Results 1 to 10 of 10

Thread: Smith Carbines

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Posts
    23
    Region:
    Tidewater - Virginia and North Carolina

    Smith Carbines

    I had a discussion with someone recently and they spoke negatively of the smith carbine. No specifics really.. Smith Carbines seem like a pretty good system all things considered. Is there a general dislike of these and why?

    Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Huntsville
    Posts
    3,733
    Region:
    Deep South - Georgia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi and Texas
    Well, I'm new to the Smith party - I picked up one about 6 months ago. It's a Pietta. It had a drill bit broken off in the fire channel from when it was being drilled through the cleanout screw at the factory. I sent it to Larry Flees to do his usual awesome gunsmithing work.

    Shoots very accurately with 33 grains 3F Goex and the rigid black plastic tubes, using the Eras Gone Smith bullet. I like the handling and the sights. I think I prefer it to my Sharps. However, now that I think I am close to unlocking the secrets of accuracy in the Sharps, I may change my mind.

    Anyway, I really like the design of the Smith. Very easy to make ammo for it, very easy to load and shoot, and quite accurate. I plan on buying an original soon.

    Steve
    Steve Sheldon
    Commander
    4th Louisiana Delta Rifles
    NRA Certified Muzzleloading Instructor

  3. #3
    ms3635v's Avatar
    ms3635v is offline
    Team:
    1st Pennsylvania Cavalry
    Member
    03635V
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    suburban Philly
    Posts
    866
    Region:
    Middle Atlantic - New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey
    Like all firearms used in competition, the firearm selected must be comfortable to the shooter. I would recommend shouldering the different types of carbines and determine which is the most comfortable for you. The Smith carbine is a very accurate carbine. They are also widely used in competition. I prefer shooting my original Smith, although the Pietta Smith does an acceptable job. The only problem that I can see with the Pietta is the price if you are buying a new one. The cost has risen steadily over the years and I would say that if I was inclined to buy a Smith I would buy an original with a decent bore, and with the correct load will never disappoint you in competition. Just my two sense.
    Mike Santarelli 03635V, Adjutant
    Member since 1979
    Co. B, 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry, #229
    National Inspector General
    Small Arms Committee

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    SE Georgia
    Posts
    636
    Region:
    Deep South - Georgia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi and Texas
    I've never heard anyone bad mouth the Smith. They are one of the most common carbines on the line where we skirmish. I shoot an original one. It's been abused on the outside, but its bore looks brand new. Best shooter I got.

    I have other carbines that I like better due to their unique mechanical features, but so far, I've not gotten any of them to shoot as well as my Smith.

  5. #5
    Lou Lou Lou is offline
    Team:
    Tammany Regiment, 42nd New York
    Member
    4869
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Lung Island, New Yawk
    Posts
    1,965
    Region:
    New England - New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Massachusetts
    As Mike and others have said, try different guns. The original smiths are actually less expensive than repros if you look around. Plus, the quality is better. All originals can be made to shoot well
    Lou Lou Lou Ruggiero
    Tammany Regt-42nd NYVI

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Posts
    64
    Region:
    Deep South - Georgia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi and Texas
    Lou,

    (Sorry to hijack this thread) what do mean specifically about originals being made to shoot well. What specifically? I have not shot my original smith yet. I loved my old navy arms one though.

    Quote Originally Posted by Lou Lou Lou View Post
    As Mike and others have said, try different guns. The original smiths are actually less expensive than repros if you look around. Plus, the quality is better. All originals can be made to shoot well

  7. #7
    Dave Fox is offline
    Team:
    Visitor (non-N-SSA Member)
    Member
    NA
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    Hendersonville, N.C.
    Posts
    318
    Region:
    Visitor

    Smith

    50 yards a couple months ago with an original I'm just working up....
    Attached Images Attached Images  

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Posts
    23
    Region:
    Tidewater - Virginia and North Carolina
    Quote Originally Posted by Dave Fox View Post
    50 yards a couple months ago with an original I'm just working up....
    Nice group

    Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

  9. #9
    Muley Gil is offline
    Team:
    34th Battalion Virginia Cavalry
    Member
    3020V
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Southwest Virginia
    Posts
    1,676
    Region:
    New England - New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Massachusetts
    Will the brass tubes fit the originals without alteration?
    Gil Davis Tercenio
    # 3020V
    34th Battalion, Virginia Cavalry
    Great, great grandson of Cpl Elijah S Davis, Co I, 6th Alabama Inf CSA

  10. #10
    Lou Lou Lou is offline
    Team:
    Tammany Regiment, 42nd New York
    Member
    4869
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Lung Island, New Yawk
    Posts
    1,965
    Region:
    New England - New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Massachusetts
    Gil I have used alum and brass tubes in 4 different orig, no problem.

    musket nut
    the orig have fewer issues than the repros. Many repros suffer from issues with a hollow bolster. A poorly shaped tumbler etc. pm me if you wish to discuss
    Lou Lou Lou Ruggiero
    Tammany Regt-42nd NYVI

Similar Threads

  1. WTB/WTT for Sharps or Smith Carbines
    By grabenkater in forum Wanted/For Sale Items
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 01-06-2019, 11:07 AM
  2. Smith carbines for sale
    By John Gaskill 3037V in forum Wanted/For Sale Items
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 05-08-2017, 09:38 PM
  3. WTS: pietta smith carbines
    By iron brigade in forum Wanted/For Sale Items
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 01-03-2016, 10:07 PM
  4. Looking to trade carbines... a CS Sharps for a Smith
    By oneofleessgts in forum Wanted/For Sale Items
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 07-16-2013, 08:59 AM
  5. use of original Smith & Burnside carbines in matches
    By Robert Egan in forum Small Arms
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 07-09-2011, 12:00 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •