Original Smith Sporting Carbine

[R. McAuley 3014V]

John Holland:

I understand the rules permit use of any original Civil War-period arm within certain limitations (i.e. min. quantities issued, issue date, etc). But what about the "sporting" versions (both rifles and carbines), like those made by Sharps or in this instance a Smith Carbine sporter-- serial number 114? Besides obviously a sporting carbine, I believe there was also a shotgun variant; and Sharps also sold a shotgun variant. Thought you and others might like to peruse this beauty.

http://www.gunsinternational.com/Gilbert-Smith-s-Patent-Sporting-AL3357-.cfm?gun_id=100304378 (http://www.gunsinternational.com/Gilbert-Smith-s-Patent-Sporting-AL3357-.cfm?gun_id=100304378)

[Chris Sweeney]

The one pictured has a checkered stock, so even if it was a military issue it wouldn't be allowed. Checkereing is one of those "competitive advantage' things.

[John Holland]

Regarding Sporting Arms:

14.2 EXCLUDED FIREARMS
Excluded from competition are experimental arms or arms issued to or used by only a few individuals. Also excluded are arms made primarily as sporting arms, or made and issued primarily for the purpose of sharpshooting and which are characterized by target sights, sporting stock configurations, and calibers other than those suited for general military use.

JDH