Peabody Lever Rifles

Chiappa, Marlin, Mossberg and non-Rossi Manufactured Pumas plus anything else with a leveraction.
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Missionary
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Peabody Lever Rifles

Post by Missionary »

Greetings
Anyone else have a Peabody sitting about ?
We have two now. Have had a 45-70 Conn. Militia Rifle for years. Recently latched on to a 56 Rimfire model from 1864. Have and add the Swap area down below looking for the 56 Rimfire modified brass to get the old Peabody shooting.
Peabody actions were ahead of the designs of the day. Fast to reload, eject and strong.
If you know what the Martini action is they copied the Peabody.
Mike in Peru
Way down south in Arequipa, Peru till June 2020.
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Re: Peabody Lever Rifles

Post by akuser47 »

I don't have one but always had my interest I look at pictures and watch gunbroker for them.
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Re: Peabody Lever Rifles

Post by Missionary »

Howdy AK
Not many about as few were bought by malitias and civilians maybe 3000. Most were ordered by overseas clients. They were a bit costly back when the Army surplus was 1/2 the price so Peabodys just never were high demand.
They Providence Gun Sight feller is making new Peabody riles on a limited basis. Even making a Safari model set up to shoot caliber 50 Alaskan and other heavy thumpers.
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Re: Peabody Lever Rifles

Post by Arroyoshark »

Mike, that is a rifle for which I was not familiar. Had to look it up. I recall a few decades ago shooting metallic silhouette competition locally an a fella used a martini action in .22 LR to good effect.

I had to make an orbit through cyberspace to find out more on the Peabody. Interesting and seemingly strong design if good metallurgy was employed. Looks like one can be built up today in .30-40 Krag that shoots accurately.

You are a man of widely varying firearms interest it seems. Good to keep up the interests. +guns
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Re: Peabody Lever Rifles

Post by Missionary »

Greetings Arroyoshark
Old military rifles /carbines sing that song that easily enters into my ears. They are interesting and fun to put out in the sun again making smoke and poking holes in targets.
The first Peabody came home due to being a 45-70. This last one because it is 1864. That time period produced many unique systems. Many well advanced for the day.
The Peabody Rifle Co. produce a Safari model chambered in some very powerful cartridges. Have to decide if I really want one in 50 Alaskan.
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Re: Peabody Lever Rifles

Post by outsidebear »

Peabody: very strong action; mostly military rifles/carbines were produced; Sporting Rifles - estimated from 65-85 Sporting Rifles were produced, though exact figures are unknown?

Nice aspect of the Peabody action is it does not have sharp protrusions; compared to say a Sharps 1874 action. A nice feature when carrying in the field. Also, as previously mentioned, a simple action, ease of loading, and the 'joy' of a large exposed hammer!

In answer to the original Post, yes, I'm a user of the Peabody rifle/carbine...

Not sure if Frank (Wisconsin) is still in business? Haven't been able to find the web site lately?
One in .50 Alaskan would be plenty for any hunting wants! .50-70, as I'm sure you're aware, would also be up to most tasks. Using your Conn .45-70 block (use the Conn hammer or offset the .50 rimfire hammer) then loading Starline .56-50 brass would make for an enjoyable shooter. .50-70 carbine n' metal butt plate is noticeable on the shoulder when the trigger is pulled! Not all that bad, but you won't wanna fire off 50 rounds at one range session! Now with the .56-50 you'll either run out of ammo or have to be dragged away from the range at the end of the day so they can close the range!

Here's what using the .56-50 would be like:
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Last edited by outsidebear on 25 Aug 2017 13:01, edited 4 times in total.
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Re: Peabody Lever Rifles

Post by outsidebear »

Original Peabody Sporting Rifle butt stock showing factory installed side sling swivel/loop/setup.
There is no provision for a sling swivel/loop on the forearm or barrel.
Similar side sling setup is found on some Winchester 1866 rifles.
Not much new under the sun, eh...
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Re: Peabody Lever Rifles

Post by akuser47 »

They look amazing +guns
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Re: Peabody Lever Rifles

Post by Missionary »

Thank you O S Bear for all that info ! Those are some fine looking Peabody's !
I will give the Conn. Block and hammer a go ! Frank in Wisconsin is still making the rifles on a very slowed down rate. He states the Peabody's he has worked on are so very close in tolerances the new blocks he makes require little if any fitting.
Looks like it is time to buy more Starline 56-50 brass !
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Re: Peabody Lever Rifles

Post by outsidebear »

Missonary:
May want to do some research here:
https://www.google.com/search?q=shootin ... e&ie=UTF-8
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