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Post by missionary on Feb 25, 2019 4:36:46 GMT -7
 Good morning About 15 years back came across a Peabody Rifle in 45-70 . At that time I was still learning about them but as the weeks went along I learned what a fine single shot they are. Our rifle is one made for the Conn. Malitia. Peoboby's were submitted at least once to the Army Board for evaluation but the the Army board was headed by officers who were in charge of Springfield Arsenal (or connected) so outside arms stood little chance of getting past testing. The Peadbody rifles did fare well but the Trapdoors were the chosen rifle for the future. About the same time we purchased a Spencer Carbine in 56-50. Eventually we purchased a center fire breach block and happily blasted away some pounds of lead roof flashing. Then about 4 years ago a Peabody carbine was located in 56-5-rimfire. Discovered it was possible to purchase a new breach block in center fire so the carbine was purchased. As more information was gathered I read an article that said due to very good quality control and manufacturing the breach blocks of near all Peabody receivers were interchangeable. So this past summer while up north there I gave the breach block swap a try. If it worked I would be able to shoot the carbine with the 56-50 center fire brass we already were using the in Spencer. With some difficulty the carbine (1864 era ) breach block was removed. The rifle breach block had previously been removed and cleaned before firing years back. Without any problem the rifle breach block was inserted. Then the hammers were also swapped as the rim fire hammer is thicker at the hammer nose and smacks the center fire breach block edge. So if you come across a Peabody rimfire rifle or carbine... you may be able to buy it cheap. The rim fire breach block can be converted if you have the tooling. A new one can be purchased from the "New" Peabody Firearms Factory... or if you have a centerfire Peabody the breach blocks will probably swap out and in 30 minutes you can be ready to fire your 56-50 carbine in center fire. Mike in Peru |
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Post by Hombre on Mar 1, 2019 20:04:34 GMT -7
Indeed, switching out/changing from a central fire block into a rimfire block action works probably 99% of the time? Instead of hassling with switching only the central fire hammer and rimfire hammer, take a look at merely switching the lock plates with the hammers still on them. Accomplishes the the same end result, but you don't have to work at wrestling hammers off n' on. Works for me anyway. Last I spoke with Frank, Providence Tool Company in Wisconsin, he was looking at around $800-$1000 to have you send in your rifle and he'd flux the action and fit a new block - something like that for prices. Might as well buy a central fire Peabody and do as I mentioned above. At least you'd have 2 Peabody firearms that way. I've a South Carolina carbine, 1 of 350 shipped in 1877, that was originally a .50 rimfire. I obtained it from a North Carolina gunsmith's estate 'bout 6 years ago. He had performed a nice conversion from rimfire to central fire, opened up the chamber length to accept .50 1 3/4" (aka: .50-70 Gov't), re-cased the action and refinished the wood, etc. It was what I was looking for, but figured would never find, a turn-key .50-70 Gov't carbine. I've a custom made (new action from Oklahoma in the late 1990's) Peabody Sporting Rifle, factory checkering pattern, 26" Badger barrel, case colored and with English select grade walnut, in .50-70. With the original curved crescent butt plate one really doesn't want to shoot through a bandoleer of ammo using it! 6-7 years ago came up with my 'half rifle': Peabody military case colored action (probably from a .43 Spanish rifle?) and having the original military butt stock. I took a saved Badger barrel, had a gunsmith turn the barrel contour to .50 rimfire military carbine dimensions, chamber it to .45 2 1/10th, had access to a partial original military long forearm, so he re contoured it to military carbine specs. It has side sling studs on it and is a fine shootin' iron. Only a 'half rifle - original' but for me I'm happy with it. Some folks may be familiar what I've done with installing side slings on Rossi M92 carbines, on the Rossi fireamrs forum? www.rossi-rifleman.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1948&p=19098&hilit=side+sling+part+1#p19098 Also look at Parts 2 & 3 and Ruger No. 3. I greatly favor the Peabody side hammer action and am fortunate to have acquired a few originals and a few custom ones over the years. Anymore, original Peabody Sporting Rifles that I come across out there in the internet or with collections, I bird dog them for a good friend back east and let him do the pursuing and add them to his collection - seeing as how I get Visitation Rights to what he acquires, this works fine for me!! Over the years, dealing with 'folks suppose to be in the know', it is estimated only 65-85 Peabody Commercial Sporting Rifles were made? Ed Hull, who did a book on Peabody rifles many years ago, it due to put out his second book on Peabody military rifles and is to be including Peabody Sporting Rifles to some degree. I'm certainly looking forward to that book becoming available. Many, many years have gone past since first began with my interest in Peabody Sporting Rifles and carbines. I prefer them over full length military models. Nothing wrong with the full length military modes, k'. I just like what I like!! When I go into the field, 8 out of 10 times it is a Peabody that accompanies me these days. Some of the below pictures have been shared on other Forum Posts over the years. The 'half rifle' in .45-70 and original .50 rimfire military carbine. I swap these 2 breach blocks/side locks-hammers back n' forth, to be able to use Starline .56-50 cases in the .50 rimfire military carbine - which is certainly a delight to shoot and has proven quite accurate. I elected to keep the rifle side plate (usual place for a carbine loop, as shown on bottom carbine) this way it would not rub on my back when carrying the top carbine 'African Carry' (as some refer to it as) over my left shoulder with the muzzle pointed down. I had gunsmith weld up the side staple for a sling on the forearm barrel band. That barrel band was from a Peabody military rifle, but someone had ground off the bottom sling loop, so it worked fine for what I wanted.  