1874 Military 50-70

[bohemianway]

Since this has grown into 1868 conversion etc. I will add that very early 50-70 1874 military (and possibly carbine) models (built in 1871) also had large bore six groove barrels. Must have been using up old stock and since not for government contract anything goes.

Charles

[ndnchf]

Off topic I know, but a lighter recoiling alternative is the .50-45 cartridge. It is plenty powerful for deer at reasonable range, accurate and easier on the shoulder. My M1867 Navy rolling block clone is a good example. It simply has a shorter chamber than the .50-70. It would make a dandy 1874 carbine

[George Babits]

Another excellent choice with lighter recoil is the 56-50 Spencer CF round. That is right up there witht he 50 carbine round. I have a Peabody carbine in that caliber and it is very pleasent to shoot. I wonder if Shiloh would chamber that round in a carbine? I think the original 50-70 rounds were also loaded down for the carbines as were the 45-70s. If you want to carry it just a little further, I wouldn't hesitate to hunt deer with my 50 caliber Maynard percussion carbine.

George

[Cabinfever35]

Wow guys what a history lesson. I didn’t know that was so much to learn about the sharps carbine maybe I should buy a book and study up on it. I did call Kirk we talked about the twist rate about the carbine I will have him make it 1:22 that should work the best for me. Maybe it’s not period correct but it’s a custom gun any how. The rest of the gun is in the making of what I need it for elk hunting.

Bart

[VenisonRX]

A lot of the 1874s produced were custom anyways. Even most of the bulk orders were to the specs of dealers out west. If I remember correctly the only big exception to that was the business rifle and even then there were some non standard ones. So technically speaking your custom gun is still period. Honestly though when you get it you aren’t going to care. It sounds like it’s going to be a really cool gun.

[George Babits]

Bart,

Make sure that 1 in 22 twist will stabalize a 450 grain bullet. From what I've read that fast twist is for shooting 600+ grain bullets. That would kill on both ends in a carbine.

George

[bohemianway]

As George states the 1:22 is fast for the lighter bullets you should be using. I have original and Shiloh 16lb rifle with shotgun butt 1:22 and the 600 grainers are uncomfortable. In a carbine it would be horrendous. I know that they charge an extra $75 for the optional 1:36 twist but it would reduce the torque on the gun and typically better groups from the lighter bullets.

[Cabinfever35]

Guys when I talked with Kirk a 1:22 will do just fine with 450 gr bullet. 450 gr. and less is when it’s possible to over spin. I will get one full spin when the bullet leaves the barrel in a 22” carbine. I will not be hunting with less then 450 gr. I’m looking at Accurate molds the 51-480RP , 51-500A design. They both have a big meplat for hunting and cast 30:1 should have good expansion and penetration for a clean kill. Thanks for your input.

Bart