Cas City Forum Hall & CAS-L
Special Interests - Groups & Societies => The Winchester Model 1876 => Topic started by: Rowdy Fulcher on December 08, 2009, 07:36:30 PM
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Howdy Pards
Vintage Hunting and the 76 Winchester . They are the perfect way to spend a day . At a time when every magazine is selling all the new fangeled gadgets to hunt with . Have you read many articles on using BPC and dressing the part of a 1880 Hunter .
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I suspect our DNR wardens would not look kindly on dressing the part around here. Blaze orange is pretty much required for everything but bird hunting as far as I know, here in Wi. Too bad - I'd enjoy it a lot!
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Hi, Rowdy.
I agree, there is no better way to hunt than the traditional way with traditional arms like the 1876. :) :)
I mentioned this thread to my bride, and she said something about any hunt that I go on is a vintage hunt! ;D
???
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Howdy Pards
Well Deer season is over for rifle season , so it's time to try a little coyote hunting . This will be interesting as they are difficult critters to hunt .
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The only coyotes I ever shot were bandits hanging around the place. Some are pretty bold, and come in very close trying to lure my dogs away.
I assume your planning on calling them into range for the 76?
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Our late antlerless season was snowed out for me. It started on Thursday and ran through tomorrow but Wednesday we received about 17" of snow and then it dropped to 20 below so there was no way I would be able to get up my driveway at my hunting cabin which is nearly a mile mostly uphill. Oh well there is next year. :(
Will Ketchum
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Our late antlerless season was snowed out for me. It started on Thursday and ran through tomorrow but Wednesday we received about 17" of snow and then it dropped to 20 below so there was no way I would be able to get up my driveway at my hunting cabin which is nearly a mile mostly uphill. Oh well there is next year. :(
Will Ketchum
Sorry to hear that Will. Some friends here in northern WI. got dumped on too - nearly 17" of the white stuff - but I don't think the temps got quite that cold for them. It can make a hunt difficult at best....
Rowdy, what do you hunt the coyotes with? I've never gotten any in close enough to even attempt a 45/60 or 45/75 shot at them up here. Usually resort to a .223, .243, or .204 for the Wiley Coyote :)
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Dirty Brass
I have hunted Coyotes with muzzle loaders , lever action rifles and a Trap Door carbine . These are the weapon's I love . Most people would use a bolt gun in a bunch of different calibers . I enjoy calling a coyote in and using the ole Vintage guns . I plan on a coyote hunt over the holidays , and yes I will use my 1876 in 45-60 . I also enjoy using my Trap Door it's a real sweetheart to pack all day while walking . May have to hunt me up a 1876 Carbine for that reason .
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone .
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Howdy Pards
Has anyone been Hunting ? Has anyone tried Coyote hunting with a 1876 ? Calling a coyote can be a fun filled day of hunting .
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Haven't been out for a while, coyotes are thick around this part of Montana now. Been using a 17HMR. It may be light, but it kills them, have taken several out to 120 yds. I'd not hesitate to use my '73. 44-40 w/ 3Fg B.P. I only shoot black in that gun anymore. Fine on antelope and deer, certainly would be on coyotes. Maybe you inspired me to try it. The '76 seems like overkill, but if thats what you've got, use it.
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Shieldsmt, overkill is when you can't find enough left to cook.
J.L.
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Cook? :o I don't think I've ever seen a recipe for coyote stew, but then I'm sure someone has tried it, or knows of one. Heck - I had Possum once, so.........
I expect one could hunt them with a .375 H&H if they wanted to. I'd consider using a TD carbine - I put about 20 rounds through mine last weekend and enjoyed it immensely. But they would have to be real close for me to hit them with it ;D
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Dirty Brass
How could you get past the smell to cook a coyote . They are stinky critters to say the least . But they have nice fur on them in the Winter months .
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Coyote, the other dark meat! :D
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Grizzly, that's gross.
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Well Fellers, The old time Indians did. Mountain Lion, Beaver, Porky pine and Marmot aint too bad either. I have ate them and especially liked the lion roasts. Porky aint too bad either if you cook it on a rotissery slow like. So don't say that coyote is yucky cause if you are hungry enough you can gobble near most anything like that. ;)
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I had to smile when International Orange was mentioned. I was stationed on the water in Portsouth NH in the 'seventies; and during that time:
A ranger was hiding behind a bush watching two drunk hunters. He leaned back on his haunches and stepped on a twig. The hunter twirled around and shot the ranger through the bush, opening up his thigh. Writhing in pain, he heard the hunter say to his friend, "You cover him and I'll finish him off ....'
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In Maine, a store owner known for cutting up game for hunters was approached by two hunters ... they wanted to know how much to butcher their animal. How much does it weigh? the shopkeeper asked.
'Oh has to be about 1300 pounds' ... (they had shot a moose) ...
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Dairy Farmers in New Hampshire and Maine regularly spray painted "C -- O -- W" on their livestock during hunting season ...
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Not saying that I am anti hunting ... just that in some states, there is a very valid reason for that International Orange hunting vest ... LOL
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larryo 1 mentioned porcupine as being good to eat. I've not eaten any, but I have heard too, that this is quite good. I've read many times about the fact that mountain men and frontiersman would never kill a porcupine just for fun. They knew that if they were stranded in the mountains without a rifle and needed food, a porcupine could easily be killed with a stick or rock.
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Buck:
You are absolutely correct. Porkies are very easy to kill. When I was with the Forest Service years ago, we had a fellow who liked to try different kinds of wild meat. His porkies were cooked on a roterserie slow-like so that all that fat would drip off. That was darn good meat and not gamey as one would think. I got an hunch that was one of the ways that the mountain men ate theirs as like over a camp-fire which would like-wise cause that fat to drip off. :)
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Howdy Pards
Don't know about Porky Pine , We have had Beaver and it's good barbecue .And we have a season coming up in Feb where we can shoot them . I will leave my 76 at home that is over kill .
How many Beaver Hunters are out there . ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Porcupine liver sauteed in butter is out of this world. It puts calf liver to shame.
J.L.
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When I was in 'Rescue Training 1969-70 we were on our final field trip ... I was being caried in a litter with a blindfold on to give me an idea what it would be like to be totally dependent on my medical team. All of a sudden, our instructor, and old mountain man born 200 years too late, called, "Academic situation; get that armadillo!"
I was uncermonially dropped, litter and all, as the entire team (four people)ran after this poor little armadillo. When they caught it, it curled up into a ball and they used medical tape to force him to stay that way. Then they put it between my legs and we continued on ....
About 5 minutes later, the litter got very wet where the armadillo was ... it had peed on me, itself, and the litter!
But the end of that story was that we gutted it that night and threw it in the coals, using the bony plates as a roasting pot.
Now that armadillo must have been terrified and making adrenaline for hours. I just remember it tasting like very oily very tough chicken, and marking it down as one of those things I would use as survival food and not before ...
But like a porcupine, it is easy to catch and easy to cook. I think the next time I would parboil it in the shell with some rocks for several hours ... then throw away the armadillo and eat the rocks ....
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Howdy Pards
I have been sitting around the fire today eating Deer jerky , the Deer was taken with my 76 and using black powder ammo . Now if I take a coyote I will not make any jerky out of them they are NASTY little critters .
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Dog-gone it Rowdy. I didn't isolate that little doe I got with the '76 or I could have done the same thing today. I did polish off a half dozen sticks of pepperoni venison sauage sticks, if that counts, but no fire and not taken with a vintaqe rifle. One of my distant neighbors made it from his venison. Oh well - it was still good. :)
Double Ditto's on the coyote jerky! (I'm still searchin' for any kind of recipe that uses coyote - not too hard tho!)
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Dirty Brass:
A suggestion! Go to any Book Store and see if they have a book entitled "The Road Kill Cook Book". You might find what yer huntin for there. Or go find an old Indian and see if they will tell you how their ancestors did it. According to some of my old books, they ate one hell of alot of dog stew so that might be what you are hunting for. ;)
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Dirty Brass:
A suggestion! Go to any Book Store and see if they have a book entitled "The Road Kill Cook Book". You might find what yer huntin for there. Or go find an old Indian and see if they will tell you how their ancestors did it. According to some of my old books, they ate one hell of alot of dog stew so that might be what you are hunting for. ;)
Thanks larryo_1. Guess I didn't emphasize this part enough ;D Not really in any hurry to find one (chuckle)
(I'm still searchin' for any kind of recipe that uses coyote - not too hard tho!)
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Howdy Pards
What about this weather ? Sure makes it tough trying to Hunt . I have picked up a few coyote hunting toys . Will keep you posted on the hunting , has anyone been hunting ?
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Howdy Pards
The weather is starting to warm up and hopefully the dogs are Hungry and will respond to a call .
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I was out last week...walked a bit, sat a bit, called a bit. I got nothing but cold. Saw a bald eagle & a turkey.
On the drive home I saw two yotes at different locations. One was sitting in a fenceline (outta the wind) - and it was real close to a farm house. The other was hopping a fence on the edge of town. Dog-gone it :(
Hope ya'll do better !
Slim
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Headin to Texas the 13th to Hog hunt. I will be using my '76 45-75 with black powder and my wife will be using a 94 that I built into a 38-55 from a 30-30. Maybe this hunt will convince her that we need another '76 - in 50-95 of course ;D
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Black River Johnny
Good Luck on your Hog hunt .And good luck on that 50-95 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Hope you bring back a few pictures of your hunt .
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Sounds like fun. I just can't get past the size and heft of the '76. Also, the Chapparal guns that I looked at were dismal inside. The Ubertis were nice, but again, a real log to drag around. My son and I use a '73 in 44wcf w/ blackpowder and it's proven itself to be more than adequate for deer and antelope, repeatedly. Maybe I'll look at the '76 at some point in 45-75 for elk.
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For some reason I thought that while the '76 was a big 'log' like shieldsmt said, that somehow the '86 would be better. I got a deer with the '86, but after lugging that monster through the bush I don't think the '76 will be a problem this fall.
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In my experience, the '76 with a 22" or 24" BBL isn't too bad to carry - unless you are up and down hillsides all day. My '86 SRC is actually easier to carry than my 26" 45/75 1876 rifle, and about even with the shorter 45/60. Only advantage of the 86' is it is sleeker, and chambered in 45/70 [with mid pressure level capabilities].
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Much of our hunting around here is up and down, some damn near vertical. Don't need the juice of the '76 for the deer & antelope, but elk is a different story. All I ever killed elk with was a .270 and a 30-06. Both plenty of power. After going to BP for deer and antelope, I don't want to go back to a modern gun. Getting close to antelope is a challenge, but that's the name of the game and I'm hooked. 300 yard shots with a scoped 270 or the like becomes ho-hum. I've used a Sharps w/ 30" med. heavy barrel in 45-70 and that is more than I want to drag around the Montana mountains. Don't do it anymore. Maybe a 76 w/ 22" barrel would be OK. I'll have to take another look...
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shieldsmt
The 22 in barrel in a 76will make hunting on foot a lot more fun than dragging a 28 inch barrel rifle around . The carbine in a 45-75 might be the weapon for you . Good luck and Happy Hunting .
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In my experience, the '76 with a 22" or 24" BBL isn't too bad to carry - unless you are up and down hillsides all day. My '86 SRC is actually easier to carry than my 26" 45/75 1876 rifle, and about even with the shorter 45/60. Only advantage of the 86' is it is sleeker, and chambered in 45/70 [with mid pressure level capabilities].
Funny you say that DB, cause when I got home I pulled them both out and the 86 rifle is still a far cry easier than the 28 inch 76 (I think i'll stick to the '86 for walkabouts or keep the '76 close by the truck!)
