Just got back from the range

[Doc Hoy]

Took along five tools.

New Henry in .357 and a Cattleman also in .357. Unfortunately I neglected to take along any .357 ammunition so it was a little embarrassing.

I had loaded some .45LC for a comparison of 777 and Pyrodex. The platform was the Rossi M92 Carbine. Fun to shoot. I noted about 70 fps more with 777 than with Pyrodex from that rifle. About 1160 as compared with 1230. The load was 27 grains by volume from a Redding powder measure. Used a card and then cornmeal for filler. I sure do like that power measure for cartridges.

Also took along the trapdoor carbine with the new sight. Perhaps you recall I made a new sight for it because the first one was too short. This one is too tall which I was pretty sure would be the case. I'll take it down a bit and then smooth it up at the range the next time out.

Took the new Sharps along as well. Very interesting comparison with the trapdoor. I was using a 405 RNFP from a Lee mold. That was backed up by 70 grains of 777. Both rifles shot between 1250 and 1300 fps. I imagine that I can hold a closer group with the Sharps. No surprise since the Trapdoor is 130years old. The Sharps sight is a little more user friendly.

I did learn something about the Sharps action. It is not a good idea to close the breach with the hammer forward. The rifle discharges when you close the breach. This is why I never shoot with anyone else around.

Saw about a six or seven foot snake. It did not appear to be interested in shooting, so I left it alone.

[bedbugbilly]

Doc - sounds like you had a fun day. Interesting comment on the Sharps and closing the breech with the hammer down. Makes sense after you talk about it but I would imagine it was quite a surprise for you! :eek: I wonder if any of the other Sharps shooters on here have had the same experience?

You shoule have invited the snake to shoot with you - would have given a whole new meaning to "bore snake"! :D

Glad you had a good day to shoot - nice to have a day without rain! :)

[Jim Watson]

I did learn something about the Sharps action. It is not a good idea to close the breach with the hammer forward. The rifle discharges when you close the breach. This is why I never shoot with anyone else around.

It is not a good idea to open the breach with the hammer forward, either.
You risk a broken firing pin as the breechblock drags it out of the indent.

Me? I like modern guns that do it all for me, like Winchester Single Shot.

Y'all be careful, now, you hear?

[n5lyc]

but modern weapons don't have the personality that old ones do.

While i do have and use modern weapons, when it comes to recreational relaxing shooting, it needs to be made out of steel, wood, and made before 1960..

Ian

[Jim Watson]

Uh, my "modern" Winchester was made in 1899 so it is a year too new to be a BATF antique.
But it is still made out of blue steel and walnut and shoots black powder.
It just has the advantage of a self cocking centrally hung hammer.

[Doc Hoy]

BBB,

Yes was a big surprise. When it happened I stopped and asked myself, what if I had brought another person along? What if the rifle were not pointed downrange when it happened? Pretty scary.

Jim,

Good tip and it makes complete sense. A day is not wasted upon which you learn something.

5N,

I agree with you as regards personality.

Jim,

I want one of those too. Had a chance on a 94 Marlin for 475.00 at the gun show, but I had already spent my pennies on the Henry. Did I say, that is the same Henry that I failed to take ammunition for?

:o

[Dan_D]

Glad to hear that something that could have ended badly, didn't. Something to chalk up in the experience file and to serve as a good warning to others.