I was talking with my nephew from Mississippi this weekend, and he was asking if I knew anything about a low cost 45-70. Seems Mississippi now allows the use of single-shot 45-70's during blackpowder/primitive season.

Anyway, the thought struck me that if you're willing to stick to trapdoor pressures (and a 100 yd gun) that a break top action shotgun would make a dandy base for a low cost 45-70. Has anyone tried this, seen it down or have any idea what would be involved.

You will better served on this by going to the single shot forum.

Hog Killer

New England Firearms did make a 45-70 handi rifle. At black powder levels it is plenty strong and shootable.

The gunsmithing involved in having a break open shotgun fit with a new barrel would be prohibitive. There are some folks that make barrel inserts for shotguns, but they don't have an extractor and you have to carry a ramrod to remove the fired case.

why not the new encore pro. in 45-70? is that to expensive? what pricerange were you thinking?

H&R made one some time back called something like the Shakari or something like that.

H&R made one for several years. It was called the Shakri (SP). I used to have one it had a 28 or 30 inch barrel.

NEF/H&R still make the .45-70 in 2 versions, the 22" barreled Handi-Rifle and the 32" barreled Buffalo Classic, both are rated for levergun loads and then some, they're real popular for the so-called Mississippi "primitive" season, the .38-55, ,44mag and .500S&W are also available from NEF/H&R and legal for that season. The Handis at $200 or just a little more are priced right, no need to try to convert a shotgun. The Mississippi approved primitive firearms are listed on the MDWFP site below.

http://www.mdwfp.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10913

www.hr1871.com

I have a handi rifle in 45/70 it shoots good and has taken every load I have put in it.I do not recommend it but I have used the lower Ruger #1 loads with no problems and accuracy is pretty good Dave