Search found 46 matches

by jon_norstog
Sat Oct 30, 2021 8:36 pm
Forum: RR / Pre -1899
Topic: Rolling Block Creedmoor Long range
Replies: 12
Views: 4963

Re: Rolling Block Creedmoor Long range

Those were the days! We used up all those old balloon-head cartridges. After a few firings, the little primer tit would break out or the primer pocket would get so loose the primers fell out. Dad converted his .43 to .44 mag, mine got stolen by the guy I left it with when I went in the service, my m...
by jon_norstog
Fri Oct 29, 2021 11:58 am
Forum: RR / Pre -1899
Topic: Rolling Block Creedmoor Long range
Replies: 12
Views: 4963

Re: Rolling Block Creedmoor Long range

I never knew the 44-77 was a .45! When we were kids we all bought those Argy rolling block carbines and rifles. The surplus ammo was hit or miss, so we figured out how to reload the cases, using RWS berdan primers. It worked well as long as we used black powder but with smokeless loads the bullets w...
by jon_norstog
Mon Oct 25, 2021 12:27 am
Forum: RR / Pre -1899
Topic: Rolling Block #1 Barrel replacement
Replies: 36
Views: 30413

Re: Rolling Block #1 Barrel replacement

Hello dtress! I inherited an Argy from my late father that had been converted to .44 magnum. I had an old .43 barrel and I gave it to a 'smith in Albuquerque to copy the [profile for a new barrel in 45-70. It looks like an original! He suggested i go with a 24" bbl length and I did. The rifle b...
by jon_norstog
Mon Oct 25, 2021 12:16 am
Forum: RR / Pre -1899
Topic: Model 1879 Argentine Rolling Block Military Rifles/Carbines
Replies: 1
Views: 3451

Re: Model 1879 Argentine Rolling Block Military Rifles/Carbines

Between my borthers, my dad and I we've had 5 of those Argys. None had a number anywhere but on the tang

jn
by jon_norstog
Mon Oct 25, 2021 12:13 am
Forum: RR / Pre -1899
Topic: Rolling Block Creedmoor Long range
Replies: 12
Views: 4963

Re: Rolling Block Creedmoor Long range

That is really sweet! FWIW, the 44-77 is basically the same round as the .43 Spanish, same chanber ... the .43s I have had experience with all had the same bore diameter as the .44-77. I think it was probably a marketing call - same round, just a more acceptable name.

jn
by jon_norstog
Mon Oct 25, 2021 12:07 am
Forum: RR / Pre -1899
Topic: Looking at a rolling block for sale
Replies: 6
Views: 4249

Re: Looking at a rolling block for sale

I bought one of those Mexican contract RBs when I was 15 - Ye Olde Hunter, probably. That was 61 years ago. I still have it. It has shot loads so hot I had to use a hammer handle to knock the action open. FN military 7mm for example. This rifle was offered to the civilian market in 30-40, .35 Winche...
by jon_norstog
Sat Oct 23, 2021 10:05 pm
Forum: RR / Pre -1899
Topic: Remington - Lee 1899 Sporting rifle?
Replies: 11
Views: 5731

Re: Remington - Lee 1899 Sporting rifle?

Fr years I had a "sporterized" Rem-Lee in 30-40. It was in good condition but some so-and-so had tried to make a 30-40 improved out of it by sticking a drill bit into the chamber. I bought the rifle at Ron Peterson's shop in Albuquerque and he reluctantly agreed to have the rifle repaired ...
by jon_norstog
Sat Mar 28, 2020 10:49 pm
Forum: RR / Pre -1899
Topic: Remington Rolling Block in .348 Winchester Questions
Replies: 15
Views: 7245

Re: Remington Rolling Block in .348 Winchester Questions

The .348 case is a little on the fat side. My guess is what happened here is a 'smith used a .348 reamer in the .43 Spanish chamber so the winchester case would go in, then it was up to the owner to fire-form the case. Like with a primed case, 15 gr of Unique and a load of cornmeal over it. The resu...
by jon_norstog
Wed Oct 09, 2019 3:39 pm
Forum: RR / Pre -1899
Topic: 1899 remington lee sporting rifle ????
Replies: 9
Views: 6556

Re: 1899 remington lee sporting rifle ????

That's an interesting rifle - factory sporter stock and probaBLY the original sporting rifle caliber. The Lee is a very strong action - the bolt head on mine was nickel steel and not one but two safety lugs. The biggest drawback is the half-cock safety on the striker. You have to cock it before you ...
by jon_norstog
Sat Mar 03, 2018 11:37 am
Forum: RR / Pre -1899
Topic: 7mm Roller
Replies: 20
Views: 16852

Re: 7mm Roller

This is a very interesting thread! I have a Mexican roller that I bought mail order when I was 15. You could order one with an "extra good bore" for a few dollars extra so I did that. Like a fool I butchered it into a "sporter" but that's what everyone did back then. It has alway...
by jon_norstog
Wed Aug 23, 2017 10:08 pm
Forum: RR / Pre -1899
Topic: This is a frustrating Board
Replies: 8
Views: 4640

Re: This is a frustrating Board

If I knew anything about your carbine I would post a reply. I generally try not to post unless I have the goods to deliver. Good luck with your search.

jn
by jon_norstog
Sat Apr 01, 2017 10:45 am
Forum: RR / Pre -1899
Topic: Death of General Vara del Rey
Replies: 1
Views: 1745

Re: Death of General Vara del Rey

A little more ... The American plan at El Caney was to neutralize the garrison before combining forces for the assault on the hills above Santiago. Lawton’s division was supposed to roll up El Caney and then join Kent’s division for the assault. It didn’t work out that way. The Spanish resistance at...
by jon_norstog
Sun Mar 19, 2017 3:31 pm
Forum: RR / Pre -1899
Topic: Death of General Vara del Rey
Replies: 1
Views: 1745

Death of General Vara del Rey

General Vara del Rey was in command at El Caney during the Spanish-American-Cuban War. Early on he was hit by a rifle bullet through his legs and turned command over to Lt. Col Punet. When things went south, Vara del Rey was being evacuated on a stretcher when he was hit by a single .43 cal. bullet ...
by jon_norstog
Sat Feb 25, 2017 1:40 pm
Forum: RR / Pre -1899
Topic: Number 2 in .22 rimfire.
Replies: 5
Views: 3425

Re: Number 2 in .22 rimfire.

It IS nice. I wonder if it was a prize? From the 7th Hog Fair!

jn
by jon_norstog
Mon Jan 09, 2017 12:00 am
Forum: RR / Pre -1899
Topic: Remington / Hepburn # 3 & C.C. Johnson
Replies: 4
Views: 2597

Re: Remington / Hepburn # 3 & C.C. Johnson

CC Johnson was a famous butcher of fine old single shot rifles. he was also a sweet guy. When we were teenagers, we visited him at his place. My brother Paul had him put a Douglas barrel on his 7mm Mexican Mauser, and brother Eric had him convert a martini cadet to .218 Mashburn Bee. Both brothers s...