I recently acquired an M.1853.52 caliber Sharps military carbine, yet another green banana in my sunset years. It's tight as a tick, leaks little gas at the breech, and the bore's near perfect. Took it out with hand rolled paper cartridges containing 54 grains of FFg under a Rapine ringtail bullet. Was satisfyingly accurate but impact was a mammoth 16" above point of aim at 50 yards. I then explored all my gunsmithing prowess by epoxying a bit of Dr. Pepper can over the low brass lump of a front sight, an easily reversible alteration. Trotted it out to the 50 yard range yesterday and tried the Charlie Hahn cardboard tubes I have on hand for my M.1863 Sharps carbine and rifle. 43 grains of FFg under the same Rapine ringtail. Shot this incredible-for-me one hole five shot group. Still about 5" high; just about right to graduate to the 100 yard range....
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