Custom Peabody Sporting Rifle, .50 1 3/4", original checkering pattern in English Walnut - a big Thank You to George at Treebone Carving for the wood for both custom Sporting Rifles, back in 2005. George finally got to see/handle both finished Sporting Rifles when we reunited/visited at the 2018 Quigley Match in Montana. I really like the .50 1 3/4" cartridge.  Custom Peabody Sporting Rifle, .45 2 1/10", original checkering pattern. With this .45-70 and the .50-70 Sporting Rifle above, I was most fortunate to obtain original Peabody Sporting Rifle checkering patterns from a good friend, to be executed on these 2 fine custom Sporting Rifles. Engraving by that fine gentleman, Ken Hurst, back in the late 1990's. Circassian walnut and French Gray for all metal finish, except the barrel and tang sight. Yes, it's a 'pretty', but I take it out now n' then into the field for some shooting, after all, that's what they're made for!  |
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Post by Hombre on Mar 1, 2019 20:18:48 GMT -7
Here's the 1877 South Carolina carbine, refinished, converted to central fire, chambered to .50 1 3/4".  Original Peabody Sporting Rifle, a plain version, no checkering and in .45-50 Peabody. Folks were smaller in size bhack in the 1860's 1870's and that small crescent butt plate is not the most fun thing to do to your shoulder for very many shots! Admittedly I put a slip-on modern rubber recoil pad on it when shooting it. Of I take it off when pictures are wanted! ha In 2009 stopped by Tom Ballards home south of Helena, Montana and he cut a custom mold that throws a 315 gr cast bullet. Over 20 grs of 5744 powder it will do right at 2" at 100 yards. I've not bothered to try other loads - when they work, they work, don't go messin' with 'em!! Peabody Sporting Rifles are considered one of the rarest Sporting Rifles of the late 1800's.  Not sure if the factory or someone else installed the side sling, along the same way that was done on some of the late 1800's Winchesters and the Winchester Belgian Congo Model 1894. On the Belgian Congo Winchester Model 1894, 1913, folks can't seem to come to an agreement whether the side sling setup was installed by Winchester or when they got to France?  Gee, really didn't mean to take up so much time yakkin' 'bout Peabody irons, well kinda!! They are of fine quality and strong action. Hope folks enjoy some information and a few pictures 'bout Peabody irons... So, if a Peabody military rifle or carbine or Sporting Rifle may wander across you path someday, you need not hesitate in giving it a new home and taking if afield. regards to all, Hombre |
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Post by Hombre on Mar 2, 2019 22:31:52 GMT -7
Regarding Providence Tool Company and Peabody rifles/carbines:
Most folks haven't heard of them, nor are they aware of the history they played around the world of firearms, mostly in Europe in the late 1800's.
Let us not forget that The Dominion of Canada issued their militias/National Guard type of units with .50 rimfire Peabody rifles (also Spencer carbines and Snyder carbines).
Snyder rifles and carbines are another firearm used in several areas of the world, that many are not familiar with.
Now were you to mention a 'Sharps' rifle or carbine, then ears would perk up and most folks would have a much better awareness of what was being discussed.
The nostalgia of the 'buffalo rifle' of a Sharps is pretty much common knowledge. Yet, Remington Rolling Blocks, Trapdoor Springfields and others were also used on the buffalo range.
Yet when it comes to Peabody firearms, often a questioning stare is observed. Bring up Maynard rifles/carbines and again, most folks aren't aware of their historical background and how they were at one time used in large numbers for target/competition rifle shooting events, as well as sporting use, not only in the U.S. but in India, etc.
oh well . . . time to let this dawg rest
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Post by shootist---Gary on Mar 4, 2019 1:15:10 GMT -7
Very interesting & informative post. I'm not positive, but I think Dave Gullo uses a Peabody at the Quigley shoot. (now that I have thought about it, I think he uses a Remington Hepburn). Have lots of fun with those pretty Peabodys.
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Post by Hombre on Mar 4, 2019 9:36:34 GMT -7
Missionary and others: Peabody block: rimfire firing pin conversion to central fire. This shows 'one way' to make such a conversion. The below converted block is from a Peabody .50 rimfire carbine shipped to North Carolina in 1877, also rechambered to .50-70 Gov't. 1. converted block with metal plate with firing pin hole moved slightly to the left, showing the firing pin retracting pin (spring returned firing pin). This conversion works very well and a good machinist can make the changes. Maybe it will help someone looking for a rimfire-to-central fire conversion.  2. block disassembled to show conversion details  3. rimfire firing pin converted to a central fire firing pin. Note hole for spring used to have a spring returned firing pin.  |
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Post by Hombre on Mar 4, 2019 9:58:11 GMT -7
Providence Tool Company, Peabody .50 rimfire carbine (converted to central fire and chamber lengthened to .50 1 3/4") 1 of 350 shipped to South Carolina in 1877. I would not have converted/changed/refinished an original carbine. This carbine came out of a North Carolina gunsmiths estate, a personal project of his he'd completed many years ago. Yes, it has lost it's original condition collectible status, but it's now once again able to be used in the field. After all, that is what firearms were meant to be: used/fired and taken afield...  The S.C. is for South Carolina.  |
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Post by Bullshop on Mar 10, 2019 19:38:59 GMT -7
Great looking rifles! I was completely ignorant of these until you brought them to my attention. They seem to be well designed and well made rifles. If ever I have questions about Peabody rifles I know who to ask. Thank you for the very informative write up on your Peabody rifles!!!
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