1858 "revolving carbine" were they this horrible then?

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wogpotter

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I got to actually fondle my ultimate silly rifle this past weekend.
While waiting for service at the gun counter I checked out the BP booth at Cabela's. In particular the 1858 Remington pistol/revolving rifle/carbine thingus.
Are all the butt-plates this sharply curved & generally "pointy"?
I was being poked with both the upper & lower ends without even firing the thing.
Is this a Cabela's failing or were the owners of these monsters just kinda tiny?:eek:
 
Are all the butt-plates this sharply curved & generally "pointy"?
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Yeah, with a curved buttplate the butt goes off the shoulder on the upper arm. Those points will hurt if fired off the shoulder.
 
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On the arm? That sounds awkward as all get out.
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Your upper arm sticks out at a 90 degree angle and the butt sits just off your shoulder. If you see a rifle with a curved, pointy buttplate, that's how it was supposed to be fired.

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Here's my ca. 1902 Winchester 1894 in .32WS. On the arm, or it bites!

1894_rifle_4.jpg
 
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You also have to remember, people back then were a little bit smaller and less padded than the average American is today. Sort of like an average European. :)
 
But, but, I am an "average European", whatever that means.:eek:
I just tried holding a small,light carbine with a curved butt-plate that way.
Was there something wrong about the necks of those shooters? How in the heck do you get the ol' eyeball behind the sight unless you're inbred to the point of being a real pencil-necked geek???:confused:
 
Are all the butt-plates this sharply curved & generally "pointy"?
I was being poked with both the upper & lower ends without even firing the thing.
Is this a Cabela's failing or were the owners of these monsters just kinda tiny?
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I don't know what to tell you, at 6'1" and 240 the 58 RC fits me to a T, as does all the "curved & pointy" butt stocks I shoot. The bottom end of the butt tucks in to my arm pit.


Things that are curved and pointy.
mowrey02.jpg

0af9f39577b815758f87c6d719c05fe0.jpg

rcarbine02.jpg
 
I don't think I'd have a problem with most of those, except the bottom one in that last pic. It looks exactly like the one I was messing with.
My real problem wasn't the curve, nor the point, per se. It was the distance between the points.:barf:
I guess I just have pudgy pits!:eek:
 
Good pics. The bottom one is actually the only real carbine. The others are stocked pistols.
Awkward is not just the butt plate. Holding the little extension under the trigger guard and aiming properly would be, to me, the awkward part. I have never shot one but have held. At best, they are a curiosity of history.
 
I wondered about the hold, bearing in mind the need to keep all body parts behind the cylinder. Funny thing was it felt odd, but not difficult. After a few minutes tinkering I think that would be no problem at all for me. 'Course that's because I'd be resting the off elbow on the beer keg at all times.:o
I would be taking a Dremel to that brass though, shame really.
 
The Remington revolving carbine has a lot more curve in the butt that most others I have seen.

As far as holding, you get used to it quick. Your face is close to the sparks and flames so shooting glasses are a must, a glass of water to douse beard fires is nice to have. I use a two hand hold on the grip and find I can hold the gun rock steady. If I can lean against a tree I can be deadly out to 100yds. For me a shoulder stock well reduce group sizes by one half.
 
I bought one of the revolving carbines a few years ago. Although it looks a bit odd and awkward, it actually points and shoots quite naturally. As stated a post or two ago, "deadly out to 100 yards". I've shot 1 lb. coffee cans out to 100 yards without a miss.
Plus, the fun factor on this firearm is way up there.
 
Did they even HAVE them then? Only revolving carbines I have ever seen were stocked 3rd Model Dragoons and 1860 Armys, there was the Colt Revolving Rifle with the Root (?) side hammer. The Berdan Sharpshooters were issued them initially, they didn't like them IIRC.
 
a glass of water to douse beard fires is nice to have
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That just about had me rolling in the floor!

at 6'1" and 240 the 58 RC fits me to a T
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I too am 6' 1" and closer to 240 than I like to admit. My '73 Winchester, made in 1891, snuggles into my shoulder just right. When I shoulder it and drop my cheek to the stock, the sights are lined up perfectly.

73-2.jpg
 
Horses!

It seems that everyone forgets the Horse when wondering about old "cowboy" style guns.

The origanals were designed around and for guys shooting while mounted horseback (and often chasing/fleeing at a full gallop for ones life..lol) The cresent shape hooked around your arm just between the bicep and shoulder will very securely lock the rifle in firing position (with one hand/arm) while holding the reins in your other hand. You can fire fairly accrurate shots and still use the sights from this postiton...(and keep your seat on your horse)

Try that with the shotgun butt and you will soon be without your rifle or you will resort to tucking it under your armpit.:D
 
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