I am planning a buffalo hunting trip to Montana while my wife is out there visiting friends. I am wanting to piece together my own rifle and use it. Other then picking out caliber where should I start? I do plan of having a gunsmith do some of the work and checks to make sure it good to go.
For me it would have to be a .45-70 Sharps just for the historical aspect. Good luck and enjoy your trip.
For me it would have to be a .45-70 Sharps just for the historical aspect. Good luck and enjoy your trip.
Thanks everyone. I know the caliber I am wanting to use is a .45-70. I may look into buying a historic firearm or having one built for the reason Squirt said.
For me it would have to be a .45-70 Sharps just for the historical aspect. Good luck and enjoy your trip.
45-70 is a good caliber. Depending on distance, there are more powerful cartridges. I don't know what your skill level is with iron sighted black powder firearms. I'm guessing that you are somewhat new to it? If that is the case, please familiarize yourself with the information available on some of the BPCR information available on numerous websites.
I've worked on a number of Sharps rifles over the years. If you aren't going to lay out the bucks for a Shiloh or equivalent, then a Pedersoli built Sharps is a good Italian rifle. I'd stay away from Chiappa.
Vernier sights are expensive (for a reason).
If you have the time, try to get down to Friendship for one of the BPCR matches. You'll learn a lot and save yourself money by not buying wrong.
45-70 is one of my favorite calibers, currently have a Browning 1886, Browning BPCR High Wall, Marlin 1895 GBL, and an Encore pistol in 45-70.
All are very viable firearms for fun and hunting.
The Single shot BPCR is an excellent, accurate gun but does require time and effort to utilize correctly. It would be a classic Buffalo hunting arm.
What ever you decide on, take time and practice. Your hunt sounds like a hoot!!!
Don