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I guess that's a workable plan - as long as you keep ammo close by for the `76 too! ;D
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Rowdy
A carbine might be the way to go, though I'm not crazy about the NWMP full stock. I guess I need to handle the various guns. I can find a 28" to look at but not the 22". I'll keep looking around in my travels here in Montana and Wyoming - Idaho. I ought my '73 in Utah while traveling, they didn't have any 76's. Hunting with that '73 really changed me. I dropped the scoped 270 for an old 1903 Springfield that is as it came from the armoury, iron sights. Serves me well, but I really would like to go with BP and soft lead for elk now.
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Doesn't anyone take their 76 and kill something with it? Coyote Jerky???? Come on, someone else must use a 76 for hunting...
Moose with a Deluxe in 40-60...
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee202/bridgershooters/100_0568.jpg)
My son with an original 45-75 in Alaska...
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee202/bridgershooters/100_1026.jpg)
Mule deer doe with 45-75...
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee202/bridgershooters/100_3113.jpg)
Prairie dogs with a 45-60...
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee202/bridgershooters/100_0209.jpg)
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Shrapnel
Thanks for the pictures . Looks like you really enjoy Vintage Hunting . What's the plan for this upcoming season .
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Howdy Pards
Did we have any Spring Bear Hunters get Lucky .
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Howdy Pards
Deer season is just around the corner . Do you have your Rifle ready . And what about your hunting knife , hope it's good and sharp .
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Heck Rowdy, Deer season is at least 4 months away. Let's enjoy Summer first! ;)
Will Ketchum
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I hear in some parts of the country....folks like to get their deer early :)
JK ;D
Slim
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That is called "Gunny Sack Huntin but you have to have a Farmers' tag to be able to do it!! ;)
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Howdy Pards
Has any Lucky Hunter taken any Wild Bores this Spring .
Question for the Texas Boys can you legally shoot turkeys with a rifle .
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Howdy Pards
Hunting season is just days away . Have you tune your rifle in ? Who's planning on Hunting with a 76 this Hunting Season ?
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Rowdy I will definitely use my '76 in 45/75 this year. Holding the 45/60 in reserve, since it has already bagged a small doe. Trimmed down the food plots last weekend, but it was just too wet to meander into the woods and check stands. We've been clobbered with rain this summer. At least the well won't dry up anytime soon! ;D Good luck down in your neck of the woods. I'll post pics this year if I have any success with my '76.
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For what it's worth, I plan to deer hunt this year with a 28" Uberti 1876 in .45-60 that I bought a couple of months ago. I will also be using black powder ammo. Also plan on trying my hand with my .45-70 Marlin 1895 cb and .54 Lyman great plains rifle. Hopefully I will get something with one of them. :P
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I have an original Winchester 1876 in 45-60. I have been researching to reload some BPC rounds to kill big game and was wondering what ya'll recomended. I already have some 4570 brass cut down to size and some 255 grain lubed bullets. Hoping to purchase a die set for my reloader this week or next and get started.
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Woody58; Check out whether the rim thickness of your brass works in your rifle. I believe that .45-60 brass was made with thinner rims.
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What's the diameter of your 255 gr. bullets? 255's are usually for Long Colt. You need .457 or .458.
J.L.
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The 255 gr bullet is 452. I was told by a gunsmith that it would hurt to try them. I have also been told that the the original 1876's were in the .454- .456 range. I would like to find out exzactly what the diameter is but the gunsmith said that he would have to remove the barrel to slug it. Not really sure i want to disasible.
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the rim of the 45 70 case works fine in my gun... of course that is an empty case. May have to do something to them after that have been fired. I have read that the rim maybe to thick but since it's working fine i may wait and fire a couple and see how they eject. As of right now they fly out pretty good. What is ya'll opinion on shooting a small bullet? What would happen to the accuracy with a bullet to small?
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Antelope is open and deer and elk next Sunday, been hunting antelope and deer with a 44WCF Uberti 1873 for several years now with good success. Got the BP loads down, got the accuracy thing down. Need to lighten the trigger. The gun is very well built in every way, BUT, the trigger is too heavy. I'd like to lighten it. Suggestions please....
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The 255 gr bullet is 452. I was told by a gunsmith that it would hurt to try them. I have also been told that the the original 1876's were in the .454- .456 range. I would like to find out exzactly what the diameter is but the gunsmith said that he would have to remove the barrel to slug it. Not really sure i want to disasible.
Hi, Woody.
The bore size of the original 1876 is .457. I have seen the .454 number in Cartridges of the World, but it is an error. When I first started loading for my original 45-60 I sized some down to .454. It shot a 12 ft group at 25 yards! ;D
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WOW!!! Not bad for an old gun.
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Woody58
I can't help but to interject a point here about what you said about slugging your rifle barrel and what that gunsmith told you about having to remove the barrel to do that. I have slugged alot of barrels over the years some being lever guns and never did that. I just get a good coating of gun oil in the barrel, get a nice oversize soft lead slug and tap it in the muzzle and then push it down the barrel till it comes out in the breech. Now if the barrel IS out of the action then you can slug the breech and the muzzle which are the two points that need it anyway. I also made a tool to insert in the breech for slugging the breech. with that in then it is a simple matter to tap it out from the muzzle. I hope this helps. ;)
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Howdy Pards
Hows the Hunting going . I didn't have any luck . My son got a nice Doe , I was proud of Him .
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Rowdy, as you know I didn't have any luck deer hunting during gun season here, but my son did get a nice buck - thought I'd post you a pic of it. Got with a modern rifle, but still - his first buck in 16 years, so he (an I) were pretty proud of it.
(http://home.roadrunner.com/~tlcguns/Imgp3974s.jpg)
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Dirty Brass
Nice Deer ,Glad you posted a picture of that Fine Buck .Have you had any Jerky yet . ;D ;D I love Jerky ;D ;D
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as a matter of fact, he was having some made. I should call him and see if he got it yet! :)
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Dirty Brass
My wife gave me a dehydrator for Christmas , and I didn't shoot a Deer the first time in 20 +years . Luckily my Son got a Doe and I will make some Jerky for us . Enjoy yawls jerky and we will getem next year .
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Re: using .452's, give it a try. The worst that can happen is you don't hit anything. Use a full load if you do try it. Soft cast bullets tend to expand to fill the bore with the rapid acceleration that a full charge of BP provides. Read Dr. Mann's book "The Bullets Flight".
J.L.
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Howdy Pards
Spring Bear season is coming up . Who's going Bear Hunting with a 1876 ?
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Howdy Pards
Deer season is just around the corner , have you shot your rifle on paper lately to know where's it's hitting ? I decided to change my front sight to a Marble's brass dot . Drove it own and adjusted it and she is ready for Deer season .
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I decided to put an original Winchester sight on my 45-60 and keep the 45-75 with open sights. The best of both worlds...
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee202/bridgershooters/109_1077.jpg)
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee202/bridgershooters/109_1136.jpg)
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee202/bridgershooters/109_1137.jpg)
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee202/bridgershooters/109_1140.jpg)
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Shrapnel
Great pictures , looks like you're ready for hunting season . Good luck .
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Howdy Pards
The Deer meat is close to being gone . And before you know it , yes it will be hunting season . I can't wait . Will make more Jerky this year .
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the rim of the 45 70 case works fine in my gun... of course that is an empty case. May have to do something to them after that have been fired. I have read that the rim maybe to thick but since it's working fine i may wait and fire a couple and see how they eject. As of right now they fly out pretty good. What is ya'll opinion on shooting a small bullet? What would happen to the accuracy with a bullet to small?
I have a Chapparal NWMP carbine, and the re-order of the Lyman 457192. As delivered the mould gave me bullets at .454 more or less. I then "beagled" the mould so now it delivers bullets at .458. With fireformed .348 cases the new bullets are capable of four inch grouips with BP and the "Spanish Metre" military style open sights. Not bad with my 68 year-old eyes, and I can keep the same relative group size out to 300 yards.
I am in the process of altering some more .348 cases and made up some with a few old pre-beagling bullets at .454 for fire-forming. The result was that the group of 5 "surrounded" the target at 100 yards. (18" group?) Yes , Virginia, size does matter.
For hunting deer, I`d use my .457122 Gould hollow-point bullet. It is proven on deer, unfortunately not by me; - Yet!
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Sir Charles
Wish you the best with your 45-75 . Hope you kill a 12 point Buck and set a record in Boone and Crockett . ;D ;D ;D
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Thanks Rowdy, but I haven't been out in the last 3-4 years. I'll have to get at'er!
Shrapnel: Maybe an optical delusion, but did you get your tang sight adjusted to vertical. I had the problem a few years back, and made a "sight square" out of a card tablet backer. I cut a wedge out of one side and relieved it for the action (in this case the dust cover) Set it on the level part of the action or barrel and use the wide end of the wedge to square up the sight staff. After sighting in you can pencil in the sight settings for a double check, or when moving sights from one gun to another. If you leave the narrow end square for about an inch, you could mark the foresight height on the same square as a record, or for calculations. The square could be used when a new sight is acquired, and once completed it stays with that particular rifle.
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The sight is made for the tang of a Winchester, fits it perfectly and works great...
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The sight is made for the tang of a Winchester, fits it perfectly and works great...
Shrapnel;
Thats great. I figured it was an original, but that dern optical delusuion got me. :)
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Been lucky, have killed 3 groundhogs this summer with my '76 in 40-60 WCF. They were only about 75 or 80 yds, sure was fun using this rifle. Goin to try to use the 40-60 for deer this year.
Rafe
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Rafe
Congratulations on your successful Ground Hog hunt . Are you going to try for a Deer with your 40-60 ?
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Yes I am goin to try for deer with the 40-60 WCF this fall, want to try for wild hog with my 50-95 WCF next year. I really enjoy your vodeos on You Tube, keep it up.
Rafe
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Rafe
Hope you have a Great Deer season , and be safe have fun . And don't forget to take pictures . ;D ;D ;D
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Has anyone--since TR, of course--used a '76 for antelope hunting? Have been told that it doesn't have enough range. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Hugh
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Has anyone--since TR, of course--used a '76 for antelope hunting? Have been told that it doesn't have enough range. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Hugh
WELL OUT HERE IN MONTANA, WE HUNT ANTELOPE WITH A BOW, SO ANY RIFLE IS CAPABLE OF SUCCESSS. MY 50-95 IS GOING TO BE USED FOR THE NEXT WEEK IN THE MUSSELSHELL COUNTRY.
REGARDS
KWILLIAMS
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I would imagine hunting antelope with a 1876 in 40-60 could be done, I guess it would come down to how good a hunter you are and how good a shot you are. The rifle is just a tool to help you accomplish the hunt, your shooting ability is what it comes down too. I sure would like to try it one time. JMHO
Rafe
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Howdy folks,
The range I shoot at installed metal full size buffalo and coyote targets at 500 yds. I was out Wednesday with my 76 in 45-60 and once I got the elevation and windage right I was able to hit the buffalo most of the time. The coyote 3 out of 6. This was off sand bags on a bench. I was not accurate enough to hunt game at that range, but the bullet will reach far enough.
I also had my Browning 1885 high wall in 38-55 on Wednesday. With it I had a run of 5 for 5 on the coyote. I could see using it at 500 yds.
Silver Rings
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Has anyone--since TR, of course--used a '76 for antelope hunting? Have been told that it doesn't have enough range. Any thoughts?
Thanks, Hugh
I have shot most big game at one time or another with an 1876, including antelope. I just don't have a picture of the antelope, though I have shot them with a Sharps carbine and an 1886 in 40-65, either which are similar ballistically to the 1876...
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee202/bridgershooters/100_0209.jpg)
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee202/bridgershooters/100_3113.jpg)
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee202/bridgershooters/100_0568.jpg)
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee202/bridgershooters/scan0024.jpg)
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee202/bridgershooters/Antelopewith50-70.jpg)
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Shrapnel,
Since moving to the Black Hills of South Dakota I have been carrying my 1876 in 45-60 with me when I wander the hills. I carry the 1876 for defense against the ferocious Prairie Dogs they have here. I see by your pictures that you put your 1876 to good use on same. Carry on Sir.
