Buffalo Classic

[Bodie Bascom]

Thanks everyone.  I did not think that the modern 1895 would be legal, as it does not look historically correct to me. 

[Pancho Peacemaker]

Thanks everyone.  I did not think that the modern 1895 would be legal, as it does not look historically correct to me. 

Just for visual reference.

Pre 1900 Marlin 1895:


Modern Production Marlin 1895:

[Stillwater]

Hi Wall in 45-70  (If you can find one of the Browning replicas from the 1990's, they have beautiful wood.  Winchester still produces these in small batches.  Both are made at the Miroku facility in Japan.)

or

Sharps Shiloh in 45-70

or

Winchester 1876 in 45-70

There are many other 'good' long range 1800 cartridge rounds, but the 45-70 is extremely versatile and can be loaded up or down depending on what you want to do. 

In the case of the 1876 Winchester, I think the caliber is .45-75, not .45-70...

Bill

[Stillwater]

IIRC, the Winchester High Wall is allowed in NCOWS Long Range shooting, but not in the Buffalo competition since it was first offered in 1885 which was past the practical end of Buffalo hunting.  I don't have a big rifle so you should check the Bylaws at NCOWS.org !!

I think the High Wall rifle was available in 1879, when John Moses Browning first offfered it for sale, before Winchester bought the design from Browning.

Bill

[Trap]

  StillH2O   you are correct. Several hundred were made by Browning.

[Short Knife Johnson]

1876's were also available in .50-95, and .45-60 which is likely what was intended.  

Back to the start of the thread, I thought the H&R Buffalo Classics were a Frank Wesson design from the 1870's?  I'm sure they are legal for BPCR Silhouette, just not very competitive due to slower twist rates, and poor sight placement.  They are kinda neat for the price though.


So what about the C. Sharps Model 1875?  That was a concept rifle that never really hit the production floor.  Or so I'm told.

[French Jack]

Actually the H&R is not legal for BPCR Silhouette.  The NRA voted against them several years ago.  They are not a replica of the original Frank Wesson or Wurfflein rifles as has been claimed.  A visual comparison leaves no doubt they are anything except a H&R Topper shotgun with a rifle barrel mounted.  H&R and the present ownership has never bothered to make any pitch as to the origin of the guns, except in their ads.  That is like the Henry Big Boy claiming direct descent from the Henry rifle of the 1800's.

"The C. Sharps 1875 along with the Browning Model 1878, Browning Model 1885, Falling Block Works, Stevens 44 1/2 (CPA) and originals, Wickliffe 76, are allowed in competition in form and function, provided the firearms conform to configurations of Rule 3.4."  excerpt from the NRA Rifle Silhouette Rules.

For NCOWS, There are different standards established for "Buffalo Shoots" and "Long Range Shoots".  The Buffalo Classic or other models of the H&R Handi-Rifle are not approved for use.

[Frenchie]

If you want an inexpensive long range rifle, you can't beat the Remington Rolling Block. Cabelas had these on sale this summer for $699.00.

Price reduced, now $599.88 at Cabela's! Click Here!

[Short Knife Johnson]

That's good to know.  I just got started shooting BPCR just this year, and have yet to get around to checking out all the rules.  The club I shoot with is pretty bendy on a lot of rules as long as it doesn't give someone an unfair advantage.

[Ol Gabe]

Pards, Pardettes, All,
Just for the sake of discussion only...
First off, I've followed this thread with interest as it has been discussed in detail on other forums namely the BROW and BARRACKS where it has been proffered as an 'acceptable rifle' for certain 'classes' in events offered by those that follow that ilk, this is a given.
In those discussions, sometimes a bit overboard as those that have an 1871 H&R seem to think it 'IS' the single, one and only replica they can shoot in any given event just because somebody said so, well, so far nobody has proven 'that fact' to be true beyond a good sales pitch or what somebodies Pard or Pardette said was "...true as told to me...".
OK, please don't get me wrong as that ain' the case here, I'm not dissing anyone who has one and wants to shoot it in any 'Historical' event as I also have one and it is indeed the best 'Truck Gun' any Pard can get as it is built like a Tank and will shoot just about anything you can shove into the chamber, sights and etc. considered, and of course YMMV, heck, you can beat anything to death with it as it is almost indestrucable!
With that in mind, consider this, the GAF/Baracks Forum has had many comments on this fine rifle and it seems to be allowed in their 'Scout' class at GAF events after some concerned interest from members. Nnow just a reminder, unlike SASS or NCOWS, GAF is a non-dues-paying org that is made up of those WAS/CAS-types that seek to enjoy the Mil-History part of the era like I do, that of the time-frame from 1865-1900, m/l.
Some in the discussions about the H&R 1871 claimed it was an exact copy, albeit modern, of the 'Wufferlwein' (sp?) rifle, others said it was close to a rifle made by the 'Davenport Rifle Co.' and looked fairly close in concept, these were givens. All these outlooks and parameters are solid and were made in good faith, but the modern H&R 1871/.Buffalo Classic is most certainly NOT a recognizable replica of the original and therefore should NOT be considered as such. However, again I must state that I own one and that with the proper Smith Ind. sights, questionably available now, is a great rifle and a worthy firearm for anyone's usage and enjoyment, this also is a given.
So, again, just for the sake of discussion, I would suggest that anyone thinking of buying one with the so-called 'acceptaqble usage' in mind to please don't, thinking that is OK to use in an NCOWS event as it ain't, but if you gear yourself towards the GAF Historically-correct Military events then it potentially can be used in the 'SCOUT' class but nowhere else as it is not a Main Battle Rifle per rules.
Not being a SASS person I can't nor won't even begin to answer to their concept of usage but don't think it would fit in there either, but I'll stand corrected. The bottom line is simply this, it is a great rifle for a small cost, it'll last a lifetime and harvest mucho game if you need it for that purpose or simply the fun of shooting on the range. If you are buying it to use in any 'Historical' format I would strongly suggest looking at something else as in a RB, Pedersoli Sharps, Trapdoor, etc., etc., etc., as you'll save yourself a ton of trouble in the long haul.
Best regards, thanks for your understanding and watch the classifieds as there are lots of great rifles for sale!
'Ol Gabe