1866 carbines

[KWK]

I always thought these hopelessly crude looking and wondered why they had made up 3/4 of Winchester's production. I got to handle an original recently. It was from 1870 and had the early standard crescent butt plate. What a nice handling rifle! It's far nicer to heft and swing than my original 1873 rifle (which has a half mag). Finally, I understand.

[matt45]

How does it handle comparitive to an 1873 carbine?  I've played with the latter, but have never had the chance to do so with an 1866.

[Abilene]

A '66 will be slightly heavier than a '73 in the same configuration.

[KWK]

How does it handle comparitive to an 1873 carbine?

I regret to say, I didn't try a '73 carbine that day. For that matter, I don't recall ever shouldering an original. I'm certain a few were on the wall, but my son and I were drooling over British doubles and singles that day. The '66 caught my eye, though. It was sitting in a corner next to some '85s. It was pretty badly beat up but must have been gorgeous when new, for the engraving was first rate.

I think Madis wrote the '73 receiver is a bit lighter than the '66, despite the latter being a little shorter. Also, this '66 had the heavier crescent butt (much more stylish, I think), and that would change the balance.

Earlier this year, I had a brief chance to get one of these Uberti carbines. I didn't want a 45 and I didn't care for the laser engraving pattern. After last week's encounter, not purchasing it became another regret:



Every once in a while, I send a note to Taylor's suggesting they need to commission a short run of these in 44, sans engraving. Maybe I should just get a standard carbine from them along with a rifle buttstock.

[Niederlander]

I'd still like to have a standard '66 Carbine in .44-40.  Probably never happen now, but I've wanted one for at least forty years!

[Baltimore Ed]

I waited months for my '66 musket. Runs great. A beautiful rifle. Not as muzzle heavy as my original '73 musket. January 22-23 is another anniversary of Rorkes Drift so at my clubs shoot I'll be Colour Sgt Bourne but I cant decide which musket I should use. I like the long barrel of the 73 but the 66 would be more period correct.

[KWK]

Nice, I didn't know they'd still make one of those. They don't list it on the factory web site.

I'd like to see one with that barrel over a half magazine. Winchester actually made at least one in the '73. It has a 26" barrel, but I'd prefer a crescent butt. Pity Uberti got the angle of the butt stock wrong, but they did better on their '66.

[Baltimore Ed]

I called Taylor's &Co about ordering parts to build a '66 musket and the gal i spoke to said why do that when you can special order one, so I did. We'll notify you when it comes in, don't need your money up front as we can easily sell it if you change your mind. Initially they said a years wait but I think it was only 6 months. After a few false notifications it arrived. I sent them 1330.00.  I think the sights are better than my buds 66 musket as I can see my sights better than his.
Going to shoot the '66 next month in 'Natal'. I'll cut my beard back to muttonchops before the shoot.

[Niederlander]

Is yours in .44-40 or .45 Colt?  If in .45 Colt, how does it work with black powder?

[Baltimore Ed]

Me or the op? Mine is 44-40. Never shot black in it.

[Tascosa Joe]

I traded for one of the Taylor's '66 150 yr Anniversary Carbines.  I wanted the early style transitional receivers as pictured in the original post.  I did not buy one when they first came out in 2016 as I wanted one without engraving.  When I figured out the short run of these carbines were all that were going to be built, I bit the bullet and tracked one down.  I try to duplicate the original load using Schofield cases.  It shoots pretty good and will hold 14 so I am happy.

[KWK]

150 yr Anniversary Carbines

Are they back? The photo says yes, but the description (octagonal barrel, 8.2 lb weight) doesn't match the picture. The weight could be a data entry error, since that is the weight listed for all their 1866 offerings, from the 19" carbine to the 24" rifle. Sadly, Uberti has recently chosen to give some upsweep to the belly of their '66 butt stocks.

[KWK]

... my '66 musket. Runs great. A beautiful rifle. Not as muzzle heavy as my original '73 musket.

I had a chance last week to handle original muskets, both '66 and '73. The '66 was definitely better balanced. The '66 wasn't bad at all, which surprised me. The '73 was nose heavy.

[Tuolumne Lawman]

In 1860, The firepower of the 16 shot Henry rocked the firearms world, which was dominated by slow to shoot front stuffers.  With the barrel and magazine tube formed from a single 9.5 pound steel billet, it was heavy.  The 1866 rifle (15 shots) or carbine (12 shots) being lighter, handier, and cheaper, was the next progression.  Imagine being a cowboy or lawman in 1867.  You had a six shot percussion revolver, you were eager to have a 12 to 15 shot rifle in a scabbard on your horse.