Rolling Block Project - Suggestions

[Hargrave]

Hello Pard's

I have an old Rolling Block action from a .43 Spanish rifle. I want to use this as the basis for a new buffalo gun. This rifle was picked up at a local gun show by my 15 year old daughter and she wants a Buff gun .... God Bless her heart !!

Ok, Now the questions ... who do you recommend for this? I am NO GUNSMITH and would like to get her something made right and have her participate in the process.

Thanks,
Jacob

[rifle]

Get a copy of a "Black Powder Cartridge News" magazine SPG And Steve Garbe puts out and look thru it fer gunsmiths that work with re-barreling.

Have someone magnaflux the receiver tosee if there are any unseen fractures in it.

[Trailrider]

Get a copy of a "Black Powder Cartridge News" magazine SPG And Steve Garbe puts out and look thru it fer gunsmiths that work with re-barreling.

Have someone magnaflux the receiver tosee if there are any unseen fractures in it.

Roger that last! Also, you need to have the pivot pins checked for flattening, and the receiver needs to be especially checked for cracks in the main pivot holes.  You probably should have the firing pin hole in the breechblock face bushed and a smaller diameter pin fitted.  What cartridge are you planning to use?  I would recommend sticking with a cartridge based on the .45-70 head, rather than the .50-70 head, as the smaller diameter means less backthrust on the breech, though the difference isn't significant. (Recoil will be less with the smaller round.)  Best of luck with your project.

[PJ Hardtack]

I think you've got that backwards. As the owner of two Shiloh 50-70's (one a carbine), one Shiloh Business Rifle in 45-70, two .50 Shiloh '63's (one a carbine), a 45-70 Rem RB, a .43 Spanish RB,  two H&R Trapdoors (one a carbine) and a Browning '86, I beg to differ .....

When I was casting about trying to decide what calibre to order for a carbine, I spoke to the late Dave Higginbottom(sp.?), founder  of Lone Star Rifle. His advice was a 50-70.

Why? the same amount of powder and lead that would rattle your teeth in a light 45-70 is tame in a 50-70. Why? He explained it as simple ballistic physics - the greater diameter = less pressure = less recoil.

Your comment cannot be based on experience.

I would recommend sticking with a cartridge based on the .45-70 head, rather than the .50-70 head, as the smaller diameter means less backthrust on the breech, though the difference isn't significant. (Recoil will be less with the smaller round.)  Best of luck with your project.

[Rowdy Fulcher]

Howdy
I called Lone Star Rifle Company and talked with Dave several years ago .    He suggested the 50-70 and went on to explain the advantages of that round .