Jubal
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One day I will get the dollars together to get a '76 Uberti model and I am sure that it will then require some serious thoughts as to which caliber to go with. My first reaction is to always put the 45-75 in front but? It has been a long time since I have read the Venturino book but seem to remember that he thought of the '76 caliber line up as express types rather than true long range loadings? As a gun for close up medium or slightly larger game perhaps the 45-60 would be a smarter choice, due to ammunition availability problems. It is my understanding that most of the '76 calibers are extremely expensive, if not almost impossible to obtain brass for hand loading with bp? One other thought for those hunting with these rifles using black powder, is there the same advantage of choosing a necked cartridge for keeping the residue out of the action, as enjoyed with the 44-40 in the '73?
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Howdy
Got a chance to shoot the new load which uses Swiss Powder . It shot good the group was good at 50 yards . So if your looking for a Good Black Powder load that cleans up easy call Powder Inc. and they can fix you up .
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Rowdy:
I too use Swiss 1½ and have great results. I have been using 76 grains in my 45-75. Accurate and fun to shoot. And, as you state--the cleanup is no sweat.
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Howdy
The Swiss is very impressive powder . It's accurate and clean . This will be the Powder I use for Deer season . When I'm not using my 73 will use the 76 . Just love these rifles .
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Howdy
Who's got a spring Bear hunting Report ???
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Great thread! While I do not yet own a '76 I do plan on using its younger brother, an original '86 on my deer hunt this fall. Drew a tag in unit 34, late October. And I used my '97 with brass shells and BP to drop a Merriam's gobbler last month. To me hunting with the "old ones" is becoming the way to go as I too become an "old one".
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Howdy
I was on my way home yesterday when I noticed Several Ground Hogs consuming a soy bean field . The problem was I was unarmed . So looks like this afternoon I will arm myself and go after those soy bean eating machines . ;D ;D ;D
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Howdy
Hunting season is around the corner . Have you thought about hunting season yet ? No need to wait till the last minute . Start planning that Hunt today .
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Howdy
What do you think about Swiss powder ? I have used it in my 45-60 and it worked real good .
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I too use it in my 45-75 with good results. Have shot 76 grains and 72 grains. Both pretty good in the accuracy dept. but the 72 grains don't kick as hard. Pretty easy to clean up after.
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Really trying to get the 76 set up for this year's huntin season. Ive learned alot about the rifle from the posts here, and would really like to take the chance to thank everyone for the help, and info. I cant get BP around here, so, Im doing some experimentation with different smokeless powders
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Hammer:
I have been having great luck with 22.0 grains of 2400 rifle powder. In my 45-75 I also put a tuft of kapok over the powder. I know there are alot of folks who probably think I am nuts for using it but after about 40 or so years of using it, there have been no problems. This is in my 45-75 not a 45-60. Ken Waters states that 22.0 grains will work in both the 45-60 and the 45-75. I just add a wee bit more in the form of the kapok. My fps, at the muzzle, runs at about 1398. The other day I shot a 0.9" group at 50 yards so that ain't too bad for these 75 year old eyes. I use a Hoch custom mold of 350 grains cast with an alloy of 16:1 which is off an original box of ammo.
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thanks kindly for the advice LarryO, I may try that, I started experimenting with a load that I got from Silver Rings. Its 39 to 39.5 grs of varget , with a 350 gr lazercast. Shot a nice sub 2 inch group with my Uberti using it. I ordered tang sights for it , and a new acquired Uberti 73 sporting rifle with 24 in barrel in 45 colt. I have a load that Ive been using for a few years in a Smith 25, and recently in a Uberti El Patron that I hope gives some satisfying results. Much abliged for the alternative, I'll try the load, and see where it takes me.
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Howdy
Went shooting today . I sat targets at 50 ,75 , 100 yards . I shot about 2 boxes of ammo . All smokeless today trying to use up some old loads , why do we always end up with boxes of ammo that (we think we know what they are ? ) But it doesn't matter now ,they are gone . I plan on loading them back with Triple 7 and trying that . I can pick a pound of that up for $23 .
I also shot my 1873 today , the T7 was burning the 100 yard target up .
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Howdy
Went shooting today . I sat targets at 50 ,75 , 100 yards . I shot about 2 boxes of ammo . All smokeless today trying to use up some old loads , why do we always end up with boxes of ammo that (we think we know what they are ? ) But it doesn't matter now ,they are gone . I plan on loading them back with Triple 7 and trying that . I can pick a pound of that up for $23 .
I also shot my 1873 today , the T7 was burning the 100 yard target up .
CRS? ;D
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Sept. is here and I am getting the itch for Nov. Deer season way to early . Going to take the 1876 Winchester 45-75 bp.loads out early and try and rid West Texas of some of those pesty hogs . All fun and good eating .Nothing like fresh pork roasting on the Mesquite coals . Next Wt. deer and Mule deer .
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I have a nice 9 point that has been frequenting around my pond. Hope he's still there come NOV.
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Hope he comes around for ya Hammer1.My Wt. place is showing some good bucks ,kinda supprised with this drought and all . The Trans-Pecos Muledeer are also looking good . Good Luck come hunting season .
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Ive seen the deer and several others on different occasions. Lately, Ive been watching alot more, I have a nuisance coyote that is getting bolder by the day. When the opportunity presents itself, hes gonna be assassinated, he grabbed one of the wife's chickens.
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Just moved my ladder stand to a new spot, calling it my 76 stand. ;D
It`s in the second tree from the end closest in the first picture
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v629/InTheWind/sub%20album%201/sub%20album%202/SDC12584.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v629/InTheWind/sub%20album%201/sub%20album%202/SDC12586.jpg)
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Nice looking spot Pitchy. Those trees look good .Some of the places I hunt you cant see a tree for a couple hundred miles . You can realy stretch your barrel if you want to . Dusty.
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i got my 45-75 '76 right before hunting season last year and was still gathering up reloading supplies for it. i been working on some loads for it before it got so hot. i hope to make meat with it year
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Season opens here the middle of August and runs through Jan1 unless it falls on Sat, then it is extended to Jan 2. I think the guys are up to three does and unlimited bucks, weeell almost, based on one per day. At most of the clubs in this region the deer are terribly stunted now from the strain but the ones on my place are fat and beautiful, particularly the does. The biggest buck has not been seen since year before last, he was a ten pointer and at least 200lbs+ on the hoof and trimmed for luvin! Not sure if he peeked and has started down or perhaps bought the farm. Shux, they feed so close to the house that buckshot would be overkill from my patio and many neighbors stop on the dirt road to look.
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Nice looking spot Pitchy. Those trees look good .Some of the places I hunt you cant see a tree for a couple hundred miles . You can realy stretch your barrel if you want to . Dusty.
Thanks, about 300 yards across the field but i have another stand on that side and we`ll put a guy in both.
Rife season is three weekends where i`m at and buck only unless ya draw a doe permit so huntin may be a little harder.
Thinking about buying a archery tag, can shoot either sex with that but haven`t decided.
Now days i spend more time chasing road hunters off than anything else >:(
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Built a blind where i moved the ladder stand from, it`s a good location so wanted to be able to hunt there.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v629/InTheWind/sub%20album%201/sub%20album%202/SDC12611.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v629/InTheWind/sub%20album%201/sub%20album%202/SDC12612.jpg)
From inside the blind.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v629/InTheWind/sub%20album%201/sub%20album%202/SDC12613.jpg)
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:o :o :o ;D :D
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v629/InTheWind/sub%20album%201/sub%20album%202/SDC12615.jpg)
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Thanks Pitchy ,I needed a good laugh .
Thanks Pitchy ,I needed a good laugh .
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Hey Pitchy,looks like those road hunters have bow an arrows .Now I see why your deer blind looks like a fort .
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Dang, is them deer a shootin back? Remember the Crocodile Dundy movie when the hunters thought the roo was fireing back?
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;D All of the above ;D
Glad ya gotta kick out of it pards. 8)
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Pitchy
Looks like the bow hunters are pissed . ;D ;D ;D ;D
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I think your right :o
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Pitchy
Have you got your rifle shootin good for season . Wishing you and all the Vintage Hunters a safe and very successful Hunting season . Don't forget lots of pictures . ;D ;D
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Yep, gonna use the lead 300 grainers over 30grains of 4198 in this replica.
Thanks, are you huntin too?
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Pitchy
Yes Sir , Between my 1876 and my 1873 they don't stand a chance . My 76 is in 45-60 and the 73 is a 44wcf . ;D
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Suppose i could of took the head off one of these today at 125 yards. ;D
Had the 76 in hand.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v629/InTheWind/sub%20album%201/sub%20album%202/SDC12651_zps285ae7a2.jpg)
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Have used Goex fff 60 grn. and 56 grn.-cast lead 210 grn . size .406. Pyrodex ff ,Pyrodex select ,all with win. mag primers ,in the 40-60wcf. Original rifle with oct. bbl. cut down to 19.5 " .Lyman tang . Handy little rig ,but not doing it for accurate .Best i am getting is 4" @ 50 yd. and 8 or bigger @ 100 . Thinking on going to same bullet in .408 . barrel slugs @ .405 , but is circa 1884 and has some pitting . Hunting season is getting close if this dont do better ,its gonna be the 45-75 wcf. she will do 2"@50yd. and 4"to 6"@ 100yd. Should have old reliable stamped on her bbl.But sure was looking forward to useing the little 40-60 ,plenty of power for Tx. Wt.and wild hog .Thinking on trying some Swiss or KIK from Powder Inc. Not giving up ,Any thoughts .Dusty.
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Dusty
I have shot KIK and Swiss , the Swiss was the BEST in my 45-60 . I hope Powder Inc. will load the 45-60 in their Vintage ammo line .
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Thanks Rowdy,I think I will give the Swiss and Kik a try . Might be just what it takes to get that 40-60 shooting . I will bet my 45-75 would like it also . Have only used Goex and Pyrodex in these so far . Getting any cooler up there .Got kinda cool down here for a wk. Now back to hot .
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Dusty Texian:
I use 76 grains of Swiss 1½ in my 45-75 with absolutely no problems whatsoever. It shoots very clean compared to the other types of Black Powder but it is a wee bit more spendy however well worth it.
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Thanks Larry_O. I think I will give the Swiss and the KiK a try .Was thinking on 2ff but will get some 1,1/2 also should be good in my 45-120 C.Sharps also .
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Dusty
You will like the Swiss in your 1876 it works good in my 45-60 . I used 2f and a 350 grain bullet . Where I would use the 76 most shots will be under 100 yards probably closer to 60 yards . But every now and then you get that 20 yard shot . The first Buck I killed using black powder in a 76 was a middle of the day buck , coming to check on a scrape . I decided to move a ground blind to a different part of the farm . The plan was to move the blind and to come back the next morning and hunt the day . After setting up my blind I decided to get in and see what was stirring around .I had sat there for about 30 minutes and ole big boy came to check his scrape , he was at about 60 yards when I shot him .
Have you ever wondered why we can't use these Vintage Guns in black powder season ? All the muzzle loaders produced or most of them are scoped out 200 yard + weapons . They are a different weapon compared to say a Hawkens ???
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Hey Rowdy,Tracking says I should get my 10 lb. of 2ff Swiss Fri. afternoon. Looking forward to trying it in a day or two. The old 76 shoots pretty good with Goex ,but I have heard nothing but good about the Swiss . Might tighten up the group a bit .In four wk. the General season will start here in Tx. That is when I can hunt with my BP. cartridge rifle. But not in BP. season TP&W will only allow muzzel loaders in BP. season. And this season starts after general rifle season ends in Jan. Go Figure . I know guys shooting modern muzzel loaders with scopes leagal in BP. season that have two times the range I think my 76 is good for in a hunting situation . Wish I could hunt in Oct. with the BP. CARTRIDGE RIFLE . Need to start writing letters to Austin . Dusty.
