Have been shooting Long Range and Mid Range Black Powder Cartridge Target competitive events for several years. While the Axtell Sharps is not numerous, the folks that shoot them, like them and shoot them well. I have seen it in the winners circle more than once in Long Range. To me how well a rifle shoots is everything. Yes, it is nice if it is attractive to the eye but where does it land the bullets? When asked, each Axtell owner comments the same, "and yes, it really shoots well." To my good fortune, I coincidentally shot next to Carmen Axtell at the National Championship Black Powder Target Matches at Raton, New Mexico in August 2007. And yes she was shooting her own Axtell in 45-70. The rifle and the lady can shoot. While talking to Carmen I also took a good look at her rifle. In casual conversation it was obvious that the rifle is used more than most folks would use one in competition. It bears the use well which is another plus for the rifle to my way of thinking. Carmen is the nicest person you would want to meet and is justifiably proud of her rifle. She does not mind letting you shoot it. In fact, she brought extra ammunition with her just for that purpose. And by the way, have not the really great gun makers in history also been shooters of their own guns, ie, Harry Pope, L.L. Hepburn, etc. In Spanish there is a saying, Si Compras barato, compras mas hace rato. Which means, (not literal translation), If you buy cheap, you will buy again shortly. That is not the case with the Axtell Sharps. Obviously it is a good value for the price. And yes I am plotting, along with my son, as to just exactly how do we secure one. Fear not, we will be successful, the question is simply when. Why? First, because it is a shooter and second because it has a feel in your hands that is like no other. Mine wont be a wall hanger. It will get used.
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