Shiloh Rifle Forums

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

Well the wait is over just today Bill Goodman call me and said he has my carbine. That wasn’t that bad of a wait 16 months
I ordered a standard 22” barrel military butt plate, semi fancy wood, inletted swivels in 50-70 government. Was going to drive to Bozeman to pick it up but his schedule and my didn’t work so another week or so until I have it in hand. Carbines are coming in.

Bart

HI you may want to think about giving Steve Brooks a call and have him make you a mold. He will make you what ever you want and if your not sure i am sure he could tell you what would work well for what you want to do. I have three of his molds and every single one shoots great in my Shiloh Rifle !!

Would anyone have a picture of the 1874 military carbine with a shotgun stock that they could post? I am in the comtemplation stage of getting up my own .50-70 order and was would like to see how it looks.

namsag wrote: ↑Wed Jun 21, 2023 7:27 am Would anyone have a picture of the 1874 military carbine with a shotgun stock that they could post? I am in the comtemplation stage of getting up my own .50-70 order and was would like to see how it looks.

I just received my 1874 carbine a few weeks ago in 50-70, military style buttplate. Is that what you mean by shotgun? There's no shotgun option on the order page.

I have my Military Carbine on order and deviated from conventional wisdom ,pack hardened, patch box (wanted all that metal pack hardened) 24” round barrel and chambered for 40-50 SBN (lovely little cartridge with Kirk’s blessing) bedded,plain wood. I will add the sling swivels when it’s time for final decisions as this will be my Wyoming Whitetail rifle.
I found a set of RCBS case forming dies and CH4D had dies on the shelf a Steve Brooks adjustable mould for original Sharps bullet. I have been forming brass and ready load some up. Thank you Powder Burner for your help.

You are most welcome. That is gonna be a great rifle. And while the ctg looks small next to a 2&7/8 its a pretty go getter.

Had I known about the 40-50 SBN before my 40-70 SS it would be the 40-50 SBN simply because the ability to make brass from 45-70 and similar performance.