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Dusty
Maybe it's time we try to promote the Vintage Hunting ? The worst thing that could happen is for them to say no .
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Howdy
Does your state have a Vintage Hunting Season . Hunting with a 1876 is truly a Vintage Hunt , What your opinion ??? ;D ;D
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Dusty
Any thoughts on that letter to Austin ? I guess you could head up the Texas Vintage Hunting Association to petition for a Vintage Hunting season . If you can work with Texas and I can work with Kentucky ,this could be the beginning of a GREAT adventure .
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Rowdy you bet I am, Going to my local gun club the (GTGC). We have about 3500 members ,I will ask them for support .I am writing a letter to the TP&W IN Austin. I will try to get it started . Never know just might catch on. I have been considering making it Vintage hunting only on my West Tx. ranchs . Have been thinking about doing a Spring Turkey hunt with bp. cartridge rifles on film in 2013,it is leagal to hunt Turkey in West TX.WITH CENTERFIFE AND RIMFIRE RIFLES .I have a ranch in the San Angelo area that has loads of Rio Grande Turkey .After filming the hunt with bp.will send a copy of it too TP&W . Rowdy let me know if you are interested in helping with this hunt film project on the Turkey you can try out your 44wcf on a Turkey and wild hog .It aint that far from Kintuc to San Angelo . I am already booked up for mule deer season and WT. season . But will try to document my vintage hunting this season .Dusty.
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Dusty
That sounds Great . Between your Gun Club and your Hunting Video's that will be a BIG help . I would love to Video a WT hunt this fall , but it will have to be a Doe hunt cause I used my buck tag Saturday . I was wearing a old pair of Moccasins and was I glad I had them . They are great for slipping through the woods QUIETLY . And I lucked out to have the wind in my favor .
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Howdy
It's almost rifle season , are you ready ? Have you shot your rifle lately ? Plan on shooting my 45-60 today . Hope everyone has a successful and safe Hunting season .
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Hey Rowdy, Gun season starts on Nov. 3rd. here in Tx.for Wt. and Turkey ,got the 76 Winchester tuned up.72 gr.2ff Swiss and pure lead 354gr. bullets .Thats big medicine for deer .Ill have the C.Sharps 45-120 scoped for any long range work .Like you I hope everyone has a safe and productive season. Dusty.
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Dusty
Are you ready for Deer season ? Wish you the best of LUCK . Hope everyone has a safe and successful hunt . Don't forget the pictures . We love to look at every critter Hunters harvest . Rifle season is just about a week and a half from opening . I can't wait .
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Rowdy you bet Im ready. For the first time in yrs. I am excited about hunting season. I think deciding to hunt only with my Bp. Cartridge guns this yr. has put a fire back in me . Having taken deer with everything from a homemade recurve bow and wood arrows to a .300 Wby. mag. Now at 53 yr. of age I m hunting with a 100 + yr. old Winchester and a Sharps rifle . Dressing like it was 100 yr. ago. Having nothing but fun . If I get lucky Ill post pic. when I get back. Look to be out at the ranch for a wk. or so . Good luck to all my fellow hunters . Keep the fire going . Dusty.
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Dusty
Glad to hear the Vintage Hunting has rekindled your passion for Hunting . I know what your going through , there's something Special when you take a animal with weapons and ammo from a century past . When you would rather wear buckskins than the latest Mossy Oak camouflage clothing . But this is what makes us so unique .
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Howdy boys, just a quick word to encourage you guys on getting some kind of sanity back into vintage hunting or primitive weapons or whatever you want to call it.
Up here in B.C. the modern, scoped, plastic fantastic inline ml's put an end to ml hunting, which still chaps my a-- no end. I've hunted with old time ml's, self bows, bp cartridge guns and nuttin' else for a whole lot of years, complete with the appropriate togs. I can't abide blaze orange or camo. That kinda stuff just gags me.
Anyhow, didn't really want to get up on a high horse and throw a fit, just offering encouragement and "way to go" to you guys who wanna do it the old way. God bless and good luck.
Ps. Sure as heck am enjoying getting my '76 .4575 sorted out. Preliminary results are quite encouraging, but have yet to get just the right load built. Sure is fun trying, though.
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Thank You All Veteran's for your service to our country. I have had some luck hunting with my old 1876 Winchester this past wk. On Sat. the 3rd. I got a 140 lb. hog ' the old 45-75 WCF ' put him down on the spot . Shot was about 70 yd. On Tue. the 6th. I got a 9 pt. WT. about 145 bc. with the old 45-75 WCF. shot was 138 PACES . It was a good clean kill . My load was 354 grn. pure lead bullet out of an original Winchester mould , 72 grn. Swiss 2ff ,standard Win. primer and loaded in original Winchester 1880 hand tool . There was not much wind for West Tx. during my wk. long hunt ,so the smoke blocked my view after both shots.Felt like hunting in 1880 as I was on a cattle ranch that has ran this brand since the late 1800's . Will post pic. as soon as I can. Dusty .
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Here is the Hog
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Here is the WT. Buck.
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Dusty
Congratulations on your Hunt . That is a Fine looking Buck and a nice Hog . proud of ya brother . ;D ;D ;D
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Thanks Rowdy ,had a great time hunting with my Brother and Friends . Mule Deer season is next. Hope you have some luck with the Doe hunt Rowdy . Saw a bunch of Rio Grand Turkey this wk. Looks good for the Spring season. It will be here before you know it . Think Im gonna use a 1873 Win. in 32-20 WCF. For Turkey. Keep the fire burning. Dusty .
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Dusty
Good luck on the Mule Deer . Now that 32wcf is an Excellent choice for the Turkey . Keep Hunting and have Fun and always be safe . ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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What happened to Pitchy ? Last I saw of him he was under attack ! Do you recon he needs some help?Hope you are doing OK Pitchy .
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Dusty
It's been a while since I've heard from Pitchy ? Maybe the bow hunters have him pinned down ? We may haft to saddle up and fetch him from the injuns . Lord I hope it aint the Apaches got him .
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Hey Rowdy .As I said I cast the 45-75 bullets from soft lead ,for hunting. I would not want to use pure lead for lots of shooting .But for hunting I think they make a more expanding bullet . At least I think so. The gun shoots them good . And on both animals it looked like the exit hole was about two or three times bigger than the entrance . Any thoughts.Dusty.
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Dusty
The pure lead bullets should be fine . As long as they pass through the game no problem . And having a larger exit wound is a good thing . The main thing is your accuracy as long as she shoots good and you have the CONFIDENCE in your shots . Keep on Hunting and enjoying life . Just remember we love the old lever guns , we shoot them regularly and taking game with these weapons is a big deal to us .
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NICE, Dusty, good on ya!
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Thanks Wyldwylliam. I had fun doing it . Dusty.
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What happened to Pitchy ? Last I saw of him he was under attack ! Do you recon he needs some help?Hope you are doing OK Pitchy .
Hey fellers i still got my hair, thanks for askin, i plumb missed your guys posts. :-[
Tomorrow is the last day of rifle season here for white tails.
Seen 8 does this evening on my field but can only shoot a buck.
Seen a nice one of those a week ago but was to far away for a shot, about 220 yards and almost dark.
Grats to everyone else and thanks again. :)
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You had us worried,Good Luck on that last days hunt Pitchy.Dusty.
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Well boys it`s all over but the crying as they say.
There were nine does in front of us but no buck, we put two lawn chairs in between those big spruce trees along the Field and those does never had a clue.
One walked over and was about eight feet in front of us but never busted us, should of got a video but i`m sure she would of heard the camera turn on.
I never did get to serious this year for some reason but it was fun getting out and seen a lot of does.
Hope ya all did better.
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Pitchy
Welcome back ,sorry that ol Buck never showed his Antlers .
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Pitchy
Welcome back ,sorry that ol Buck never showed his Antlers .
Thanks Rowdy, hopefully there`s a next year. :)
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Sounds like you had fun giving it a try Pitchy. And thats what we go for anyhow .Dusty
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Sounds like you had fun giving it a try Pitchy. And thats what we go for anyhow .Dusty
I have to admit that i didn`t put the effort in hunting that i should, didn`t feel real good and that makes it harder to get out there.
Could be worse and really no excuses i reckon, have to go back to shootin paper for groups. ;D
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Howdy
Want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year . Hope ole Santa brings you a 1876 so you will have to go Vintage Hunting next year . Merry Christmas Everyone .
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Merry Christmas Rowdy and everyone.
Silver Rings
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Hope everyone had a good Christmas . Now it's almost New Years , so want to tell everyone Happy New Years . I hope 2013 is better than 2012 .
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Same to ya Rowdy. Happy New Yr. Gonna start the New Yr. off right by bringing all of my Grandchildren out to the ranch for a Family deer, and wildhog ,turkey hunt. Cant think of a better way to start the first day of the year.Dusty.
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Dusty
That sounds like an Excellent way to bring in the New Year . I need to break out my 76 and blow the dust out of it . I haven't shot it since I put the Rocky Mountain Front Sight on it . Don't know how it shoots ,but damn it looks Great .
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My 1876 40-60wcf.Handy Rifle that I will use this wk. during the Grandchildren's hunt. This little rifle is starting to grow on me. Dusty.
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Merry Christmas past but Happy new year gents :) nice rifle Dusty :D
We are on the road too TX but snowed in in Kansas ::)
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Thanks Pitchy .Be safe on them roads Pitchy,What part of Texas Y'all headed for . They are saying the weather is gonna get better tomorrow ,but the Panhandle is gonna get some moisture again on Fri. Good Luck. Dusty.
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very nice rifle dusty. where did you find those binoculars?
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Thanks Pitchy .Be safe on them roads Pitchy,What part of Texas Y'all headed for . They are saying the weather is gonna get better tomorrow ,but the Panhandle is gonna get some moisture again on Fri. Good Luck. Dusty.
Thanks Dusty, we are heading over by Lake Livingston, Onalaska, first then probably poke around too some state parks and wait for it to warm up in MN.
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Pitchy
How long will you have to wait for Mn. to warm up , about May ;D ;D ;D .
Hope 2013 is a Excellent year for Everyone . So a little late but Happy New Years everyone . Happy Hunting in 2013
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great picture. nice kill on the yote dog. i hope to get a pile of them trapping this year. there is a pretty good market for catching live unharmed coyotes. i'm geared up for just trying to get my foot in the door
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Howdy
Looking at that photo reminds me of a Country song I've got a tiger by the tail . ;D ;D ;D
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i'd say i would want that feller on my side when things go bad. yeah alive, thats what "they " do with them is hound training. we catch the coyote in snare traps. we double swivle them and put whats called a whammy on them. a little spring. that lets the snare losen up when the coyote aint pulling on them. the last quote i was given was 75 bucks per coyote. me and my trapping pard been dealing with a feller who wants to buy from us but we aint got nothing nailed down solid yet
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Howdy
Sure would like to have one of those Mt. Lions on my wall . Taken with a 76 from down in Texas . A Vintage Hunters dream .
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Dusty
Hows the weather down there . We have actually had a little winter this year . I got my Lucky lotto ticket for tonight . That way we can start the hunt of a life time . We will do a Lonesome Dove hunt from Texas to Montana ,what ya think . We better start getting in shape now , that will be a lot of walking . We might want to get a few mules for the Mountains . You know a trip like that we will need a good camp Cook and Chuck Wagon .
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Rowdy ,the weather has been cold, and hot, wet, and dry,normal for Texas. Does look like Y'all are gettin some winter up there. Dont know how our friends way up there do it ,all that dang snow ,I'm ready to start that dream hunt ,I'll get in shape on the way..........Dusty.
