The ‘Volunteer’ is a generic copy of military target rifle of the early 1860s. It has a full stock with straight grip. As in the 19thC, different makers today have used different rifling patterns, but generally 1 in 20 to 1 in 22 pitch. They come with a barrel mounted military style rearsight. To get the most from them, adding a tang mounted aperture sight is recommended. Good (match winning) performance can be had from them out to 600 yards - beyond that match rifles (such as the Gibbs) will generally out-perform them.
The Pedersoli ‘Gibbs’ is styled after the long range match rifles that started to appear in the mid-1860s. It has a half stock and pistol grip, and comes complete with aperture sights. Such rifles in the 19thC were restricted to a weight limit of 10lb, and the configuration enabled more weight to be put into the barrel. The .45 Gibbs has a 1 in 18 twist (beware of newer versions with a slower twist for short range target shooting). As supplied these rifles can get you out to 1200 yards (furthest I have fired). This rifle will be widely seen on the firing point of competitions, although it’s the only ‘production’ rifle of the type - competition coming from custom built rifles or originals.
See -
LRML: Rifles & Equipment on my
Research Press web site for further information.
David
