Bull Barrels

Sagittarius · Post by **Sagittarius** » Wed Dec 24, 2003 8:00 pm

I have been looking at all the fine rifles on the Shiloh Website.
I noticed that optional 14lb and 16lb bull barrels are available.
What are the purpose for such heavy barrels ?
It is because some of the original Sharps rifles were available with extra heavy barrels and they are considered traditional, or to cut down recoil for the larger calibers ?
Are they round or octogon, since there are no pics ?
Thanks for any information.

Paul

Lee Stone · Post by **Lee Stone** » Thu Dec 25, 2003 6:39 am

Saggitarius,

I was hoping one of the really knowledgeable gentlemen who frequent this Forum would answer you, so I did not jump in last night.

The heavy bull barrels perform two primary functions. One, is to provide weight to the rifle so as to reduce perceived recoil of the larger calibres. Two, is that the thicker metal, therefore heavier, reduces the harmonic vibrations which are set up in any barrel any time a bullet is propelled throught it. This of course improves the accuracy potential for that barrel. Both functions will contribute to improved accuracy of a rifle. I have seen some target rifles that gave one the impression that the barrel was made from an axel of a railroad car they were so thick and heavy.

As a matter of personal taste, I do not care for the esthetics of a bull barrel. I think that Shiloh's heavy octagon barrel is the epitamy of beautiful and graceful appearance, therefore, both rifles I currently have on order are ordered with the heavy octagon barrel. But the bull barrels in my eye are a bit cluncky looking. But, as the old lady said when she kissed the calf, it is all a matter of taste.

Lee Stone · Post by **Lee Stone** » Thu Dec 25, 2003 6:44 am

One more quick note. If you go to the second page of the web site catalogue of rifle models, scroll all the way down to the last rifle shown, it has a bull barrel. I do not know whether it is the 14 pound or 16 pound barrel. Comparing it to the heavy octagon barrel on the rifle immediately above, I am guessing it is a 14 pounder barrel, but I do not actually know.

Sagittarius · Post by **Sagittarius** » Thu Dec 25, 2003 10:26 am

Thanks for the information, Lee.
I was so dumb that I didn't notice the icon for page 2 at the bottom of page 1 and didn't click on it to see the bull barrel on the bottom of page 2.
I was just curious about the bull barrels and thought I would ask about them.
Don't own a Sharps but have admired them for a long time.
To my eyes, they're the most beautiful rifle ever made.
Especially, with the fancy wood and other custom features.

Paul

Lee Stone · Post by **Lee Stone** » Thu Dec 25, 2003 2:14 pm

I agree with you about the Sharps being the most beautiful design. Naturally, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but in my eye the Sharps design is the most beautiful. And the Shiloh Sharps are the most beautiful of all.

Texas Shooter · Post by **Texas Shooter** » Thu Dec 25, 2003 11:36 pm

Sagitarrious:

I case you want to see another picture, there is a Shiloh 16# 30" barrel gun for sale at GunBroker.com.

http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewIt ... m=14652601

Hope this helps,

Texas Shooter

Sagittarius · Post by **Sagittarius** » Fri Dec 26, 2003 12:21 am

Texas Shooter,

Thanks for the link with the pic of the 16lb barrel.
Saved it to my computer documents.
Boy, that thing is huge but should soak up the recoil.
I believe, Lee is right in that the regular heavy octogan barrel looks best.

Paul

Texas Shooter · Post by **Texas Shooter** » Fri Dec 26, 2003 12:25 am

Sagittarious:

At several grade a piece, quality, performance AND looks are very important.

I'm glad it helped,

Texas Shooter

Lee Stone · Post by **Lee Stone** » Fri Dec 26, 2003 10:10 am

Saggitarius,

Check your Private Messages.

Texas Shooter · Post by **Texas Shooter** » Fri Dec 26, 2003 2:00 pm

OOOPS.

Make that, "several Grand", a piece instead of, "several grade".

I must of had a , "Senior Moment".

Texas Shooter