I remember reading somewhere that well heeled folk who could afford train travel west would shoot at the buffalo out of the moving train windows as if they were pests, there were so many. It seems inconceivable today.
I inherited a Shiloh Sharps replica in 50-70 from my brother when he passed. He was a Civil War buff/collector. He had it made as a military musket. I bought 20 cartridges at a gun show in Louisville. Shot two just for fun, then cleaned it. The thing is so heavy there is no recoil.
In addition to the rifle being heavy, black powder recoils different from modern smokeless powder. Black powder is more of a shove versus a kick. As long as you're standing or sitting where you can allow it to push you back a little, no problem. Shooting prone isn't much fun. I've shot a 50 cal muzzleloader with 90 grain powder charge all day long (used up a whole cannister of powder) with no ill effect. Fun times. I've shot a friend's Winchester .300 mag 5 times and put it down, done for the day. Completely different recoil.
Julia's Guns and Morphy's auctions...bring money, lots of money. I've been to their auctions in Ephrata PA. They have stuff you've only read about, let alone seen. Each time I've gone, I've said to myself, WTF am I doing here? Guns go for astronomical figures most times, then a 20 to 25% buyers premium and 6% PA sales tax.
I remember reading somewhere that well heeled folk who could afford train travel west would shoot at the buffalo out of the moving train windows as if they were pests, there were so many.
ReplyDeleteIt seems inconceivable today.
This time-honored tradition continues to this day in most inner city neighborhoods.
ReplyDeleteI inherited a Shiloh Sharps replica in 50-70 from my brother when he passed. He was a Civil War buff/collector. He had it made as a military musket. I bought 20 cartridges at a gun show in Louisville. Shot two just for fun, then cleaned it. The thing is so heavy there is no recoil.
ReplyDeleteIn addition to the rifle being heavy, black powder recoils different from modern smokeless powder. Black powder is more of a shove versus a kick. As long as you're standing or sitting where you can allow it to push you back a little, no problem. Shooting prone isn't much fun. I've shot a 50 cal muzzleloader with 90 grain powder charge all day long (used up a whole cannister of powder) with no ill effect. Fun times. I've shot a friend's Winchester .300 mag 5 times and put it down, done for the day. Completely different recoil.
DeleteJulia's Guns and Morphy's auctions...bring money, lots of money. I've been to their auctions in Ephrata PA. They have stuff you've only read about, let alone seen. Each time I've gone, I've said to myself, WTF am I doing here? Guns go for astronomical figures most times, then a 20 to 25% buyers premium and 6% PA sales tax.
ReplyDelete