I was wondering as to the use history of the Sharps-Borchardt Musket.   

Thanks

The Sellers book has a pretty good breakdown of the 1878 Military rifle shipments on page 273.
Looks like the largest quantity went to South America, some to China, and various small quantities to state militias and shooting organizations.

Steve

westerner wrote on Nov 10^th, 2010 at 12:29pm:


Hello Joe,

Sellers doesn't say much, other than where some of them went. Those that went to Militia's probably got used for what you suggested, before everyone adjourned to the nearest Bar. lol. 

Of the 200 Chinese Contract Borchardt Rifles, some three of which (at least) made it back to the USA, were probably captured during the Seige of Peking during the Boxer War in 1900. Mention is made in the history of this War, of Chinese Snipers. The best rifle the Chinese Army (and Boxers) had at that time, for such shooting, was the Sharps Borchardt.

Harry

And at least one to Australia

Regards Trevor

westerner wrote on Nov 10^th, 2010 at 8:35pm:



Hello Joe,

The reason your Borchardt seems to kick is due to the crappy stock design. When you touch off a round it's not the 'hit' your shoulder takes, but the 'Mike Tyson' punch the stock gives your cheek bone that gives you the headache.

If you fire say a 460 Weatherby Magnum from one of Roy Weatherby's rifles with the Monte Carlo stock you will find that on firing the stock drops away from your face rather than rising into it. It's quite gentle in comparrison.

I've never considered the 45/70 to have a lot of recoil, it's quite tame compared to the British 577/450 round and certainly a lot less than the .577 BP double rifle I used to own.

However, back to the Boxer Rebellion and the Borchardt. As I said it's likely the Borchardt was used by their 'Snipers' seeing that a large majority of the Chinese Army were still using either Flintlocks or even matchlocks. 

They were a tad behind militarily speaking in those days, as witnessed by their casualties. Of the 80,000 Boxers who were estimated to have taken part in this battle 50% were either killed or wounded. That's a casualty rate that no country could sustain.

Harry

                   

Harry, just hurts my shoulder, not my cheek. I know what ya mean about stock design though.   

I used to shoot an original SB long range rifle. It weighed ten pounds. With a duplex load and a 550 grain bullet that rifle pounded the crap out of me. I shot it at Raton New Mexico in the very first 1000 yard match on the then new 1000 yard NRA range.  My spotter was Ron Long.  I would shoot and Ron would straighten my glasses out and wipe the boogers off my face. I started my string with tens and nines. The scores quickly deteriorated, one shot a miss.  I was younger and tougher then. 

I sold that rifle to Bob Gordon. Bob immediately replaced the barrel with a shorter heavier Krieger barrel in 45/70.  He said it kicked like a mule.

Most of the military SB rifles I've looked at have good bores. Mine has a perfect bore and the machine marks can still be seen. Still kicks too 




                       Joe. 

Stout load Frank!    Makes my shoulder hurt just thinking about it. 

The load I was shooting was 12 gr Reloader #7 and the case filled with 2F to .250 of the mouth. A card wad and  Ron Long tapered spitzer bullet. Case was 45/90
I've often hurt my shoulder but always recovered from it. I've learned to angle my body and rest the butt more on my arm than my shoulder. Much easier on the bod that way.  Now days I dont mind my little 40/50 SS for prone shooting. 

                                   Joe.