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Dusty
Hows the weather down there . We have actually had a little winter this year . I got my Lucky lotto ticket for tonight . That way we can start the hunt of a life time . We will do a Lonesome Dove hunt from Texas to Montana ,what ya think . We better start getting in shape now , that will be a lot of walking . We might want to get a few mules for the Mountains . You know a trip like that we will need a good camp Cook and Chuck Wagon .
Do I see a new handle coming on ??? "Famous Shoes"
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Dusty
We have 2 Hunters , now we need a good Cook ( Where's Del ) and a chuck wagon . Now we will need a few hounds to track the Mt. Lions . Now if we can travel 25 miles a day we can make it in 100 days . Can you be off from your family for a 100 days . Wonder
what kind of adventure we could get into on a trip like this . Now , if we went to San Antonio to find a cook and whacked a silly bar tender threw our shot glass up in the air and shot it , what would be the chance of getting out of town that same day . ;D ;D ;D
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Rowdy we could probably find a belly- cheater in Sanantonio,but you caint slap bartenders anymore ,they got rights now. Shooting up the place wont raise an eybrow that happens every day now .....Dusty
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Dusty
Have you ever cooked Mt. Lion ?? I found a conversation on the cooking part of cascity about eating mt. lion . I guess it would make pretty good jerky being a lean meat . I read about Ben Lilly and it talked about him eating mt. lion ?
Well Coyote hunting is in , have worked with a new howler ,and a few predator calls . Trying to get as light as possible considering I sometime carry my 76 . Working on having a possible bag to carry all calls ,and basic hunting gear . I carry my pistol the majority of the time . If I could get one close enough to take with a pistol that would be a trophy in my book . I guess I could call it The Book of Rowdy , the Guide to the Vintage Hunter .
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Rowdy:
Couldn't help but note your question about eating Mtn Lion.
It is a pale meat sort of looks like roast pork and has a taste of sort of like a blend of roast pork and roast chicken. I have had the pleasure of dining on it once or twice and it ain't bad a'tall. So if you get a chance try it. It is an experience you won't forget--that is if it is cooked right!
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Rowdy I cant say that I have, Like Larryo-1 say's the meat looks pale ,kinda like it has been blead out. Next to no fat .Look's like it would make good jerky,having no fat to trim. Kinda looks like Javelina meat ,and Javelina meat can be cooked to be very tasty. Lot's of people will shoot the Javelina and get up to them get a wiff and say no to skinning or eating them. And in Tx. the game warden can give a ticket for wasting game meat. The Mt. Lion is not considered a game animal in Tx. No law on meat salvage . I have not eaten Mt. Lion or Coyote ,not saying I would not if that's what we had. Kinda like the night this dude came into camp and cooked us up a fish fry,he said he wanted to try Rattle snake fried,so a Paw went out and got him a couple rattler's . I told the Dude to be sure and fry them rattler's after the fish was cooked. He laughed and said ,you aint gonna eat any snake ,I told him not as long as we have Fish. Not saying I would not ,but it would have to be no other choice .......Dusty.
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Rowdy here is my belt rig ,the holster I made 15 yr.ago in it is my Colt's .45 the torpedo's are for my Sharps ,and the Scorpion's are for WaddWatsonEllis, because he said Texas scorpion's are big,Heck they aint that big........Dusty.
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Dusty
Are we gonna cook that mt. lion over the fire ? Now do I need to bring the barbecue sauce . Will bring a bottle of Jim Beam for sitting around the fire .
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You Bet Ya Rowdy We'll do a real Barbacoa . South of the border style . You bring the Beam I'll bring the Tequilla .Heck after all that we prob. wont need any more sauce, Amigo !!!!!... Dusty.
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Howdy
Today has been Cold , the temperature was 13 at noon . And add in the wind it was bone chilling . I talked about walking from Texas to Montana , now that would be a heck of adventure . Wonder how many liquor stores we would pass . A good pair of walking boots or shoes would be a must . To walk 2500+ miles , better get started in early April .
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Then we`d have to call ya Rowdy Walsh. ;D
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Then we`d have to call ya Rowdy Walsh. ;D
In the movie Monty Walsh staring Tom Selleck Monty talks about riding from TX to Canada and back.
That`s why i said that Rowdy, no offense intended.
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In the movie Monty Walsh staring Tom Selleck Monty talks about riding from TX to Canada and back.
That`s why i said that Rowdy, no offense intended.
the trick would be if he could get paid to do it
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the trick would be if he could get paid to do it
;D Could ya imagine doing such a thing, though i`ve crossed this country on a Harley chopper three times in the 70s with about 75 bucks in my pocket and thought nothin of it.
Just seems like it would take forever on a horse or on foot.
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Buckskin
That's an excellent idea , and I'm up to that task . What about you , are you in . We need a few Hunters . From Texas to Montana in 100 days . Can we average 25 miles a day .
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Getting ready to retire, sounds like it would fun on horseback.
Rafe
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count me in
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i often day dream about saddling up a good pony with a will ghormley made saddle. with my trusty navy colt by my side and the other in a pommel bag, with my sharps in a saddle scabbard under my leg and my henry rifle lying across my lap. decked out in my finest buckskins riding off in the sunset to never see the modern world again. as molly hatchet said "i got dreams"
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i often day dream about saddling up a good pony with a will ghormley made saddle. with my trusty navy colt by my side and the other in a pommel bag, with my sharps in a saddle scabbard under my leg and my henry rifle lying across my lap. decked out in my finest buckskins riding off in the sunset to never see the modern world again. as molly hatchet said "i got dreams"
And i`d join ya in a heart beat, i want so bad to get away from the selfish, jealous, non caring people around me i can hardly stand it.
Is there a place and people where a person could live like that anymore.
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It's out there Pard, I have been telling the wife i am thinking on going out to the Mule Shoe ranch and live of the grid for a yr. or so. I'll spend two or three wk's at a time out there and not see another person. Just the wildlife .And it don't bother me a bit . It is where I get back on center so to speak. ......Dusty.
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Will have to see where that`s at, i gotta get away from where we`re at.
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Howdy
Sounds like we are all up for the adventure of a life time . Having the horses would be easier than walking . If we could come up with hunts from Texas to Montana this would be the biggest Adventure of a life time . Dressed as 1880 ,carrying period weapons and ammo . Imagine killing a buffalo in Kansas , on our way to Montana . This trip would be our chance to attempt living a DREAM .
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Rowdy sound's like you are gettin us all cranked up on this Vintage long hunt. Glad to know I'm not the only one who think's that would be the life . ...Dusty.
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Dusty
Yes I am . I would like to start off in Texas with a Mt. Lion Hunt . What can we hunt in Oklahoma ??? Buffalo in Kansas . If we bird hunt in Nebraska Buckskin will need a shotgun . Prairie Dogs in South Dakota ??? What about Montana ???
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rowdy i just bought one of them 26inch ttn double barrel double hammer scatter gun
somewhere along the way we could get a mule deer, elk, a prong horn, grizzer bear, big horn sheep.................... durn i gotta go to work in the morning :'(
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I have been thinking about a Season-long hunt for decades. I would definitely include pronghorn on the menu as you can often acquire extra tags for doe and keeping the option for game open as you progress will keep the hunt exciting. Have to include small game if for no other reason than to have camp meat. If you end in Montana, I would think Bear might be the animal to hunt up there simply because: it's a bear. Although you might get a nice combo hunt for Antelope and whitetail in Montana if you get there early enough. In Montana, Moose and Bear hunting runs late (through December 1st) . . . you will want to get your permits squared up though, some hunts might be available to draw only.
The other long huint I want to make is by Voyageur canoe . . .
I kind of think you're going in the wrong direction weather and hunt wise, no? Plan on fishing as well?
Neat idea.
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Buckskin
I have a 26 inch TTN shotgun and it has take a few Turkeys . Excellent eating . We can bring our shotguns and do a little bird hunting ?
Mean Bob
I like your idea about Bear Hunting , to take a Grizzly with a Vintage weapon would be like winning the Super Bowl . And a little fishing would be a nice break , just sitting around the stream waiting for the fish to bite .
Dusty
How's things in Texas , have you started getting you gear ready . We might want to to kill a turkey while in Texas ? No luck with the Lottery yet .
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By the time ya all get way up north it will be winter so ya better head East over here too MN.
Ya can set up camp at the mouth of the Misssissippi at Lake Itasca or at my place about 70 miles East of there.
We can hunt white tail deer and timber wolf if the season is right for tags. ;D Turkey too.
Then ya can build canoe`s from the birch up here and paddle back south down the river. ;)
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Pitchy
The plan is to be at the Little Big Horn by the 4th of July . We want to be there for the Party . Saddle up pards we've got to move .
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Sorry Rowdy, i probably missed the whole story about your venture i was just throwing in a little humor.
Forgive me i`ll mind my manners. :)
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Pitchy
That's alright . After the Little Big Horn we may stop by . What's to hunt in Minn. in August ???
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Pitchy
That's alright . After the Little Big Horn we may stop by . What's to hunt in Minn. in August ???
Not much. ::)
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Howdy
Does anyone have an adventure planned for this year ?
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Coyote, the other dark meat! :D
As I recall, Jack O'Connor wrote that Mountain Lion ate like veal, it was very good. Native Americans ate a lot of dog of one variety or another, didn't hurt them any.
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Dusty
Have you spotted any Mt. Lions lately ? Sure would be nice to kill a big ole Male . I have a load worked up in my 76 that would be perfect .
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Hey Rowdy,sorry took so long getting back on this . One of the game camera's caught this Mt. Lion killing a Javelina near the South WindMill Mule Shoe Ranch Brewster Co. Tx .......Dusty.
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And a Bobcat .....Dusty.
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I need to do some Varmint control. They killin my Mule deer Buck's as I type ....Dusty.
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i sure would like to go trapping out there
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Dusty
I have several rounds loaded and ready to go Hunting . When I get down there we will work on the critter control . Have rifle WILL TRAVEL . My 45-60 is ready to go , I installed a brass rocky mountain front sight on it . I think it might be a cat KILLER .
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Here is another Mt. Lion one of my cameras caught on the Mule Shoe Ranch Brewster Co. Tx. South windmill water trough.....Dusty.
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Dusty
That is the cat I want . It appears to be a nice large kitty . Sure would make a nice rug for the living room . That would make for a story worth telling . A trip to Texas and a Mt. Lion with black powder ammo from a 76 Winchester . I love hunting the old ways .
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Hey Rowdy I dont know if we will find that one , But we'll find one !and make him pay! I can smell the powder smoke now ......Dusty
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Dusty
When is the best time to hunt Mt. Lions ?? Fall ,spring , next week . Do you walk or do you use mules . How close is the Mexican border from the Mule Shoe Ranch .
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Hey there Rowdy, I like hunting for all the varmint's big cat's included best in the fall or winter .Early spring is nice in the desert ,after that May, into summer hunting is best done at night . Not my favorite time to hunt ,even though it is legal to hunt varmint's on private land at night in Texas. To me night is left best for camp life a Sundowner, and sleeping. In most of our hunting travel is by jeep and then on foot ,I do have a good wrangller with his pack string of mule's if need .The country on the Mule Shoe can be very rough . Even to rough for a mule in some places. When the air start's to cool in early fall you can sit on my front porch and watch the mist from the Rio Grand . The bluff's are near 500 ft. down to the river. The river cut's a deep canyon in that part of the Big Bend. One of the most peacefull places on earth to me ,sip a cup and listen to the scaled quail gather in the morning, and the coyote howl at night . Gotta love the desert . The South fence of the Mule Shoe is about 3.5 mi. from the Mexican border ,Rio Grande ! Come on down Rowdy I'll put the coffee on ....Dusty.
