Little Bighorn Memorial 2-Gun Match, with a Winchester 1866

Published on June 24, 2014
Duration: 10:26

This video details a 2-gun match at Little Bighorn using a Winchester 1866 carbine reproduction. The competition highlights the rifle's historical strengths in close-quarters combat and its limitations at longer ranges, particularly with its express sights. The speaker, Karl, demonstrates proficiency in various shooting scenarios, including one-handed firing, showcasing the carbine's versatility despite its age.

Quick Summary

The Winchester 1866 carbine, used in a Little Bighorn memorial match, excels as a close-quarters weapon due to its fast-handling express sights. While historically outmatched by repeating rifles at long range, its maneuverability and one-handed operation demonstrate significant versatility.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: 1866 Winchester & Little Bighorn Match
  2. 04:20Stage 1: Attacking at Range Performance
  3. 06:32Stage 2: Prairie Schooner Shooting
  4. 08:05Stage 3: Prisoner Challenge
  5. 09:03Stage 4: One-Handed Ambush Simulation
  6. 10:15Final Scores & Historical Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What historical context is provided for the Winchester 1866 at the Little Bighorn match?

The video explains that during the Battle of the Little Bighorn, Native American forces had a firepower advantage with repeating rifles over the US Cavalry's single-shot Trapdoor carbines, making the 1866 Winchester a significant historical firearm.

How did the Winchester 1866 perform at different ranges in the competition?

The 1866 Winchester proved to be a dominant close-quarters weapon, with the shooter placing 5th in a short-range stage. However, its limitations were evident at longer ranges, where it placed 42nd due to the express sights.

What are the key features of the Winchester 1866 carbine mentioned in the video?

The reproduction 1866 Winchester features the Henry action, King's loading gate for rear loading, buckhorn 'express' sights for fast acquisition, and a brass receiver. It was used in .45 Colt for the match, though originally chambered in .44 Henry rimfire.

Can the Winchester 1866 be operated effectively with one hand?

Yes, the video demonstrates that the Winchester 1866's lever action can be cycled one-handed, allowing a shooter to engage targets even when handicapped, showcasing the weapon's versatility.

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