Bugler

Another reason that I love Montana!!! Bugler

One of the best values for the money is the Konus 20x60x80 spotting scope. Many of my smallbore and NRA High power rifle shooters are VERY pleased with the results. You can see bullet holes (.30 caliber) at 200 yards if you are using the black bull. In the white I can see .22 holes..... Might work out for you as well. Bugler

Am going to use my Uberti '73 in 44-40 next year on a friends ranch.....seems to have a good number of mule deer living in his alfalfa fields....usually less than 100 yards.... Bugler

Resembles an old Fekker scope to me........ Bugler

Anyone know how many episodes had both Dennis Weaver AND Ken Curtis in them? I have seen about 5 but I think there are more than that.... The supporting stable of cast members was extraordinary.....I liked the nickname Sgt. Holly ( Forrest Tucker) had for Marshall Dillon....Marshall Big Fist! Bugler

Wow! Does everyone have a Brinnell hardness tester? I have NO idea as to what the real hardness level is on my own cast bullets...... I have been using smelted isotope balls (whatever hardness that is) in my cap & ball revolvers and my all of my 44-40 revolvers and rifles with GREAT success. Anyone know what hardness isotope balls are? Bugler

Just finished watching Gunsmoke "Snow Train" on Tvland and have to say that I think it is without a doubt in MY mind the best episode EVER. How about the rest of you? Bugler

To the OP's original comment....yes Dillon's Customer Service NO B.S. policy is legendary! Bugler

Never knew I wasn't supposed to load Black Powder on my 550.....I've loaded many thousands of 44-40's with no issues. I am not going to tell my Dillon that it isn't supposed to do that! Bugler

Thanks everyone!! Bugler

I have two 1860 Army revolvers (brass frame) that have stretched frames....one is a Pietta and the other a CVA. My real question is this....Will the barrel, cylinder and internal parts fit into a Uberti 1860 Army frame? I have a line on a steel Uberti frame. Bugler

I noticed that many of the older actors ( Jimmy Stewart, John Wayne, James Arness, Glenn ford, Steve McQueen etc.) used the same hat ( sort of a trade mark) regardless of the movie that they were in....Not that they all wore the exact same style as each other.....the same style from movie to movie for each of them. Hope I am making sense.... Did they use their own hats in the movies or did the props people make sure that it was the same? I understand using the same hat and clothing for continuity within the same production......just wondering. Bugler

People actually clean their primer pockets? Never heard of such a thing!! Bugler

You are only limited by your imagination......Much you probably already have, if not many find great stuff at a Goodwill type store.....shirts for less than .25 cents etc.... Bugler

I ONLY use ....whatever is on sale! I refuse to have a gun be primer specific.Seems like I am using a bunch of Winchesters and S&B with ZERO malfunctions. Bugler

i JB Weld the loading gate tab on every '66 I get....fresh out of the box or well used....saves a LOT of frustration and disappointment to boot! I posted a pictorial tutorial of this on another thread. Bugler

also, be prepared to explain to the Match Director/TO that you are NOT violating the 170 by using any of the drawing methods for cavalry flap over holsters, especially when you are using two of them. The Cavalry Twist Draw is an approved method by SASS. Bugler

Keep us posted as to which method you end up using..... Bugler

That is the exact rig that I am using.....as mentioned , not super fast, but is not as slow as many would have you believe.... There are many methods of drawing from the flap over holsters. Over the years there have been many posts on the various methods...ie....cavalry twist draw, drawing the gun upside down and rotating, simply rotating the gun in the holster as you are at the loading table being summoned to the line...etc I have used them all..... Bugler

Reinforcing the loading gate tab is the FIRST thing I do with any '66 I acquire whether it is Brand new as yours is or well used . I posted a tutorial on another post. This has been around for a long time and I claim NO credit for it other than I found it again to help another '66 shooter. Get some JB Weld at the hardware or auto parts store and follow the tutorial....you will NEVER have a problem with it. Nice to have that kind of confidence in your gear!! Bugler

What we’re going to do is create a fillet of JB Weld behind the tab so once the gate is removed, degrease it, and use some sandpaper to rough up the back side of the tab as well as the base where you will be applying the epoxy. Then just apply the JB Weld to create the reinforcing fillet like below. After it sets but before it fully cures you’re going to need to take a knife or file and trim the material where it meets the tab so that the tab will fit in the notch of the receiver. This is where it must fit. The tab doesn’t actually get pushed all the way into the notch when loading a round and as a matter of fact my tab reinforcement didn’t actually interfere with the notch but I trimmed it a bit anyway. So that’s all there is to it, probably a 20 minute job and this gate should last forever.

I found this excellent article..... Reinforcing the Uberti Winchester 1866 loading gateKey this into your search engine and it should take you right there....great photos and tutorial. Bugler

As an active Silhouette Competitor, I often see gear for sale or trade.....will keep my eyes and ears open for you..... Bugler

OP, Doesn't matter if the '66 is New In the Box or well used, the first thing I do is remove the side plates, remove the loading gate and reinforce it with JB weld like many have already mentioned. This is usually available at the hardware store or automotive parts store. After hardening, you may have to file the contour for proper fit.....After that is done you will NEVER have to deal with that issue again! There are many You Tube videos on this if you want or need a good tutorial. Bugler

Are you wanting to compete in NRA Heavy Rifle or Sporter division? Total weight of the rifle makes a difference....A 54 action would most likely be in Heavy rifle. I use either my 54MS Anschutz or a Remington 541T in Heavy Rifle and a Remington Model 5 or 581 for Sporter....Am AAA in both divisions. Bugler PS. You might take a serious look at a CZ 452/455.....less money than the Anschutz and is nearly as accurate. Mine will shoot nickel size 10 shot groups with Eley Black Box at 100 meters over a rest...what more do we need?