New technology rifles/carbines

[ewmail15]

I have a list in my head of rifles and carbines whose technological advances would be right to collect. These would be just before and including the CW years.

1859 Sharps
1861 Merrill
1860 Spencer
? Burnside
? Henry
? Hall

Maybe a top ten list with each rifle having unique technologies/patents?

Any from the CSA manufacturers to make the list?

 

[UCVRelics]

The Confederate Tarpley comes to mind.

 

[ewmail15]

Only 400 made, breech loader like Sharps, no forend, no gas seal, only CSA rifle sold to the public. First time I've heard of this one. Thanks UCV.

 

[johan_steele]

Got to have a Ballard & a Smith.

 

[ewmail15]

We're Smith's overly prone to breakdowns, fouling?

 

[mofederal]

The Starr, but it is somewhat like the Sharps, but somewhat different.

 

[johan_steele]

We're Smith's overly prone to breakdowns, fouling?

The Smith is quite simple, easy to clean and reliable if kept clean. The flaw is in the plunger that opens the action Becomes difficult to open with fouling) and the lack of an extractor. It was generally liked by those who carried it and in a lot of corners things get heated in discussions of which is superior the Sharps or the Smith. Both have their flaws but I admit a fondness for the Sharps.

 

[Jobe Holiday]

The "plunger", or push rod, to open the action is sealed inside the action with the tumbler and other internal parts and is not subject to fouling. This is from personal experience, not hearsay.
J.

 

[JOHN42768]

Might want to add: Maynard, Gallager and Gwyn & Campbell

 

[ewmail15]

I neglected to add in my initial post - what were the unique technologies/patents involved with each rifle that maybe gave them advantage over others?

 

[johan_steele]

The "plunger", or push rod, to open the action is sealed inside the action with the tumbler and other internal parts and is not subject to fouling. This is from personal experience, not hearsay.
J.

I thought that was the case but at a shoot a few years ago a fellow firing an original had severe issues operating the plunger after every 8-10 shots. He had a brass rod which he used for extra leverage to open the action. He is the one who explained that was a known issue due to fouling. If such a reaction wasn't due to fouling do you know what might have created it?

My own experience with the Smith is limited to live firing a few originals and one repro. Most of the shooting of Smiths I have been present for have the shooters giving a quick clean after less than 20 rounds with no real issues.

Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[Jobe Holiday]

Without being able to see the arm itself, the ammunition, etc., it is difficult to tell what may have been wrong, or what the owner may have previously done to the arm. I have found the original Smith Carbines to be the most flawlessly functioning arms to shoot. The reproductions are a much different story!
J.