The Accurate Reloading Forums
Rare .50 single shot rifle
20 March 2010, 23:20
Big Bore FanRare .50 single shot rifle
My dad got an old single shot carbine, made ~1876. It´s looks like a experimental service rifle, with a side moving breech block. The chamber is a long .50 round, with a nearly straight wall case. Nearly 2" long. I cann´t find this round in any of my books. Everyone can help.
Martin
21 March 2010, 20:53
Idaho Sharpshooter50-70 Government is an inch and seven-eighths long. New brass, bullet moulds, and reloading dies are available from several sources here. Buffalo Arms, Midway, Grafs, to name three.
Rich
21 March 2010, 22:04
Big Bore FanThanks Rich,
I know the .50-70 and it´s possible to use it. But this isn´t the point. In germany it´s importend to know the correct cartridge name, for the gun collector permit and the registration.
Without, it´s not impossible, but difficult.
Martin
22 March 2010, 04:48
RVL IIIHave you done a chamber cast?
Not sure where to get one over there, I think Midway or maybe even RCBS used to sell them.
Robert
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22 March 2010, 12:29
Big Bore Fanquote:
Have you done a chamber cast?
Yes, I did. It looks like a .50-70, but the case must be longer, ~2 inch. My dads means it´s a .50 US carbine, but this case is shorter than a .50-70. The next possible is the .50-95WCF but this round was introduced ~1879. But the rifle is marked 1876.
Martin
27 March 2010, 22:58
Big Bore FanHere same pic´s from the rifle and the cast.
At the tang I found the year 1874.
Martin
29 March 2010, 06:37
Jerry LilesThe rifle is a Phoenix. They were made about 1874 to 1885 and are based on a patent by Eli Whitney. There is a nice write up in de Haas' "Single Shot Rifles and actions." It was never used as a military rifle in the US.
Jerry Liles
29 March 2010, 12:41
Big Bore FanHey Jerry,
thank you very, very much. Your answer is a great help for me.
At the moment, I´m meaning it´s a .50-70.
Thanks to all.
Martin
30 March 2010, 00:26
Jerry Liles50-70 is likely correct. they were made in a number of chamberings including the 50-70.
Jerry Liles
30 March 2010, 17:46
GatogordoIf that's the original finish it looks to be in really nice shape. Interesting rifle.
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31 March 2010, 00:18
Big Bore Fanquote:
If that's the original finish it looks to be in really nice shape.
Yes, it´s a really interesting rifle, with original finish and very good condition. The barrel is good and without any rust. First, I would have it, but a good friend have a permit to collect "western" guns made up to 1900. And so he get it.
Martin
24 February 2011, 04:43
L. David KeithDesign is definately for mounted cavalry. Good looking carbine.
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