Cool Gun at the Range Yesterday

[denton]

Pre Civil War Sharps, military arsenal converted to 50-70 black powder cartridge. The old bore had been drilled out, and a new rifled 50 cal insert installed, and the percussion cap mechanism modified to provide a firing pin.

I think that may be the oldest functioning firearm I've seen in use at the range. And it is still a formidable weapon.

It was kind of a neat experience.

 

[Tommygunn]

No pictures?! DANG!


Seriously though it sounds like a really fascinating weapon!

 

[Jim Watson]

A friend has one. About minute of Commanche accurate since it has the original barrel, but a real man (horse) stopper.
I think the criterion for relining Sharps conversions was that anything up to .5225" would be left with the original 6 groove rifling, anything over would be relined with the characteristic 3 groove arsenal rifling.

 

[.455_Hunter]

Nice!

One of my most memorable range experiences was shooting a gentleman's similar vintage .577 Synder Conversion Carbine.