Smith Carbine?

M

Model12Win

Moderator
Anyone shoot a Smith carbine?

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There are originals out there and Pietta makes a repro (pictured above). I might get one, have always wanted a Civil War breech loader.

Thoughts?
 
I've got one (Pietta).
Once I got the action/trigger straightened out/taller front sight installed/rear sight aperture (Lodgewood), it shoots exceptionally well.

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The original charge for the Smith was 50 grains with a 360 grain bullet. IIRC the repro cartridges will only hold 35 grains.
 
I've been talking with a man that says you can successfully drill out the plastic cartridges to accept around 45 grains of powder. He did not note any problems or decreased case life. 45 grains is close enough to original ballistics.
 
For a time there I was really interested in one but the decreased capacity turned me off. Keep us posted on your results

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Thanks, DS-303. The guy over at Civil War Talk was saying his friend drilled out the cases with a flat end drill bit to where the bottoms were as thick as the sides. This upped capacity to 45 grains, very close to the 50 grain charge of the originals. I'd think with today's powders it would be neck in neck and could push the original 360 grain bullets to the authentic velocity of 1000 FPS+.

I too wasn't thrilled when I learned the repro cases were low capacity compared to the originals, but it appears there is a solid workaround for that. I'll keep you posted!
 
Thanks, mehavey! I have not forgotten those lessons. But news of successfully creating an "original capacity" (or nearly so) Smith cartridge re-ignited the passion to own one of these break-open beauties. :)
 
works quite well for hunting as long as legal in your area.
faster reloads than a front stuffer, but still primitive enough to make it fun and challenging

I sold mine last year and now having second thoughts
 
Yes the price for a new one is $1050 which is a bit high. But most repros are, and other than buying an original in shooting condition for between $1500-$4000 depending on condition it isn't a bad price.

I believe I'll be going with the "artillery" model which has standard front and rear sling swivels on it so I can use it with a sling. I'll also get a repro belt, cartridge box, and cap box for the gun.
 
I found a "used" unfired Smith about a month ago. I had some money I was saving for a dragoon that made good down money. I may be fickle, but that Smith is sure a looker. Makes my Gallagher really look plain jane. The Gallagher was a real pita until I got enough information to get it running right. The Smith guys don't seem to have many issues getting them to light. Thanks Mehavey for the running start.
 
smith carbine

I just got two smith carbines a navy with a trigger job and the bore re-lined and a MIKE YECK MADE IN THE 70'S in Mich.What would be the best lube and way to put on for max loads.
 
$900 smith carbine

I think thats kinda high.I just got mine for $6 &$700 shipped.EMF sells them brand new for $975
 
Very interesting rifles. If I didn't have so many other toys, I think I would have to dive into one of these. As it is, I don't get many of my other toys used often enough.
 
I have an original Smith carbine. I bought it at an auction years ago and I know I didn't pay more than 600 for it, because that was the max I could spend on one gun back then. There was no front sight so I bought a universal sight blade from Dixie and installed that. Filed to hit POA at 25 yards. I use a Navy Arms bullet mold that was probably intended for the repro. I don't measure black powder, just however much it holds and still get the bullet in. The bullet is a loose fit in the hard rubber cartridges so I put a piece of cigarette paper over the cartridge mouth then stick the bullet in for a friction fit. Tear away the excess. I used it on one stage of a CAS match, just for style points. It binged all the rifle targets (about 40 yards) and I must have won "Agonizingly Slow Time" for that stage.
 
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