6.8 chamber question????

[45/70 Govt]

Hi all, 2nd post on forum, thanks for the welcome! Got a question, I have a RRA middy ordered, read several posts about the "improved" 6.8 spc chamber, kinda bummed about things. Wish I'd have found this forum a few months ago! Anyway, I jumped on the RRA website this morning, I looked at the 6.8 carbine info, and it says it's chambered for 6.8 spc SAAMI II, hope I'm correct on the assumption that RRA is chambering it's barrels for the "improved 6.8"??!!?? The info says it's still a 1/10 twist, uhhhh! I welcome all input!!! Thanks, Russ

[paulosantos]

You are good to go. The RRA Barrels have the SPCII Chambers so you are good to go.

[45/70 Govt]

Thanks Paulo, beginning to love this site! You made my night. Too bad they didn't retro their twist rate! Thanks again, Russ

[ArtFWTx]

I see Paulo answered your question. RRA states their 6.8's can handle the SSA combat loads and there are many RRA owners here who report favorably on the brand. RRA does have a 1:11 barrel project but the introduction has been delayed with all the shortages and industry demand. One of the managers indicated this project will be a sooner rather than a later project though. So if you get hooked and want a second 6.8, RRA may have the new barrels by then. Of course you've got a nice one to begin with.

So how many 45/70's do you have? Now that's a classic cartridge!

[45/70 Govt]

I only own two 45/70's, but I hope to own a few more. I bought a new Win 1886 about 4 years ago, totally hooked the first time I pulled the trigger! I was in Alaska last August, way remote fishing camp, 15 rough miles from nowhere. Carried my trusty S&W M629 Mountain gun, felt "over armed" (300 gn. Sierras, mav H110) had an adult grizzly w/ 2 cubs bust thru camp at 20 yds. Was wishin for a .50 BMG! M29 felt incredibly small at that point! As soon as I got home, I bought a Marlin S.S. guide gun in 45/70, put Ashley Outdoor ghost ring peep and white stripe front on it. Next time, in Alaska, I will feel much more prepared, will leave the handgun in the safe! Funny thing about that trip, we had guys in camp w/.357's loaded with what I would consider "cowboy ammo", they felt they were totally safe! They would have had a tough time repelling an enraged spruce grouse!

[Raph]

I've wanted a Sharps in .45-70 since I can remember! Esp. after watch Quigley, though I think that was a .45-110...

[Equalizer_2]

I've wanted a Sharps in .45-70 since I can remember! Esp. after watch Quigley, though I think that was a .45-110...

Yes, that was a 45-110 and a friend of my dad has one. My dad has a few 45-70s and a 45-90. The 45-110 won't do anything that the 45-70s and 45-90 can't do. This of course is due to smokeless powder. Few guys can fire many of the 45-70s that my dad loads. He shoots it continuously and while I grew up shooting an 06 without a problem his 45-70s get to me after 10 to 15 rounds.

[ArtFWTx]

My brother has a guide gun exactly like yours. I love that rifle. You buy Buffalo Bore ammo or similar loads and you are good to go. Even the lighter original type 45/70 loads are nothing to sneeze at. Yeah, I would feel inadequate with a 357 with a grizzly 20 yards away. You'd empty the gun in her. She'd eat you, then walk away and maybe bleed out hours later if you're lucky. Actually, I would have shown up in camp with a SW 29 4 inch in a hip holster just like you did so I'm taking notes from your experience!! :D

[45/70 Govt]

I found it interesting that everyone I ran into in Alaska, off the beaten path, carried a firearm for bruin defense. The locals primarily had Rem 870's loaded with slugs, I didn't encounter anyone with a large-bore lever gun. Found that interesting, as a 45/70 properly loaded will out-penetrate any slug. Talked at length with one local, he had to kill 3 grizzlys in self-defense, all with his 870. He felt that was an excellent choice. I ran into few people who relied on a handgun for "primary" protection. In 2 weeks of fishing in the bush, I only saw the sow and cubs, but we had fresh tracks in and around camp on a nightly basis, some others saw grizzly bears on their travels to and from town on 4 wheelers, we routinely walked 1-2 miles upriver to fish. The bush was thick, alders at times nearly impenetrable, a bear could have been 10 feet from you, you wouldn't have seen it until it was "way too late"! It was an interesting trip, ever get the chance, go!!! Russ

[Strawdawg]

I found it interesting that everyone I ran into in Alaska, off the beaten path, carried a firearm for bruin defense. The locals primarily had Rem 870's loaded with slugs, I didn't encounter anyone with a large-bore lever gun. Found that interesting, as a 45/70 properly loaded will out-penetrate any slug. Talked at length with one local, he had to kill 3 grizzlys in self-defense, all with his 870. He felt that was an excellent choice. I ran into few people who relied on a handgun for "primary" protection. In 2 weeks of fishing in the bush, I only saw the sow and cubs, but we had fresh tracks in and around camp on a nightly basis, some others saw grizzly bears on their travels to and from town on 4 wheelers, we routinely walked 1-2 miles upriver to fish. The bush was thick, alders at times nearly impenetrable, a bear could have been 10 feet from you, you wouldn't have seen it until it was "way too late"! It was an interesting trip, ever get the chance, go!!! Russ

I was going to comment that everytime I went salmon fishing a few years ago, virtually everyone carried a 12 ga. I asked one if that was considered adequate...he told me that standard procedure was to fire in the air to scare the bear, and, if the bear did not run, standard procedure was then to drop the gun and run like heck. Not sure he was kidding. :mrgreen:

[ArtFWTx]

Don't forget to push your buddy down then take off. Remember you're not out running the bear, but you do need to outrun the rest of your party. :lol: