Home Forums Lever Action Central Cowboy Levers Shooting "loose"

I'm just curious......do brass frame rifles, such as the henry and 1866 copies, shoot "loose" after a while, like the brass framed cap and ball revolvers? If so, about how many rounds does it take before something like this happens? Thanks in advance.......

Good question.

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No one interested? I had a friend who could shoot a steel framed rifle "loose". He thought that rifles had a 25% safety margin built into them so he loaded ammo to as much as 25% over manual max. God apparently watches over idiots, friend blew up several guns but never hurt himself. He passed away last year of other causes not firearms related.

I have seen rifles develop excessive head space from use. Seems like it is always a hand loader that likes to push the limit. It is metal. It will eventually change shape or wear. I can definitely feel the difference in the action with some of my high mileage guns, but have yet to wear one out.

I have seen a couple 1873 models where the toggle link failed eventually. Both were .357s. I think it is too much cartridge for the design. I would think the 1866 would do the same...eventually.

I haven't worn out a Henry yet, but I don't have one with more than a couple thousand rounds through it.

Toggle links not something to be playing with, pushing hot loads.

Their highest and best use, IMO, is CAS where they are about the fastest of all lever guns.

'92's are the strongest, the slowest, prone to stove piping if the COAL isn't just right.

Marlins are in between, stronger than the toggle link guns, not as strong as the '92's, probably faster if set up right.

Here is my CAS '73 custom carbine. It's short stroked, slick and fast. But, I only shoot .38 Spec CAS loads, even though it's a .357.

DF

that is nice DF

Thanks, it's as fast as it is pretty.

About the slickest, quickest CAS rifle I've handled.

DF

She has a nice figure.

Beautiful.