I just picked up a new Winchester 1885 sporter in 45/70.

This is my first falling block and while I assume it's normal, I wanted to ask to make sure... when loaded and closed, the top edge of the cartridge rim is visible between the breech block and the rear of the barrel/breech face... normal?

Haven't had a chance to shoot it yet, but the fit/finish is pretty nice on this gun. 24" octagon barrel, a very solid, well-made, well-balanced feel.

The semi-buckhorn sight has to go though... my eyes ain't what they used to be.

quote:

This is my first falling block and while I assume it's normal, I wanted to ask to make sure... when loaded and closed, the top edge of the cartridge rim is visible between the breech block and the rear of the barrel/breech face... normal?

It´s OK.

I have two older Browning High Walls, made in the middle of the ´90. Great rifles. At the moment, I saw an BPCR rifle. Thank god, that I haven´t enough money at the moment.
http://www.theduke.de/shop_en/...ifle-bpcr_91996_2300

Martin

For anybody interested in spending a fortune for a single shot, I suggest the following for domestic content:

This is the Quigley 1874 Sharps, available for a touch under $3300. Caliber is 45-110 (45-2 7/8) or 45/70. Made by Shiloh Sharps Rifles, Big Timber Montana.

This particular model with the barrel collar and the tiny carbine steel buttplate is perhaps my LEAST favorite of them all. Splendid maker, splendid action, splendid cartridge! So, you ask, what's the problem then?

The carbine buttplate will kick the snot out of you and IMO the barrel collar is UGLY.
Regards, Joe

quote:

Originally posted by J.D.Steele:
This particular model with the barrel collar and the tiny carbine steel buttplate is perhaps my LEAST favorite of them all. Splendid maker, splendid action, splendid cartridge! So, you ask, what's the problem then?

The carbine buttplate will kick the snot out of you and IMO the barrel collar is UGLY.
Regards, Joe

Joe,

I have a Winchester '86 made by Browning in .45/70 mit a similar problem. Full house loads kick the s*** out of you. So I use reduced loads for practice.

I hear reports that Quigley Company bought three of those Sharps and even one with Aluminum barrel as prop because real deal couldn't swing fast enough in fight scenes, etc. 34" octogon was heavier than heck.

Not my choice either, I prefer the big Winchester. Replaced buckhorn with reciever peep.

DC, my own '86 (original with M71 breechbolt & guts and Shilen carbine barrel) weighs 7.5 lbs and my favorite 'fight-stopper' load pushes the 457125 Government 535-gr bullet to a chronographed 1725 fps.

I don't shoot it much, it will knock ANYONE'S dingaling in the dirt!
Regards, Joe