I posted several weeks ago about wanting an all original Hepburn and finally found one at a reasonable price with the seller stating the bore was not so good. Well after lining the barrel and waiting on a new Brooks bullet mold I finally made it to the range today. After firing 10 rounds cleaning after each I fired 10 more then cleaned. Fired a few more to foul the barrel then fired a couple groups one two inch and one one and one half. 40-70 Straight shooting a Brooks 400gr improved Snover over 23gr of IMR 4198. I didn't chronograph the loads but info says around 1250 fps. They stung a little as the guns is a bit on the light side. Was very pleased with the first shots. As I fired the first shot I had to wonder how long had it been since that gun was fired last...


JMH

The typical Hepburn buttplate is pretty small and narrow, which look great, but also hit your shoulder like a dull knife edge. I always shoot most of mine with my PAST shoulder pad on. I have one in .45-70 I built and I had the semi inletted stocks built for a larger shotgun type Winchester buttplate that Dave Crossno had a pattern for. Even with 500 gr. bullets it's much nicer on my shoulder than typical Hepburn buttplates.

I recommend the recoil pads that Buffalo Arms sells. Stays in place much better than a PAST.

Thanks I will certainly look into it.




JMH

I’ve been using one of these Past recoil shields for over 20 years.  It takes the pain off the shoulder with no additions to the rifle.  However it doesn’t do anything about stocks that like to slap your face.