Shooting the 1842 Harpers Ferry

[Whitworth]

Finally got around to shooting the 1847 dated M42 that was made across the river from me at Harper's Ferry. Bobby Hoyt relined and stretched the barrel for me last Spring. Trying to find a .662 mold in the past year had been a challenge until a NIB one popped up on here for less than a C note recently. I latched onto it and cast some balls, using 60 grains of 2ff Goex I was surprised at hitting a man sized silhouette at 75 yards with some regularity. Just for fun I tried some buck and ball loads and scored some buckshot hits along with the ball. I've come to the conclusion I wouldn't want to be shot at from 75 yards away with a smoothbore. As someone who took pride in their marksmanship I must admit the smoothbore makes it easy to explain misses

 

[CyrusP]

Barrel stretching fascinates me ever since I heard it described. I’d LOVE to see pics of that 1842.

 

[rudy43norvelle]

I have a Harpers Ferry 1842 made in 1845 and it looks great. I am not sure if it will be safe to shoot it with live loads though. I am jusy being a bit of a chicken about it.

 

[JamesT]

That's fantastic! I love Harper's Ferry guns.
I would love to see some photos also. Were you firing cartridges or patching the balls?
James

 

[hanshi]

I used to be a "brick stretcher" for a friend who built houses. Does one stretch barrels the same way?

 

[Whitworth]

Sorry for the crappy full length picture. The lock picture is much better and says it all. My first shot was at the large orange target and both surprised and impressed me.

 

[Muley Gil]

I have a 1842 Harpers Ferry musket also. Mine has a '44 lock stamp and a '45 stamped barrel. I need to get it out and shot it.