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Here is Little Brother my huntin Pard with his recent Lion Kill.Mule Shoe ranch Texas.....Dusty
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Dusty
Your Brother did good . That's a fine looking trophy . Plan on taken one of those someday . Thanks for posting the picture .
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'Grats to your Bro, Dusty, and that is sure enough fine looking country. Sure do miss the Southwest sometimes.
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He was a very happy camper that day Wyldwylliam ,After we recovered the cat ,got it up to camp and took pictures .We skint the critter ,hung the carcass out at the gate ,a tradition in the area ,shows we are doing our part in predator control. Think we both had headeach's the next day from the Sundowners ........Dusty .
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Oh and here is what Sundown look's like from the porch at the Mule Shoe ranch.Texas .The Tinajaha Mountains .
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Here is the place I call the Diamond in the Desert . A natural spring on the Mule Shoe Ranch. Water is so very precious in the desert . The water comes from the crack in the rock wall behind me . Please excuse my modern dress, it was very Hot this day . My Brother and I had hiked many mile this day. We have found many deer carcasses near this water hole proving the Lion's like it to . .....Dusty
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Yep, those kinds of places in the desert are pure magic. I remember several of them in Texas, Arizona and N.M.
If only we could clear out about 90% of the folks in the West and induce them to move to the East Coast or someplace ;D. I'd probly move back then.
That sundown is spectacular.
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Dusty
That water hole looks like a good place to hunt or be hunted ? Sure would hate for a Mt.Lion to come flying over the rocks . Excellent pictures as always , thanks
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Thank's Amigo's .Here is a Lion pic. from my good friend and neighbor's place The Los Buscadoras Ranch.Kinda make's you watch your step in the dark around there. ......Dusty.
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If that`s what got my Snoopy dog down there kill them all.
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I show em no mercy Pitchy ,throw lead at every one of em I see.......Dusty.
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Pitchy
When I get to Texas , I promise to avenge your snoop dog . ;D ;D ;D
I will avenge him with Extreme prejudice .
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Pitchy
When I get to Texas , I promise to avenge your snoop dog . ;D ;D ;D
I will avenge him with Extreme prejudice .
If knew that`s what happened to him i`d come join ya. ;)
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I had a momma and two half-growed kittens go thru my yard last summer. We're quite used to bears in the yard, but that was a first. Like you say, sorta makes you take a look around before just walking out on the porch in your skivvies.
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Howdy
Well the wait is over the Olde Eynsford powder is starting to ship . I talked to powder inc today said he should have it next week .
This is Goex's version of the Swiss powder . I have used the swiss in my 44wcf and my 45-60 and they worked good . Actually in the 44wcf they were GREAT . The last time I was out shooting I shot right at 40 rounds and the barrel looked as if I was shooting unique .
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Good news Rowdy. Up here in the Far Frozen, Swiss is nearly impossible to get, but Goex is around. Hopefully, after the US gets all it needs, we might see some in Canada. Sure would like to find out for myself what all the good press is about re Swiss and its competitors.
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Howdy
HOPE THIS WINTER HASN'T BEEN TO HARD ON EVERYONE . WE ACTUALLY HAD A WARM AND WINDY DAY . PLANNING ON A TRIP TO THE GUN RANGE NEXT WEEK , NEED TO GET THE DUST OUT OF MY RIFLE BARREL .
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Wild Hog meet's .45/75 wcf. 350 grn. pure lead bullet and 72 grn. 2ff Swiss. Big medicine for Wild Hog...Dusty
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Excellent! Please do tell the story.
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Thank You there King Medallion. Not much of a story behind this one ,I was hunting Wt. Deer on the 5C ranch in the Texas Panhandle ,we have a lot of wild hog on this place . Makin my way through one of the wooded canyon's lookin for deer I spotted this Boar and another that was all black. They hadn't seen me and the direction they were heading was going to put them downwind of me before I would get a clear shot.So I got ready for a quick shot,and when the brown boar came into view he caught my sent and wirled . When he started back the way he had came from I give him a barrel at about 70 yd. slightly down hill. When the old 76 roared ,I could not see him for the smoke ,but could hear him squalling and kiking . When the smoke cleared I could see him down for the count and his pard the black boar puttin some ground between him and me. He stoped for a look back ,somthin I thought rare . I almost got a shot off at him ,but his look back was real short.So I went down to the fallen boar and give him a lookover . The .45-75 wcf. 350 grn.bp load had put the hurt on him. Complete pass through of course,Down on the spot. Dang just relivin that makes me ready to go again .Just love doin it the old way. .............Dusty.
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Neat. I am planning on buying a Uberti 76 in 45-75 with my corn pickn money this fall. I'd love to do a hunt like that. Someday. Up here in Illionois we are only allowed shotgun hunting for deer. Congrates!
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I think,you'll like the Uberti 76 . One of my cousin's has one in 50-95 wcf. It's big medicine on whatever you point it at. I dont tell him but I think the 45-75wcf is a better choice .Corn pickin money ,Heck what I'm payin for corn by the ton, down here it Tx. You should be able to get it gold plated . Just pullin your chain , about the gold plating but not about the corn prices . Hope you get to do that hunt !Good Luck........Dusty.
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Way to go Dusty, sure wish we had stuff to hunt this time of year, but it is darn nice to see other fellers getting some in. Good on ya! ;D
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Dusty
Are you going to use your 45-75 and shoot the head off a Turkey this season . ;D ;D ;D
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Wild Hog meet's .45/75 wcf. 350 grn. pure lead bullet and 72 grn. 2ff Swiss. Big medicine for Wild Hog...Dusty
So cool, congrats.
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Dusty
Hows the Wild Hog population , are you putting a hurtin on it yet . ;D ;D ;D
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Hopin to get out younder for a pig hunt in a day or two.Dont think it will matter how many we kill,they's so many you caint knock a dent in em. Thinkin we gonna just have to learn to live with em. It's funny my neighbor told me a couple month ago. Heck Ron ,when we was kid's we couldnt keep hog's alive round here ,now we caint kill em off. He's right.........Dusty
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Howdy ,had to push back that hog huntin,cause of some health issue's. Doin a lot better now. Will be heading out to the ranch in a couple day's ,My oldest Grandson and Me,bringing one of my 40-60 Winchester 76, and Grandson is going to use his Winchester 94, 30 wcf. He is seven yr. old so getting on some wild hog's is big adventure for him,and Huntin with Him is Top's fer me.Would rather do that hunt than any other hunt I can think of. Wish us luck ,and if we get one we will post some pictures of em. Hope my Pard's can get out there and do some Vintage Huntin. It's summer but it's still Huntin........Dusty.
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Dusty
Hope you are doing well . I know you and the grandson and add hunting with a 76 , well it just doesn't get any better than that . Happy Hunting .
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Waiting for that hunt report Dusty! Check your PMs, amigo.
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Well Feller's dont have a very good Huntin Report. My oldest Grandson 7 yr. old and me stayed a wk. at the Lucky 11 ranch near Ft. Mason Tx. We got in a little wild hog huntin, rabbit huntin and fishing in the Rio Llano, during our stay, but only managed to get close to hog one time. The Moon was the largest of the yr. I think,and the 92 deg. day's did not help. Saw fresh hog sign every day ,made during the night. June is fawning month in most of the Tx. Hill Country and we saw our share of fawn's. Lot's of twin,s . Had three or four come up to the house every day.Brylen my Grandson managed to get a couple cotten Tail , we had cotton tail stew one night ,and he shot his 94, 30wcf as much as he was allowed, his reward for helping with the gate -fence repair's. Have to addmit if he would have not insisted on getting out in that heat , a lot less would have gotten done , I aint opposed ,to long Siesta in Summer time. No hog's down this time but we'll give em Heck next time . Good Huntin Amigo's ........Dusty Texian
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Will Do Pard.........Dusty
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Howdy
Hunting season is just around the corner . Do you know where your rifles at ? Is she buried in the closet ? How long has it been since you have shot her ? Let's stop the neglect of our rifles and show them the love and affection they deserve . ;D ;D ;D
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You are right Rowdy time to get the rifle's and load's tuned. Have been watching this multi-point Mule Deer at the Muleshoe ranch the last couple of yr's. this is a pic of him last yr. hope he is bigger this yr.........Dusty
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Dusty
Are you going to let me have the First shot at that mule deer . I think I can take him . ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Mr. Rowdy, took your sage advice and put 20 rounds of .45-75 downrange today. Still getting used to the rifle and seeing where the loads shoot. Folks these are just fine rifles, hoping to have a few more range sessions between now and November. Only thing I wish for is cooler weather. Today was showing 93 F on the thermometer! Wouldn't have surprised me to see some rocks starting to melt!!! :o All that aside it sure was great getting a short break to shoot the 76! Hoping November and opening morning arrives soon!!!
Keep ya powder dry.
PB
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Sometimes they "shoot" back. Elk gores man in Utah
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/56829844-78/bull-elk-sheepherder-wildlife.html.csp (http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/56829844-78/bull-elk-sheepherder-wildlife.html.csp)
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My wife and I were making waterhole check's on the ranch Saturday morning,we came across two grey fox. I used the little 1892 Marlin in .32 LC to send them both to the happy hunting ground's. The little .32 struck each fox in the chest area. Both were shot at about 30yd. They were both DRT. the little .32 ,90 GR.bullet is big medicne on the small critter's.,,,,,Dusty
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Dusty - great to hear the little .32 Colt is up to the task. Very cool.
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Howdy Boys
The seasons are changing into my favorite season of the year , Hunting season . I am preparing for season by fixing Deer jerky and hope to get my rifle out to the range . Remember life is SHORT so Hunt all you can and enjoy every minute of it .
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Hey Rowdy - yer absolutely right - life is short and hunting is one of the best ways to enjoy it. I wish you great success this year during your various hunts. I told my son last week I'm only using two rifles this year for gun deer - my trusty Rem 600 and my faithful 76' in 45/75. Don't know if I can hold to that, but it's my plan right now. I'll stop in occasionally and see how thin gs are going.....
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Dirty Brass
Good to hear from you . Hope this hunting season is a good one for you . Be safe and Happy Hunting . Don't forget those pictures .
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Howdy
Has anyone had any luck ? I hunted with my 1873 in 44wcf this year . I killed a 8 point Buck and a small Doe . We ate Tenderloins last night from the Doe , they were Excellent . Hope to get my 76 out next year . I love hunting with the old weapons .
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Well...I used a recently manufactured 1886 Winchester instead of a 76, but it's still a nine point. Anyone else doing any good?
(http://i591.photobucket.com/albums/ss359/mjn77/Picture001_zps226030ac.jpg) (http://s591.photobucket.com/user/mjn77/media/Picture001_zps226030ac.jpg.html)
(http://i591.photobucket.com/albums/ss359/mjn77/Picture002_zpsc70d5c21.jpg) (http://s591.photobucket.com/user/mjn77/media/Picture002_zpsc70d5c21.jpg.html)
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MJN77
Congratulations on your Buck . Nice Deer , looks like the 86 works real good .
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Thank you Rowdy. The 86 is a great rifle. Although I think a .45-70 is wee bit more than is needed on a whitetail. ;D
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MJN77
This year I have hunted with a 73 in 44wcf . I killed a nice 8 point Buck and a small Doe . The black powder loads worked Great . I have always been about shot placement . In a time when hunting magazines are selling the magnum rifles we know the old guns still work . I started using lever guns in pistol calibers because we were shooting cowboy matches about 3 times a month , so I was real familiar with the weapons . Now with all that said my loads were not the low velocity . The loads I Hunt with are what the Winchester were designed for .
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I hear you. I have hunted with .44-40 rifles for about sixteen years. Haven't used BP yet, :-[ but I have taken several deer with them over the years. If I'm not using a .44-40, I'm using a .30-30 or .30-40 Winchester. You are right, a lot of hunters these days have "magnum-itis" . They think power will make up for accuracy. But it aint what you shoot them with, it's where you shoot them. Would like to see pics of your deer.
