is you're looking for and whatcha goin' do with it.

[Lead pot]

Hey Iowa;

Hey Steve, I have a .40/65 and a .45/70 Browning I will swap you for that Shiloh, might even throw in a original trap door carbine with a mint bore you can swap George fer something ifit's the right caliber

Kurt