old rolling block questions

[jon_norstog]

The .43 Spanish is a great round. Lighter bullet and more powder than the 45-70. It is for all intents and purposes the same round as the 44-77 bottleneck. All the Argies got their pores broached when they were refurbed and they seem to like a larger diameter bullet than the original .439". The biggest issue with the .43 is the brass. Buffalo Arms has it but it is not cheap. OTOH it should last forever if you take care of it.

jn

[butlersrangers]

'jon' - Thanks for sharing your knowledge and insights on the Argentine Rolling-Blocks. I am seriously considering one as a 'shooter'.

I guess the 'Holy Grail' of Rolling-Blocks might be the Brevet Remington made by Nagant (under license) in Liege, Belgium, for the Vatican. These were chambered for the 12mm Remington "Pontificio" and issued to Swiss Guards and Papal Zouaves.

A very few apparently have made their way to the U.S., via Ethiopia. Some still reside in the Vatican Armory. I'm not holding my breath for a 'Vatican Garage-Sale' !

Papal RB2.jpgSwiss-vatican-ed.jpgPapal RB6.jpgPapal Zouave1.jpg

[Dick Hosmer]

For me, the holy grail RB would be an SA 1870 Trials carbine. Just over 300 made; less than 20 known. And, while I am fantasizing - a Sharps carbine from the same trials would be nice, same number made, ZERO known.

[butlersrangers]

I'd love to have one of these instructional 'scarves' !

RRB-cloth3.jpg

[jon_norstog]

Papal rolling blocks! And in the Pope's own .50 caliber. Now I gotta have one. Wonder if they made any carbines?

jn

[butlersrangers]

No carbines that I know of, but, there was probably a muzzle grenade-cup for the "Holy Hand-Grenade of Antioch". (Good for Exorcisms)!

[jon_norstog]

That's a good one! I'd like to think the Pope went out on his balcony on New Years eve and let off a few rounds from one of the guards' rolling blocks.

jn