New Rifle Decisions

[Shootist]

OK, I'm on the cusp of a variation and I need to decide what I want to get, in respect of just one slot on my ticket. The rifle will primarily be used for target shooting (dicking about with guns) but might lapse over into hunting, maybe. Here's my options.

1. Sharps 45/70 of the longer variety, 30" to 34" barrel. Positives are 1) I'd like one, 2) I already have lots of gear for 45/70. Negatives, 1) a bloody big rifle to cart around (it will fit in my gun safe OK), 2) Most likely would be using aperture sights but I have old eyes.

2. Bergara single shot break barrel 45/70. I like this rifle, I have one in .308. Inexpensive, with a quality barrel. Positives, 1)I can fit a scope, 2) the barrel is factory threaded and if I can find a sound moderator for it ( ), it could be both fun and interesting. Certainly small species deer legal and probably OK for the biguns if I stoke it (and leave the moderator off!). Negatives, doesn't fill any sort of classic slot.

3. Something in 20 AAC Blackout. Positives 1) uses 30 cal. bullets, 2) can duplicate ballistics of 7.62/39 or with a heavy bullet does a good job subsonically. 3) I already have a sound moderator that would fit.

I can only get one, for a variety of reasons.

Off you go chaps. (Please show your workings)

[Keef]

Go for the Sharps 45 - 70.

It's big and heavy and with your knackered body you won't be able to carry it very far or very much which will keep your shooting costs down.

Plus you can use it in the Military Rifle Comp at the club if you get Rob to carry it to the 200 point for you.

[flintlok]

Go for the Sharps. If weight is an issue the buy a carbine version. I have a 300 Whisper which is pretty much the same as an the Blackout. I would opt for the Blackout if you wanted to shoot subsonic heavy bullets mostly however you can for the 45-70 similar subsonic loads. The 45-70 is a handloaders round and there are loads of cast bullets, inexpensive, available for it. Both guns feature rainbow trajectories. I would lean 45-70.