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Howdy
Hows the Hunting going ? has anyone had any luck ?
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Mr. Rowdy,
I got to hunt with the 76 for the first time Thursday afternoon after Thanksgiving with the family. Wish I could report I had luck but afraid not. It was great getting to hunt with the big rifle the first time! The Lord willing, before season is over in Tennessee I will get out again and hopefully have some luck.
As a side note, the new cartridge belt is great! Both rifle and belt are ready to head out again just as soon as I get a chance.
Good huntin to all!!
Pinto Beans
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Howdy
Here's the Deer I killed with my 1873 .
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Howdy
Here was a Deer from 3 or 4 years back .
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Pinto Beans
Hope you had a good hunting season with your 1876 . What caliber is your rifle .
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Hey Mr. Rowdy,
My 76 is chambered in the .45-75. Maybe someday I will be able to line a deer up with it, but so far nothing. No matter, it is still great to get out with the big rifle!!
P.B.
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P.B.
Hang in there . You will get those sights on a nice Buck one of these days . That's the thing about hunting USUALLY there is almost no shooting until you finally get that shot you have been waiting for all season .Prior to season you take your rifle out and practice for that one shot . So when season comes in you go and hunt and hunt waiting for that moment to fire that shot . And after that shot ,well the WORK begins .
In Tennessee can you use a black powder cartridge rifle to hunt with in the muzzle loader season ? I would love to see this happen here in Kentucky . Most of the muzzle loaders are all in lines that are all scoped out . I guess they could call it . Muzzle Loading and Black Powder Cartridge Season .
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Rowdy,
In Tennessee the wildlife agency is particular in their wording in that it is 'muzzle loader' or 'gun' season. The blackpowder loaded cartridges are considered under the gun season so no we can't use the 76, 73, etc in anything but regular gun season. Same here on muzzle loader, most all you see are the modern in line. My own muzzle loader is an old CVA Hawkins but these are few and far between these days in the field. That I know of, no one has suggested a black powder cartridge season here. It is a good idea.
P.B.
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P.B.
We need to start a push for both states to add BP cartridge with the Muzzle Loading season . Now where to start . That would be a BIG jump start on the Vintage Hunting . I plan on having an Introduction to Vintage Hunting article in the Shootist magazine .
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Howdy
Here is a picture from a couple years ago .
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Howdy
Here is a fitting picture for this week .
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Lookin good there Rowdy, nice outfit 8)
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Howdy
Here is a picture of a chappie.
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Howdy
Here is a Uberti 1876 .
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Howdy
Here is a Uberti 1876 .
Hi Rowdy,
I haven't been hunting in a long time, but if I decide to get back into it I love the idea of using a vintage firearm.
I have a Uberti 76 in 50-95 (amongst other Uberti and Browning lever guns). It's just beautiful and I'm just starting to use it at the range. It would be a really cool thing to use Teddy Roosevelt's favorite rifle for my first foray back into deer hunting.
I would need a sling for it, but I will not put in screwed-in swivels. Have you seen and/or used swivel-less slings like Shiloh Rifles has?
BTW - I really like the picture of you with the 73 and that buck. I'd love to experience that.
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Hatman
Glad to hear you want to go on a Vintage Hunt . And yes if you decide to use a 76 a sling is the way to go . I use a old Muzzle Loader sling because I don't want the swivel studs on my rifle either . Good Luck and enjoy yourself , it's your adventure enjoy every second .
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Howdy
At Deer camp . Sorry I didn't use my 76 this year .
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Howdy
Found a picture of my chappie before I cut the barrel down to 24 inches .
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Howdy
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Howdy
Here is a chappie cut down to 24 inch barrel .
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Nice pictures Rowdy. Brought back some old memories of when we were both doing the barrel conversions on our rifles. I had to dig out my old picture of the comparison on my 45/60 [short] and 45/75 - before I chopped the 45.75 of course.
(http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj275/brassmagnet/1876%20etc/duo1876s3_zpsdcabb0e1.jpg) (http://s274.photobucket.com/user/brassmagnet/media/1876%20etc/duo1876s3_zpsdcabb0e1.jpg.html)
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Howdy
A few of my favorite knives .
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Howdy
Spring Turkey season is at hand . Hope everyone has a safe and successful season . Has anyone ever taken a Turkey with there 1876 .
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Howdy
Now is the time to check your rifle . A few shots now could mean the difference between a tracking wounded animal instead of a one shot one KILL .
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Howdy Folks,
We are right at 1 month till opening day of gun season for whitetails here in Tennessee. I have shepherded my time off this year to save a few days to try and line one up in the 76 sights (one more year of that then I will be a bum again - retirement - and not have to worry about saving time off!! ;D). Rifle and ammo are ready, looking at the weather this afternoon there is a large storm front bearing down on us with the promise of cooler weather this week. Bow season is already open, but I am holding out for the favorite - rifle! How about it friends and neighbors, is everyone starting to feel the change in seasons? Excitement is in the air with the change. Here is hoping this is a good season. Got to reading Mr. Rowdy's postings here and that plus the weather change has got the excitement going!
P.B.
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Mr. Pinto Beans, Howdy back at Ya!. You are not the only one feeling the change and is counting the days until rifle season. Have been making my rounds and getting to see that the bucks are hard antlered and starting to show themselves a bit. Have been lucky enough to get a look at a couple Wt. buck that are a bit better than normal !Looking forward to the coming season. And hope you and everyone here has a productive and safe hunting season. ,,,,,,,,,DT
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Looking forward to the story's and pic's. Too bad we cant use rifles here in Illinois. Good Luck guys.
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King,
That's down right un-American. I wonder what Abe Lincoln would say to that?
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I spect Ol Abe would poop a big brick before redieing of shame if he could see the state his state is in. :(
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Say what you will about chaparral, They are accurate !! I took a forked horn at 55 yards through the neck. My wife shot a nice doe through the neck :o at 87 yards. And my son shot his doe at 104 yards through the heart.
We used the same rifle .45-75 26" barrel marble sights formed brass from .50 Alaskan 73 grains 2f Goex Hornady 350 grain bullet.
I am going to have to have them get their own ::)
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Excellent!! Pic's, or it didn't happen! ;)
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Here is a pic. of an 8pt. Wt. buck I took with the 1876 Winchester 40/60wcf using the 210gr. bullet and Swiss bp. load. He was shot low in the chest at about 110 yd. went down in less than 30yd. ,,,,,DT
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Great shootn, Dusty! Beautiful buck!
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Thanks King!,,,,DT
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Good hunting, good shooting with a good classic levergun.
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Thanks Sir Charles deMouton -Black. ,,,,DT
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dusty texian,
It does sound like you have this Old Lady speaking the language she understands the best.
Keep up the good work and bust some more of those piggy's!
My best,
Blair
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Will Do Mr. Blair .,,,,,,DT
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Nice deer and nice rifle dusty, Congrats.
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Thank you Cliff. Have you started hunting up yonder? DT
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Thank you Cliff. Have you started hunting up yonder? DT
Yep, I put three does on the ground Saturday. Two with modern rifle and one with my 44 revolver. Going to take my model 94 32 special out first day I can get free to do so.
I was really hoping my Cimarron 76 in 45-75 would come in for hunting this fall but I guess that will have to wait till next year.
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Yep, I put three does on the ground Saturday. Two with modern rifle and one with my 44 revolver. Going to take my model 94 32 special out first day I can get free to do so.
I was really hoping my Cimarron 76 in 45-75 would come in for hunting this fall but I guess that will have to wait till next year.
Congratulations on putting three doe in the freezer. Good luck with the 94 32 Special. Now that is a deer getter!. I look forward to seeing your 76 also. DT
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Congratulations on putting three doe in the freezer. Good luck with the 94 32 Special. Now that is a deer getter!. I look forward to seeing your 76 also. DT
I usually try to get one every year with the old 32 special. You can't beat an old Winchester lever action for hunting in the woods of Kentucky.
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Dusty
Great job , keep up the good work . Vintage Hunter all the way .
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Thanks Rowdy!,,,,,,,, DT
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Way to go DT. Great buck and a great rifle.
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Thanks Mr. Gabriel Law. And Good Luck with your hunting ! ,,,,,,DT
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Howdy
Hope everyone had a successful hunting season . This season I left my 76 in the closet . But I did kill the Best Buck of my life with my 73 in 44wcf .
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Way to go, Rowdy
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Howdy
Here is a old video I found .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-baPZ2Uvx0c
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Howdy
Has anyone been shooting there 76 lately . Now is a good time to get your rifle ready for season .
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I have...piles of resized brass now waiting for bullets.
Shooting a '66, '73 and a couple of '86s in the mean time as I get tuned up. Forgot just how shocking "refreshing" a lwt '86 in 45-90, loaded full up can be!
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Howdy
Has anyone been shooting there 76 lately . Now is a good time to get your rifle ready for season .
Hey Rowdy , I have not shot much as of late , ready to get some practice in ASAP. How about you ,have you been shooting any?,,,,,DT
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Dusty
I have been working with a pietta pistol in 44wcf . Plan on getting my 76 out and shooting . I really like the 45-60 it's a sweet shooter . I have seen on TV that Texas is getting LOTS of rain . What about your part of the state ?
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Your right Rowdy the 45/60 wcf is a sweet shooter .Born -n- raised here in Tejas and never have I seen this much rain . All three ranchs have had a yrs . ammount of rain in just a few wks. Lucky headquarters are high and dry on all three. The canyons and draws have been blasted , roads washed out , and low water crossings just busted wide open. There are exotic animals scattered all over from this mess. The Good Lord and Mother nature will take care of us in the end. We are doing fine , Please say a Prayer for our Neighbors they sure need it.,,,,,,DT
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Dusty
will pray for the good people of Texas , have family in Houston . God Bless Texas .
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Does anyone on hunt completely with the vintage type firearms? Been running it around in my brain for a bit now. Thanks for the replies
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I hunted with vintage arms for about 50 years. Mostly with Winchester and Sharps rifles designed before 1900. I tried them newfangled modern scoped rifles but soon returned to my vintage rifles. About half the time these were loaded with Black Powder the real gun powder. I am 72 now and can't walk much so I stopped hunting several years ago. I don't do blinds or tree stands, I have always still hunted.
Jubal
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Hammer
The Vintage Hunter Loves the old weapons . It's a chance to relive an adventure from a Century past . So start planning your adventure now . I love lever action rifles and single action handguns . What do you like ???
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I'm almost done paying off a 1873 Trapdoor Rifle in .45-70. Gonna have to take that and my .45 1875 Remington clone on a hunting trip, I think, if only once.
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Rowdy--since I am getting on in years (77+) I let my sister's likd do the hunting in our pasture. I have sort of given up in using the '76 but hope that my boy (45) will grab it and use it. He is a very good shot with that rifle whether with BP or smokeless.
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Rowdy, ive used a flintlock rifle, built from a kit, from track of the wolf, for more than a few years. But its just been for black powder season. I have a 76, a 73 sporting, 45 colt, and the "boss" has a special sporting in 357
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Howdy
It's all about having FUN and being safe . I started this journey back in 1987 , I was stationed at Ft. Campbell and purchased a Winchester 30 -30 . Started using lever guns and let my Remington 700 just sit in the closet . Then I started cowboy shooting and was always shooting a lever gun almost every Saturday . So then I came up with the idea if I shoot this Rifle all the time why not stiffen up the loads and try it hunting . I had a 1866 carbine in 45 colt and killed a nice doe with it , then I started using 76's and 73's and working with Black powder and black powder subs . I am already planning my Deer season and have my vacation for opening week . That will be my chance to relive 1879 .
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Been meaning to post this fur a while now. Killed this hog in my hunting lease just after daylight in mid-March. 45-75, bp, bullets from baco, loaded with an 1882 loading tool.
