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  1. #1
    Legacy Member mhb's Avatar
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    Ferguson rifle

    Having just acquired a like-new Narragansett Arms reproduction of the Ferguson rifle, I'm preparing to shoot it - but some significant information does not seem to be readily found:
    What was the original powder charge for the Ferguson military rifle (I realize that this is controlled by the space between the chambered ball and the front of the breechblock, and so is a fixed quantity which may or may not be the same as in the replica)?
    What lubricant, if any, was applied to the ball?
    And what lubricant, if any, was used on the threads of the breech block?
    Any tips/tricks or advice from someone who has experience with the Ferguson would be appreciated!

    mhb - MIke
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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

  3. #2
    Contributing Member CINDERS's Avatar
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    Experience with early modern replicas, made before the proper screw and thread pitch of the breechblock were rediscovered, seemed to indicate that while reloading was rapid, it seemed to be necessary to first lubricate the breech screw (originally with a mixture of beeswax and tallow) or else the (replica) rifle would foul so much that it needed cleaning after three or four shots. However, through the research efforts of DeWitt Bailey and others, the properly made reproduction Ferguson rifle, made according to Patrick Ferguson's specifications of the 1770s, can fire beyond sixty shots.

    According to Forgotten weapons vid that I just looked at they used a .65 caliber ball first off for the most accurate shooting.
    Then after the rifle was fouled (How many shots did not say) change to a .61 caliber ball the load they used in the video was 75gns of 3F Swissicon (No liability accepted in the use of this load only repeating what was on the video)

    Last edited by CINDERS; 02-20-2018 at 11:47 PM.

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    mhb

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    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by CINDERS View Post
    used a .65 caliber ball first off for the most accurate shooting.
    Then after the rifle was fouled (How many shots did not say) change to a .61 caliber ball
    Because you could carry a bunch of both and be able to tell the difference when you were firing by order...
    Regards, Jim

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    Legacy Member gsimmons's Avatar
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    You write the bullet diameter on the paper cartridge.

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    Advisory Panel Patrick Chadwick's Avatar
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    Oh my! Just when I was thinking that I really don't need another rifle... along comes THIS !!!!

    A real show-stopper at any meeting!

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  11. #6
    Advisory Panel Patrick Chadwick's Avatar
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    Oh dear! I searched the internet - several years (and thousands of dollars) too late to get one!

    But one can dream...

  12. #7
    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by gsimmons View Post
    You write the bullet diameter on the paper cartridge.
    And you'd be able to stop a read them...select the right one...neat...
    Regards, Jim

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    Advisory Panel Patrick Chadwick's Avatar
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    It would surely be more practical to have two cartridge pouches?

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    Legacy Member gsimmons's Avatar
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    I’m sure the ball diameter was such that it took fouling into consideration.

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    Legacy Member gsimmons's Avatar
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    I don’t have any experience with the Ferguson rifle itself, but I used to shoot a model 1863 sharps carbine in competition. I used a cooking oil spray(Pam) to lubricate the breach block. I could fire the carbine all day without having to remove it between events. As far as lube for the I would experiment with the different types that are out there. Measure the bore and then get a few sizes of balls and see which one is most accurate.

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