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Folks,

I recently saw a rifle that caught my interest but unfortunately i didn't get a chance to discuss with the owner or get a close look.

Essentially it looked like a smaller percuission remington rolling block, but he fed it the old paper cartridges. He'd drop the lever, stuff a paper cartridge up the breech and the rear of the cartridge would rip open. Slapped on a percussion cap and fired. He was only shooting at 100yds but it did seem accurate.

So questions:

1. Can anyone identify the rifle or where i can get one?

2. I assume that the paper cartridge is a self -assembly. Anyone know of a link or article that shows you how? The paper must be a special type as it seemed to combust during firing.

Sounds like a Sharps 1859 or 1863 Carbine.....

The Italian reproduction companies such as Uberti I'm sure, make a modern replica. Probably going to be a lot cheaper than an original. I bet dromia or dodgyrog have the instructions for making the cartridge tattooed on their body somewhere!!!

Look like the top one?

http://chiappafirearms.com/products/83

Definitely a Sharps rifle, or carbine, of one pattern or another. Widely used for the first time in the US Civil War. The most famous users were the Berdan Sharpshooters.

The cartridge was made with nitrated paper so it combusted upon firing. The only articles I can find on how to make them are text-only. No pictures

Sim G wrote:Look like the top one?

http://chiappafirearms.com/products/83

That's it. Are they expensive?

Try IMA USA.COM

they have a Nepalese version

Scotsgun wrote:
That's it. Are they expensive?

Around the £550 mark.