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Longer Range Rifle Options?

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I had started messing with a 45-70 cartridge rifle last year and it just was not giving me the satisfaction I get from a muzzleloader. I’m seriously considering a Gibbs or Whitworth reproduction. My club’s long range is from 100 to 400 yards; so while I will not have opportunity to really stretch it’s legs ”“ but I’m pushing 60 years old so those ranges should give me plenty of challenges. Is one rifle better suited to those ranges, or is there another I should be considering?
 
jon math said:
Is one rifle better suited to those ranges, or is there another I should be considering?
The question perhaps to ask yourself is whether one rifle is better suited to you?

Whitworth is a military rifle with straight stock and open sights; rearsight only adjustable for elevation. To really get the best from it, budget on adding an aperture rearsight and replacing the foresight blade with one that will take elements so you can select what suits you and light conditions best. If you like the style rifle, also have a look at the 'Volunteer' rifles which generally come with Alexander Henry's rifling.

The Gibbs has a pistol grip stock and comes with aperture sights that will get you out to 1200 yards. It is a couple of pounds or so heavier that the Whitworth.

Given the ranges available to you, and with a properly developed load, each should give similar accuracy.

David
 
jon math said:
I had started messing with a 45-70 cartridge rifle last year and it just was not giving me the satisfaction I get from a muzzleloader. I’m seriously considering a Gibbs or Whitworth reproduction. My club’s long range is from 100 to 400 yards; so while I will not have opportunity to really stretch it’s legs ”“ but I’m pushing 60 years old so those ranges should give me plenty of challenges. Is one rifle better suited to those ranges, or is there another I should be considering?

Depending on your physical build , you may have a problem with the straight high comb on the Whitworth at short ranges . For instance ,I cannot physically use the military style sight in the short range positions and fitting a vernier rear sight on a Whitworth is not a simple matter . I urge you to handle one before you buy .
Pedersoli have recently brought out a "Short Range Gibbs " . I have not seen one in the flesh and have no idea what they shoot like , but it might be something for you to consider .
 
It might come down to which one I find used. I do have problems with the ACW era Enfield replicas so I might have problems with a Volunteer rifle. I saw the short range Gibbs on DP’s website last night, it might be a very good option as I see 90% of my shooting being done at 100 to 400 yards.
 
Note that the short range Gibbs is lighter than the standard and has a slower rifling twist. There may be more felt recoil and depending on your aspirations, the slower twist does not 'future proof' you if you decide you want to start extending the distances you shoot at.

David
 
That is a very good point to keep in mind. Someone was mentioning recoil in another thread, something I was really not giving enough consideration too. I was thinking a 45/70 smokeless round from a moderately lightweight rifle does not bother me, so a 40 caliber black powder round from a heavy target rifle should be tame. I was not considering a bullet that might be as heavy or even heavier than the 45 and with half again as much powder behind it.
 

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