Old Maynard/New owner

[kh54]

I saw a likely unissued Maynard at the gun show today. Bluing and case coloring appear 95 percent-plus. Small crack in the stock about five inches long but doesn’t go through - eminently repairable. I took it home for under $2K. (Boy I hope I didn’t pay too much.) Now I need to find brass. My pics are under bad lighting and don’t do this gun justice. Maybe I can get better pics tomorrow.

I saw in an older thread someone used a Smith carbine bullet (maybe Eras Gone?) in their Maynard. Any reason not to?

 

[Smokey Plainsman]

Now THAT'S a dandy!! $2K is right in line for a good condition Maynard's, so you done just fine. Your crack don't look to bad, easily repairable with some adheasive and clamping.

Maynard's patent breech-loading cavalry carbines are a hoot and then some. Confederates loved them and considered them a highly accurate, dependable arm.

Here’s mine:

S&S firearms can hook you up with Maynard cases, Maynard bullets, and a cartridge loading gadget.

Happy shooting!!

 

[Ed C.]

Thanks for posting. Seems to be a one of a kind gun. Very neat!

 

[kh54]

I finally picked up cases and bullets and loaded 50 cartridges tonight for the range tomorrow. The bullets came from Dixie Gun Works and seem very close to the pics of originals that I’ve found online.

I’ve been a bit disappointed with the accuracy of my other carbines, a Smith (Pietta), a Sharps (Garret), and an original Burnside. I’m really hopeful that this Maynard will do well. If it does, I’ll order a custom mold to match the originals.

Wish me luck fellers!

 

[cynthialee]

Sweet!
My Maynard isn't as pretty. But I got a Maynard.

Haven't had much a chance to fire it.

 

[kh54]

My Maynard isn't as pretty. But I got a Maynard.

And mine’s not nearly as pretty as @smokey Plainsman’s. But isn’t it all about the shooting? Owning old firearms is cool but being able to shoot them - now that’s cool.

So Cynthia (if I may call you that - you may call me Kim) get that thang out and shoot ‘er. Then please share results. I intend to post my results tomorrow, unless they’re so bad I would embarrass myself to do so.

 

[kh54]

When I first posted I made a bit of an overstatement about the case hardening colors on my Maynard. The bluing is mostly there and a deep color but the case hardening colors are faded. They are evident everywhere they should be just not real bright. Considering that most of the examples I’ve seen in the same condition online and one other gunshow example are all about two times what I paid for mine - or more - I’m pretty pleased with what I have. After shooting it in the morning I’ll find out if it makes me any happier.

 

[BillinOregon]

I've been blessed to own two Second Models over the years and they are such simple and yet enchanting carbines. I hope you really enjoy shooting yours.

 

[Smokey Plainsman]

Thanks for posting. Seems to be a one of a kind gun. Very neat!

No really.

Many tens of thousands were made. Great guns!

 

[Ed C.]

No really.

Many tens of thousands were made. Great guns!

I was referring to the style, operation, and ammo. Unique to me.

 

[cynthialee]

And mine’s not nearly as pretty as @smokey Plainsman’s. But isn’t it all about the shooting? Owning old firearms is cool but being able to shoot them - now that’s cool.

So Cynthia (if I may call you that - you may call me Kim) get that thang out and shoot ‘er. Then please share results. I intend to post my results tomorrow, unless they’re so bad I would embarrass myself to do so.

I have the brass, but I don't have the right size bullets. Where did you get yours?

 

[SmokepoleSam]

Cynthialee in post #4 he says he got the bullets from Dixie Gun Works.

 

[kh54]

I have the brass, but I don't have the right size bullets. Where did you get yours?

Smokepole is correct - I bought 100 bullets from DGW for $54.50 plus $11.50 shipping. A bit pricey but I just wanted something to shoot to try out the gun. I just got them Friday and loaded the cartridges that night. The bullets were a bit tight to load in the brass that I got from S&S so I’m going to order a mold a couple of thousandths smaller for easier loading.

I plan to post a range report tomorrow. Ran out of time today.

P.S. The Maynard was so much fun to shoot!

 

[Smokey Plainsman]

I bet the Maynard is a hoot! I haven't shot mine yet since I'm overseas, but am returning soon!

 

[kh54]

I bet the Maynard is a hoot! I haven't shot mine yet since I'm overseas, but am returning soon!

Coincidentally, I’ve been listening to a hoot owl outside my window for the past 30 minutes. And yes, the Maynard was indeed fun. I’ll tell y’all how fun tomorrow.

 

[kh54]

I finally had a few minutes to report my experience at the range - for anyone who cares.

Maynard reduced load case, 25 gr Scheutzen FFg. Maynard reproduction bullet (photo below) .517±; 356-357± gr. Target distance: 32± yds. Fired a total of 21 rounds from a bench, muzzle rest only, two targets: nine on the first target and 12 on the second, in groups of three. Each set of three colored circles corresponds to a three-round group; groups are numbered in order.

Target 1: The 1st group looked promising enough with a center hold, so I adjusted the front sight then shot the 2nd group with a 6 o'clock hold at about the bottom of the paper. For the 3rd group I came up a bit. I pulled the top round of the 3rd group. Given that this is my first time with the gun and I used bullets that were not perfect, I was feeling good about 2-1/2-inch groups.

Target 2: My buddy fired the first three rounds and I attribute them being left of center to different sight pictures. (I'm 70 and he's 85, so expect some difference.) My group was next, consistent with the previous group 2. But then group 3 sort of fell apart. Group 3 is inexplicable. (I inadvertently cropped the photo - the third round is at the far left, two inches above center.) I swabbed the bore with two wet patches and a dry patch then shot one more group. The 4th and last group was a bit better than 3 but not consistent with the other (better) groups.

My conclusions?

• Before I swabbed the bore I noticed a lot more fouling in the front half of the bore and I think there may be some ragged spots there. So I decided I need to gently lap the bore before I shoot again.
• I also want to get a custom mold that copies the form of the original Maynard bullets but will load easier in my casings. The other advantage, of course, is that my cast boolits will be perfect.
• I was right - the Maynard was fun, fun, fun! I'm looking forward to eventually driving tacks. I suspect the gun is capable of much better accuracy than I achieved first time out.