To the Major and Sean Thorton and others interested;
The 45-120-550 did in fact did live and had a reputation among those who owned it. About 2000 were produced and the stamp fell upon the reciever of this gun as "Old Reliable". Frank Mayer one of the few 'runners' who WAS THERE and life was chronicled states, that he purchased one in 1875 a 45-120-550 for the price of 267.60 dollars. They were getting 3.00 dollars per hide then. He mounted it with a scope as was his 45-90-420. He further states" I was never sorry for a minute that I bought it, because this rifle, "OLD RELIABLE" Sharps which was quickly dubbed the "Sharps Buffalo," became questionably the best, the deadliest rifle ever made in America......"if my life depended on one shot from one rifle and I could have my choice, I'd rather have my "Sharps Buff" in my hands than any other gun. Does that convince you."
Mr. Mayer and his reputation as a 'runner' and business man on the plains still remains today. His first serious rifle for the task was a 45-90- 420 bought from Colonel Richard Irving Dodge in about 1872 for 125.00 dollars. It was toped with a A. Vollmer (German) 20 power scope. With two additional hairs supplemented to seperate 30 inches at 200 yards. He found this combination to be lethal and argues that he never needed anything more to do the job.
It is also interesting that he spent 50 per cent more for English powder at the time because the preasures were higher and "burnt decidely moisture". He was speaking of Curtis Harvey and Pigou, Laurence & Williams.
Get rid of the buy American concept. These guys wanted the best price but the best quality and they did not seem to care where it came from. Theres "period thinking for you". That surley would supress some of the common arguments bantered around now, won't it?
He speaks clearly that during this hey day the shooters for the most part were divided between Sharps men and Remington men. He went for the straight case as there was less trouble after frequent loadings. He also shot patched pills. He states because of the lack of paper on the plains they used antelope skin shaved thin for thier patching.
There is also talk and controversey to the 45-125-550. My reading and understanding to this is that it is the same cardridge as the 120 but thinner case thus allowing more volume. He does not speak of the 2.6 and 2.7/8 in his writings.
He speaks to the issue of the 40 caliber as being to light on Buff but was fine for target, deer and antelope size game. One interesting note is that Mayer seemed to disdain the word "Buffalo Hunter" as it was a name used by tenderfoots and greenhorns. The name they reffered to and among others was a "runner". They run all over the plains to find the Buff. An interesting note and man. We are lucky that someone (Charles B. Roth) during the modern time took the time to capture his story before it was lost. Thats my four bits.
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