H&R 38-55

[Doc O]

I don't know if this is the correct forum for this quetion but I'll try it. The H&R 38-55 target rifle. Does it qualify for any of the cowboy shooting organizations? If so which organization, if not, why not. I have been told it can not be used in the NCOWS shoots, but I've never got a explanation. I hope some can explain this to me. I"ve been thinking of getting one but do not want to just let it hang on the wall. Thank you for your help.

[Black River Smith]

Sir, I went back and read all of your other 9 posts since you joined this board a month ago.  I don't see where the topic of H&R was ever mentioned by you, in any of those posting.  So when did you or who did you ask this question of and then 'never got a(n) explanation'?

I don't know about the other organizational approval.........     but 'You' can answer your own question if you can tell me just what 'period single shot rifle' this modern H&R emulates (looks like)? OR Is it a copy of any original single shot (Sharps, Remingtion, Ballard, Winchester Highwall, etc...) during the period of 1866 to 1899?  OR Was it originally produced by Harrington & Richards during that same time period?

By all means get what you like or desire but don't hold NCOWS at fault for not believing that this rifle representing an 1866 to 1899 period firearm.

The NCOWS unapproved list clearly lists the H&R, as not approved.  This decision comes about based on the evaluations of several well versed firearms studiers and enthusiast, holding membership within the club.  Then their recommendations are voted on by the membership through the Congress, Senator and Reps.

Yes, NCOWS has approved some firearms (like Rugers Vaq) because of lack of available copy guns at the time of Club creation.  But there are several very good copies & some lower priced rifles that better represent period firearms than this modern H&R single shot. 

Also remember these single shots have very, very limited use during a shooting match.  This is a specialty firearms.  I have been a member of NCOWS for 9 years and have never, never fired a single shot at any NCOWS match.

So please don't evaluate NCOWS membership or rulings on this one type of firearms.

[Silver Creek Slim]

It can be used for SASS. NCOWS has determined that it is not close enough in resemblance to a rifle produced during the time period.  By the way, it would make a good deer rifle.

Slim

[Irish Dave]

Doc O:
Sorry that your questions were not answered elsewhere, I'll try to answer them here.

The H&R you describe is not approved for NCOWS matches. It has not been approved as it is not a reproduction of any specific rifle used during our period. Sharps, Ballards, High Walls, Rolling Blocks and etc. would be examples of "period correct" rifles as deemed by the NCOWS Congress (our member-elected governing body).

NCOWS single shot competitions fall mainly into two categories: Long Range matches and Buffalo matches.
In the Long Range category any approved rifle may be used.
In the Buffalo matches, NCOWS limits rifles to those commonly used during the heyday of the Buffalo hunting era and, as such, later rifles, such as the Winchester High Wall for example are not allowed in those matches.

I cannot speak for other organizations, but I hope this answers your question regarding its use for NCOWS.
Thanks for posting your question and for your interest. It is my belief that it is always best to ask questions first about an item's acceptance than to spend hard-earned dollars only to find out later that something cannot be used.

--Dave

[Doc O]

Black River Smith
      I was not holding NCOWS at fault. All I wanted to know was if this rifle did or did not fall into any catagories. And seeing as it does not then I will keep on with my rolling block. Thanks for everyones reply Doc O

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Dave gave you a great explanation. I have one of the H&R 38-55 rifles. It's a good gun, but not a copy of anything. Not even close. You can shoot it in the plainsman events in SASS but that's about the size of it. Otherwise, like Slim said, it's a good deer rifle.