I just don't have any personal experience with them but I find them to be interesting. I've done some reading on the carbine, officer's model, Army, etc. The originals vs repros...the issues with actions popping open, etc. Lots of info out there.

Who is using them here? Smokeless or blackpowder? Which models do you like? I'm enjoying shooting the various battle rifles I have and this is a gap in my experience. What model would you recommend? What forum would you recommend for learning more?

JD, I love your trapdoor. It's such a clean example.

still have it. superb and fun; my sons favorite firearm. used it with blackpowder loads: would put all shots with both the 400 gr and 500 gr into the same 4-6" group at one hundred yards......well balanced, light, short, carry's well...can be a real hunting gun.

we both have one now.

-

My Dad has an 1873 and an 1884...both rifles. The 1884 is in fantastic condition. We've shot it with blackpowder and 500 grain bullets and 405 with a light Unique load (if I recall 10 grains). Its great fun to shoot though the trigger pull is dang close to 20 pounds. Definitely go for it.

-

-

You'll have a blast with it!

-