Replicating Some Vintage Target Groups

[Savvy Jack]

Winchester's Model 1866 during the 1866 Switzerland Trials at 300 Paces, 250 yards.

Although the 1866 was chambered in 44 Henry at an advertised 1,125fps, I used the Winchester 73' 44-40 at 1,350fps with smokeless rifle powder....and a 6x scope. I needed all the advantages I could get to even the playing field against those Swiss sharpshooters!!

 

[Nature Boy]

Pretty cool Jack!

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

Nice shooting Jack!

I don't suppose any Swiss Vetterli shooters were sharing your range on the day?

 

[Savvy Jack]

Nice shooting Jack!

I don't suppose any Swiss Vetterli shooters were sharing your range on the day?

Great video, never seen one before!!!!

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

Great video, never seen one before!!!!

They are funky cool rifles -- and challenging, since you first have to convert them from rimfire to centerfire and then make your own ammo. All are pre-1898, so UPS can deliver them to your door without the usual ATF paperwork.

I seem to be hooked; I've bought a couple so far.




BTW, if you haven't seen this yet, there's a good history vid on the Swiss Vetterli that discusses the Winchester 1866 connection in some detail:

 

[Savvy Jack]

Thanks Dave, that does shed a little more light on why they were there.