Single Shot

[MR. GADGET]

SO what guns can we shoot, what pros and cons?
Building? What to build up and what cal?
Some were brass case 44-40...
What all is out there and what can be done, can't find much on the single shots......

Thanks

[Greg Ogdan 110th OVI]

Spencer rifle, Sharps rifle, Ballard rifle. I have seen Maynards (?)

[Richard Hill]

Spencer rifle and carbine, Sharps rifle, Ballard rifle and carbine, Starr rimfire carbine, Joslyn carbine, Sharps and Hankins carbine.

[Bruce Cobb 1723V]

You can't shoot a Spencer rifle as it is a repeater, these go up against Henrys. You missed the oftened used converted Franks Wesson carbines and as yet to be seen on the line Gallager Carbine that used the spencer round, Split Breech Remington Rolling Block carbines, Warner Carbine, e Rifle, Merrill  Rifle and Palmer carbine. I did a display of these N-SSA acceptable single shots a few years ago when the single shot matches started.  If there is enough interest i will do it again.   

[Tim Lyne]

Yep, they's a number of approved arms. Availability may be more of an issue since at least a few of them emerged at/near the end of the war, but you can find 'em.

Tell ya what; anyone reading this who is contemplating Single shot compeition and is trying to decide what to purchase, I'll make this offer: I'll bring my .56/56 Ballard to a skirmish at the Fort with plenty of ammo. You can buy a target, i'll hand you 12 rounds and you can give it a try. (Actual skirmish yet to be determined)
I may bring an uncoverted Sharps and Hankins (.22RF inserts) and you can try that as well. (These are remarkably accurate...if you can see the sights!) I understand that there is now a SAC approved centerfire conversion process for these, so the S&H may be more of an option, HOWEVER...it's a permanent conversion so consider that...
My Wesson rifle is currently out of commission, but once fixed I'll make that available as well. Let me know if you're interested! This hopefully will help you make an "informed purchase."

Tim Lyne
Knap's Batt.
#2952V

[Jack C., 69th NY]

Tim,
I've shot many Ballards in 44 or 45 cal but never in 56-56. Have you done a CF conversion or are you using the original RF configuration with 22 rf inserts? What are you using for brass? What bullet are you using and what type of load? I do not really need another Ballard to load and shoot but that larger caliber gets me thinking. Please fill me in on what you are doing.

Thanks,
:D

[Tim Lyne]

Sorry Jack! I've been away for a few days; just read this.

I had an approved conversion done on my Ballard by the Gunsmith in Ohio; can't think of his name. Anyway, it's an original .56/56 Ballard. I use cut 50/70's, 25 grains of 3f Goex (in the bag). I had a Lyman .515 350 gr. mould modified by "Hollow Point Moulds." The top two driving bands were freshed out to .546 and the bottom two bands to .525 if I recall correctly. This gives me a heeled bullet that "snaps" snugly in the case with thumb pressure, holds lots of lube, obturates well and I get excellent accuracy.
Mike Owsiak makes a mould for the .56/56 that looks great. I haven't shot it but it holds lots of lube and is nose heavy, which is a good thing.
I have two of the .56/56 Ballards. Both shoot this bullet very well.
Good luck!
TRL