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Howdy gals & gents, before you get too excited about the topic, let me say that my question is about a rifle, not the caliber. (I already am a fan of the caliber.)
I have an original model 1886 Winchester chambered in .45-70 with octagonal barrel which, by its serial number, was manufactured in 1889. My questions in order are:
James
I have an original model 1886 Winchester chambered in .45-70 with octagonal barrel which, by its serial number, was manufactured in 1889. My questions in order are:
- Would I be a complete fool to fire this gun, at least in terms of the effect on its value? I have no plans to sell it, as it was my father's, but I wouldn't want to reduce its value for my own heirs. The barrel and action are both in solid, good shape; this gun was very, very well maintained, and as a longtime gun owner myself I have continued that (albeit in storage, as regards this gun).
- Assuming the answer to the above question were "yes", can it handle modern cowboy-action loads?
James