Falling block works

[KY DAN]

I traded for a falling block rifle this weekend at a gun show.

The action is marked as the title of this thread states.

The barrel is siegrist with no caliber designation.

The seller told me it was 32-40 and the barrel is full of unburned powder and is smokeless as there is no rust or corrosion.

*does anyone know anything about this rifle or company, was it custom or a factory offering?

* what is the effectiveness and range of a 32/40 with smokeless powder?

 

[eastbank]

the 32-40 was a very good target round in its day, with 165 gr bullets at 1700+fps would be a very good hunting round for deer.

 

[Oldschool shooter]

Falling block works made some fine actions in the day. Not sure if they are still around, I know they were not cheap. Sounds like you bought a real nice custom built rifle.

 

[earplug]

About 1977, I built a 44 REM MAG using a Falling Block action. This was a factory second due to surface blemishes. My school had a source for the actions. Simple extractor system. no issue building up a decent rifle. The advent of the Ruger No1 pretty much killed the competition.

 

[Hookeye]

FWIW the Ruger #1 came out in '67.
Dunno how long it took to become popular

 

[wiscoaster]

Pics required!!

 

[Nature Boy]

Pics required!!

yes, otherwise this thread is just a theoretical discussion

 

[Jim Watson]

As I recall, the FBW was somewhat a lookalike for the Highwall, but different in detail. It got good write-ups in its day.
I had to search to find even the name for Siegrist barrels, he has a good reputation, too.

.32-40 still has some interest for cast bullet target shooting. It doesn't even show up in SAAMI specs but old factory loads had a 165 gr JSP at 1435 fps with at one time a high velocity load at 1750 fps.
In a strong single shot like that, with a long barrel, it has been pushed close to .30-30 ballistics. I once saw an advertisement for a double express rifle in .32-40 stated to regulate with a heavy load like that.