Black Powder Fun: Enjoying a Vintage Trapdoor Springfield & Colt 45 Replica

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around experiences with black powder shooting, specifically using a vintage trapdoor Springfield rifle and a Colt 45 replica. Participants share personal anecdotes, technical details about the firearms, and engage in light-hearted banter about shooting practices and safety considerations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • A participant recounts their return to shooting after a long hiatus, highlighting the historical significance of the trapdoor Springfield rifle they used.
  • Another participant humorously references the famous line about whether one feels lucky, relating it to the experience of shooting.
  • There is a discussion about the practicality of using .45-70 rounds as tent stakes, with some participants expressing reluctance to do so.
  • A participant clarifies that the question of whether one shot 5 or 6 rounds only applies to certain types of revolvers, emphasizing safety practices regarding carrying rounds in single-action revolvers.
  • One participant shares their knowledge about the .45-70 round's historical significance and mentions their own experiences with heavy loads for big-game hunting.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share a common interest in black powder shooting and firearms history, but there are differing views on safety practices regarding carrying rounds in revolvers and the use of .45-70 rounds as tent stakes. The discussion remains unresolved on these points.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of experience with firearms, and some statements reflect personal preferences and practices that may not be universally applicable. The discussion includes anecdotal evidence and personal stories that may not encompass all safety considerations or technical details.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in black powder shooting, historical firearms, or hunting practices may find the shared experiences and technical discussions relevant.

Integral
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Years ago I hunted and shot guns with regulatrity but just 20yrs ago I sold my sweet little Ruger 10-22 and have not fired a shot since.

A friend and coworker has been trying to get me out black powder shooting for several years now. Finally, yesterday we "got 'r done"

Here I am holding a vintage trapdoor Springfield. This rifle belonged to a Great uncle of my friend who used it while training for the Spanish Ameican war in the late 1800's, it has been in their family since and has his initialls stamped in the stock. http://home.comcast.net/~Integral50/springfield.JPG

If fires a 45-70 round http://home.comcast.net/~Integral50/45_70rounds.JPG

We also fired a Colt 45 replica

http://home.comcast.net/~Integral50/capnball_pistol.JPG


We made lots of noise and had lots of fun.. What more can you ask of a day?
 
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Nice pictures! I know what your thinking to yourself, did I shoot 5 shots, or did I shoot 6. So you gota ask yourself one question...Do you feel lucky, punk...well...do you?
 
Integral said:
http://home.comcast.net/~Integral50/45_70rounds.JPG
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And they double as tent stakes.
 
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Ivan Seeking said:
And they double as tent stakes.
:smile: You ain't getting me to hammer one in though.
 
cyrusabdollahi said:
did I shoot 5 shots, or did I shoot 6.
The only problem with that is that the question only applies to double-action revolvers or new-generation singles. Nobody with an ounce of brains ever carries 6 rounds in a single action piece. They're 5-shooters, not 6; you always carry an empty chamber under the hammer. Now that they have the transfer bar safety, you can carry six, but that's only been in the last 25-30 years.
 
Integral said:
Years ago I hunted and shot guns with regulatrity but just 20yrs ago I sold my sweet little Ruger 10-22 and have not fired a shot since.

A friend and coworker has been trying to get me out black powder shooting for several years now. Finally, yesterday we "got 'r done"

Here I am holding a vintage trapdoor Springfield. This rifle belonged to a Great uncle of my friend who used it while training for the Spanish Ameican war in the late 1800's, it has been in their family since and has his initialls stamped in the stock. http://home.comcast.net/~Integral50/springfield.JPG

If fires a 45-70 round http://home.comcast.net/~Integral50/45_70rounds.JPG

We also fired a Colt 45 replica

http://home.comcast.net/~Integral50/capnball_pistol.JPG


We made lots of noise and had lots of fun.. What more can you ask of a day?
The .45-70 was the favorite round of the US military for many years, and the prevalence of trapdoors has prevented the development of higher-powered loads, since nobody wants to see folks get blown up. I have a Ruger Model 1, and have been given a 50-round selection of SEVERE loads for the .45-70 that rival any big-game loads that currently exist. If I've got to shoot an elephant or a cape buffalo, I'm all set. I'll stay with commercial rounds for deer, and maybe ramp up if I get a moose permit. The loader travels to Alaska with his father-in-law and shoots Kodiaks, so perhaps the heavy loads are justified.
 
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