I'm wanting to buy a 4570 and was just wondering which rifle you folks recomend. I would love to have a Ballard but this is way beyond my means at this time, maybe in a couple of years but not now. Of course it must be a single shot. Rolling block, falling block or similar action. Something that can be used for hunting and paper and I am not a lover of lightweight rifles. I like the heavy stuff that kicks and makes lots of noise. So how about some recommendations.
Roadtrash

I used to have a Ruger No1 because I was swayed by the "it will take loads beyound you wildest dreams" syndrome. Yes the Ruger can be loaded to almost 458Mag velocities. It kicks like a mule and kills like thunder however it didn't offer any challange over any other factory hunting rifle.



Then I discovered Sharps. Black powder, iron sights big projectiles (550gn)and a whole lot of fun. With enough energy to knock over a 40lb steel ram at 500yds and accuracy approaching MOA with that big projectile what more could a true hunter want?





Top to Bottom: 45/70, 50/70 & 40/65





7 consecutive shots - 45/70 Sharps with iron sights and black powder at 100yds

Hey, guy: I lust after a Sharps, Pedersoli, or a Browning. When I check out the pricing on these though, I get "sticker shock". I recently purchased an H&R 1871 "Buffalo Classic" and I love it! Yes it's not as cool or pretty as the aforementioned, but when you consider that they can be had for about $350, I think they are a heck of a value. I've shot mine every day since I got it ( this gun caused me to get a metal plate out at 40 yds -- I can shoot rain, snow, sleet, or shine), and I still get a nice thrill every time I shoot it. Keep in mind, that there are many loads available -- the range is impressively diverse. I shoot in the milder loadings to keep the shoulder from falling off, and allows LOTS of rounds being shot!
Loner

Yes, my first 45-70 was a handi-rifle. I would like the longer barrel of the Buff Classic but I do like my pistol grip stock better (not to mention the pad). Anyway, I should add that these can go up to marlin pressures, so all that Garrett and Buffalo Bore stuff works.

45LCshooter,
You should be able to get a Buffalo Classic and then put a standard rear stock on it...

Jason

I'm not really into black powder, how are the Sharps with smokeless powder? They're pretty expensive but not as much so as the Ballard and I have seen some in the $995 range. Also they are one of the few that you can install a tang sight on. This is a plus. I've never shot a 40-65, how do you like it? Would it make a pretty good deer rifle?
Roadtrash

It comes back to the old story. Something designed for black powder should be used with black powder despite being a new rifle with modern steel etc. etc.



Having said that, I have a friend with a Shiloh 45/120 that shoots smokeless at BP velocities without problems. Likewise other caibres could and have been be used with smokeless.



My Sharps (Pedersoli's) are marked on the barrels "For Black Powder only" and that's the way I use them. Don't think for one moment that this means low power as I can push a 500gn at 1400fps for a lot of energy. With my loading methods I can shoot 40-45 shots between cleaning i.e about the same as smokeless.



Pedersoli's aren't that expensive and many come up on auctions cheap mainly because the previous owner tried them and couldn't get it to shoot accurately. I paid $800 for my last one which had $200 worth of tang sight attached. Another in 40/65 was $750 with Lyman bullet mold, sights, dies and 120 cases. I guess what I'm saying is that you don't have to buy a $3000 Shiloh to be competitive or satisfied.



Just like vintage cars, turn up at your rifle range with one of these, and shooters will come for a look and gather just like bees around a honey pot.

Was curious, did you get you a Sharps yet? As for how they handle smokeless powder, mine does well. But there sure is something about running blackpowder cartridges through it that I dearly am fond of. Guess its the smoke and the deep boom, it's quite a bit of a different tone than with smokeless. Blackpowder I use Swiss and smokeless I use 5744 or IMR 3031. I shoot a 535gr. Postel bullet mainly. Casting those big ole bullets is almost as fun as shooting.

I have a No.1, and lioke it a lot. i think that Buffalo Classic would be nice too, and reasonable in price. The Sharps I like best is the C. Sharps Arms Co. new Model 1875. Had one in .32/40, and it was very accurate.

Shooting the 1874 Sharps 50/70

I have an origional Rolling block navy model in 50/70. Its noy raree or anythjing as its a put together gun from a whole bunch of origional parts. I also have 175 rounds of 50/70 ammo and brass combined some made out of 348 brass others headstamped 50/70. Its fun to shoot and makes folks really look when you pull out them cigar sized rounds(I keep mine in 20 gage shotshell boxes)
I also have a Ruger # 1 in 45/70 and I shoot it mainly with the low end factory loads no big powerful magnum loads for me the std 45/70 load with a 405 grain bullet is plenty powerful enough for me and anything I may want to shoot with it. I love the gun through. Its a blast to shoot just like my rolling block. I have a lot of fun with both rifles which is saying a lot as I mostly don't shoot rifles handguns being my main area of intrest.
Jim L

Roadtrash...
I have shot smokeless in my Pedersoli 45-70 ( it is rated 27,000 PSI) but I recommend blackpowder. Sentimentality and concerns for authenticity aside, it just seems to prefer blackpowder. Not only does it shoot best with it, the sound and feel just seem "right."

As yet I haven't decided on which rifle I will end up with. With the economy being what it is, meaning my wallet, I will probably buy the Ruger No. #1 as it does come at a easier price. I would really like to have a Ballard but they are just too expensive to consider. I like the #1 and already have a #1 in 30-06 that I really enjoy shooting I just NEED a 45-70. I travel a lot in my work and live most of the year in a motorhome and the availability of black powder can sometimes be a problem not to mention in some cases I wouldn't be allowed to have it in the motorhome as it is an explosive. And with the terrorist problem around the country I guess I can see the point especially when I am parked on company property.
Roadtrash

I just added a 45-70 bbl to my Encore collection, and it has been a big success. Kicks the crap out of me and launches a 405 grainer at 2130 fps. Stocks are not expensive and it is a simple matter to get an extra one and add weight...a lot of it if you want.

Just screw it on when you are up for big bore action, and add a premium pad.

Now there's a gun for every occasion! Figuring out when to turn on what might lead to a lot of confusion but it seems everything you might need is in there somewhere.
Roadtrash