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That right there, folks, is how it's done! Very nice!
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Hhughh
Congrats on your Hog . Thanks for posting the picture . How was the bacon . I assume excellent ?
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Rowdy,
The pork was excellent. Through some trick of fate, he was a boar, but his ..... Did not develop. He was the fattest woods hog hunters in their eighties here had ever seen. He had almost an inch of fat over his entire carcass. Still frying breakfast pork about once a week. Lol
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Hhughh
Are you planning on a Deer hunt this fall . The 76 is a good choice to use on Deer .
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Yeah. Deer hunt every year, just haven't taken one with it yet. Will get started here about mid-November.
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Cant get any better than that!!!!!!! 45/75 Big Medicine on hog,,,,,,,DT
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Howdy
Fall is in the air and Deer season is around the corner . Planning on a Vintage Hunting week in November . I will be on vacation the first week of Deer season . Hope to get ole Swamp Buck , the brother to the 10 pointer I killed last year . Who's ready .
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Howdy
Deer season is just days away . Hope everyone a safe and productive season . Hope everyone takes enough meat to get through the year . Good luck , be safe , take lots of pictures and have FUN . Life is short make the most of it .
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Mr.Rowdy,
Good luck to you this season! The 76 is ready, the countdown to opening morning is winding down here as well. Can hardly wait!!
P.B.
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Mulies, last week from the back of my horse...wolves howling just out of sight up canyon on the elk bulges. Should have snow there now.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AwZDIqMqfnw/VjGsN8cL6PI/AAAAAAAApaw/4N_up-AhMyc/s640/DSC02993.JPG)
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Yahoody
Great picture , thanks for posting .
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Howdy
A picture is worth a thousand words . ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Agreed :) Woolies are for the snow...
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XcgeWlUqElg/Vpwj81884TI/AAAAAAAApv8/9tPEiMlxYzQ/s1600/DSC03681.JPG)
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Oh my....
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I'm speechless!!! Sure would like to hear more about that Beauty.,,,DT
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OK, twist my arm guys :) It is a 45-75 Cimarron that they cut down to the 22" length originally. I bought it 2nd hand some time ago and shot it a lot. I added 2" to the LOP when I had the wood replaced with delux and checkered by Macon. At the same time had them add the checkered steel shotgun butt I bought previous. Turnbull did the case colors. Cody Museum had a poster with a '76 short rifle on an old saddle 25 years ago I had framed back then. No repro '76s 25 years ago so figured I'd never own one. I ordered a new 1/2 seat saddle early last year. When I did that I also sent the rifle off to be refinished at the same time. I'm happy with both! Quite the dream fulfilled really.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cBMpnULdVP4/VpwbuDnutPI/AAAAAAAApvE/sdiBRDsjOjM/s640/DSC03693.JPG)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/12400755_10207608158937589_3076093566816938344_n.jpg?oh=f92153e185b09858f1aa01c2d361b800&oe=5791A168)
couple more photos of the rifle here:
http://pistolsmith.blogspot.com/2015/12/1876-deluxs-short-sporting-rifle.html
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Beautiful. Well done. What ballpark price range for that wood, if I may ask?
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$800..out the door...4 months.
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Ouch! Sure looks good tho.
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Yahoody
Beautiful rifle and saddle .
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Howdy
Well who's working on a Hunting load for this fall ? Anyone thinking about a Buffalo Hunt with a 45-75 . What about a Texas Hog Hunt ? Either way keep burning powder .
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Howdy
Found a few pictures of a scoped out 76 . What ya think ?
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Looks cool to me. Normally I'm not fond of scopes on lever guns, but the Long Malcolm style scope is about as cool as can be.
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Am I seeing it right, that the dust cover has been removed to mount the scope? Is that typical (I'm not too scope savvy).
CC Griff
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CCG
That's right . You have to remove the dust cover . But you can put a scope on a 73 or 76 .
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Thanks, Rowdy.
CC Griff
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Howdy
Plan on loading a few test rounds to sample Old E . It works Great in my 73 , need to work up a load for my 76 in 45-60 .
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I've found that I can easily get 60 grains of 2f Olde E in my modern brass. I did use a compression die, but the compression wasn't severe. I was actually using a 350 grain bullet and was getting over 1,400 f.p.s. out of it. I wasn't too impressed with the accuracy at 260 yards (mostly misses on a 10 inch steel plate), but reviewing the video showed that the shots were actually quite accurate--a spotter (if I'd had one) could have helped me adjust the sights, and I think I'd have rung that steel reliably. As it was, the smoke obscured the target so much, that I had no idea where I was missing. This is an older video I shot with only 720p. You may want to FF through the talking. My son, after viewing some of my youtube vids called me the "Gun Bob Ross".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54qgLsFNZCM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54qgLsFNZCM)
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You should be able to squeeze the groups down with that scope Rowdy . I can see a hog hunt about to happen , the 50/95 short rifle is up for this hunt . Dang thing carries so easy ,,,DT
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Dusty
Just wondering how the Hog Hunt went ? That big FIFTY has to be a FUN shooter . Makes me wish I had one . I need to get my 76 out , and plan a hunt for it . I have hunted with my 73 for the last few years with success . I guess it's time to bring my 76 back in the picture .
Thanks for all the post that has kept this interesting .
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Hey Rowdy and Happy Fathers Day to Ya ! Naw the Thanks goes to you my friend for keeping the Vintage Hunting topic going. The hog hunt was a lot of fun , had some fellows on the ranch hunting that had never hunted hogs before . That alone made for an exciting hunt. Plenty of hogs were seen , suprisingly more small piglets and choat's than normal. They are really multiplying . I did have a chance at some to small for the big 50 . One eve late I did get close enough to two big black boar's , but for whatever reason they decided to put some ground between us . Just as well , had the Mrs. with me and I had told her we were just going for a looksee! Nothing to show for the 1876 50 cal. yet . Heat has slowed my drive for hunting as of late . Will try again soon . ,,,DT
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Dusty
We all love the Vintage Hunting . These guns are a pure pleasure to work with . And when your at the table eating on a nice Steak that you harvested , it's as Good as it gets . Hope your big Fifty gets a few pigs and a Monster Buck during Deer season .
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Getting that time Rowdy ! Ate my last deer roast today . Will start hunting for a deer or two a wk. from tomorrow . Have the big 50/95 , 76 ' tuned - in , that thing really shoots with the 300gr FRP AND 84 gr. ffSwiss , it's a blast out of the 24" barrel . Hope I have enough gun ,,,,,,,DT
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ROWDY! I love the saddle and '76 model photo! Love the saddle especially!! $800 seems like a steal and short wait time. It sure looks beautiful. The wood and checkering look especially nice as well. I've been holding on to two of my favorite saddles in the hope that I will be reunited with horses and riding in the not too distant future. One is a Doug Kidd Hope/Sam Stagg drover's saddle and I forget the other one but was handmade down in Front Royal/Winchester Va.
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Howdy
Looks like the Hunters have slowed down . I have been playing with my 73 for a couple years . It's time to blow the dust out of my 76 . Maybe 2019 will be the year for my 76 to harvest a Big Buck ?
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Thank you Gentlemen ;D
We're lucky enough to have a few horses to use it on.
That lwt half seat (it is 35#) is the saddle I am most likely to ride.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSDt7D6BYYA/WxbWfn-poCI/AAAAAAAAuKs/UID7HW5AFckbQvk74nyYQMj7ACzFWEFYgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3066.JPG)
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Just spotted your half saddle on the previous page. Have MERCY that's a beautiful thing. Rifle ain't bad, neither!
;D
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Fun to see guns and leather appreciated.
Our Appy crew...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WRa8I_KaESc/XEnyC1o1yzI/AAAAAAAAvcI/6m6Ne8zzJ_AaAFg3k6nFyi5ChBLKU9JlACLcBGAs/s1600/herd31.jpg)
That same half seat and winter togs for this time of year (although thankfully not this year ;D
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-THh2Q2dCf-Y/XEnw-VG6feI/AAAAAAAAvb8/jte9pEgTaZs6yTeUjyRhh1wWsM3iS2amACLcBGAs/s1600/wooly.jpg)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cjqsJ_Owvok/XEnuJpkSA0I/AAAAAAAAvbM/MW8yEMf97gMM0LTHp8DMR-vq8mvUoA9rgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1369.JPG)
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Nice looking ponies. What is a 1/2 saddle?
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"What is a half saddle?"
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XcgeWlUqElg/Vpwj81884TI/AAAAAAAApv8/9tPEiMlxYzQ/s1600/DSC03681.JPG)
Fair question. Typically means the front half of the saddle's seat is missing (old style saddle) like on the saddle above. As opposed to a full seat saddle. With no large gaping hole behind the saddle horn. Like the full seat saddles below...which is way more typical these days. Built right there is no differene in comfort even on a long day 50 mile ride. I actually prefer the half seat on long days.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4Ru4LLFp6Q/XEpMCTo_k6I/AAAAAAAAvck/fAxl7yyfrwACeSiJFK_K-TCEPGH8LxI4QCLcBGAs/s1600/his.jpg)
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_oSjzLSirLM/XEoiWFKY1lI/AAAAAAAAvcU/TjBI339dfQ0eZ0Y734Gnx81OndWQoln_wCLcBGAs/s1600/saddletv.jpg)
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Howdy
Good looking rifle saddles and Horses . Thanks for posting . Today I went out shooting , finally got my 45-60 out . It has been a while since I shot it .
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Thought I'd drag this thread up front, been several years since the last entry. Show what ya got! ;D
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First, I'll try adding a photo from my 2022 hunt. Fingers crossed, I'm out of practice posting photos 🤔
(https://www.flickr.com/photos/hotgun/53416134418/in/album-72177720313580873/)
If that fails, here's a link to the photo.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/hotgun/53416134418/in/album-72177720313580873/ (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hotgun/53416134418/in/album-72177720313580873/)
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Well, using the "img" feature didn't work, but the link to flickr does. Browsing the flicker images will show my 2023 photos.
Slim
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Let me help you out. Here's Slim's picture.
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Here's a couple more.
Thanks Slim!
Griff
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Awesome! Caliber? Is that a Schofield in the holster?
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Awesome! Caliber? Is that a Schofield in the holster?
The young buck was shot last year. Along for the ride was a Pietta 1858 Starr percussion revolver.
My hunting load is 60 gr of 3f Schuetzen powder & 340 gr Lyman hollow point (Gould). Avg MV is about 1370 fps. Not in the photos, but this year I carried a Uberti 1860 RM in 44 Colt. I'm currently working on the 8 pointer to make a Euro style mount.
Thanks to Coal Creek Griff for directly adding photos. Apparently, I've forgotten the secret sauce for that 🙄
Thanks,
Slim
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Couple of nice ones there!
My hunting load is 60 gr of 3f
Took me a while to catch that ;) Must be a 45-60 then!
I rebarreled my short rifle in 45-75. And took a lesson or two from Dusty to make it a button mag, 24", 45-60. King got the short 45-75 barrel and mag tube. Thank you Sir! Life has gotten in the way since and have yet to shoot anything but paper with it. But it is here, with 150rds of new brass, 10# of 3F, a couple boxes of 350gr lead bullets and 5K mag. rifle primers. So I should be set for the next herd of buffalo coming through ;D
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhp3grXH5i6Ymy2Ahv3oPPheEyiR2RUayfWzrpDv10Sv2U7l3b5luqpN1-IsRQTsz9WaAc_rvZyFBfjsZxdGS0FeD0_iBSE14Spbnw4R4x8IkU5ZLlEUp1Ew4WcvbcVbbxQyg8yK2qFLX2cjdXC349Ms9Or-e7-VX3vNvrFXjNvk7ieJI1F8LeVnvyChQ=s16000)