How accurate was the 1874 Russian from horseback?

[PT7]

Last Saturday, May 4th, spent some outdoor range time shooting my Russian 45 Colt top break. Shot the last of my Choice RNLP 200gr ammo. Attached is my 20-round target, which was set at 7 yards, and I shot one hand/off hand. (Not posted -- the second inverted triangle target of 25 POIs looks very much the same).

20 POIs_Choice 45 Colt 200gr RNFP_3191.JPG (199.24 KiB) Viewed 2552 times

DSCN2554.JPG (230.63 KiB) Viewed 2551 times

As I posted these photos of the revolver and target, not for the first time I wondered how accurate were the WWI Russian cavalrymen while shooting from horseback during combat? The "compares" are pretty astounding. I shoot from a still standing position; the horse is definitely not still. My target distance is 7 yards; and I'm certain the shooting distances quickly and radically changed while riding. I'm challenged to keep my revolver "steady" as my trigger pull moves my POIs slightly left; it is impossible to maintain a steady revolver on a galloping horse. My outdoor target does not return lead my way; while on the battlefield it is a terribly different experience. Yeah, I wonder how they did it...

Although this 20-round grouping is not as tight as I'd like to see, it was cool having a hard time counting the POIs in the small cluster near the bull. This revolver gets easier to shoot every outing.

Thanks for checking out my Range Report. And glad we're able to post photos again.

PT7

[RanchRoper]

Great report and shooting. Such a nice pistol.
Yes horseback would be a challenge for sure. Horses are not the most stable platform at the best of times let alone under fire. Lots of lead flying everywhere I would expect. Scary.

[North Country Gal]

Nicely done, nicely done, PT. Love those big 45 Colt holes in paper and love shooting the 45 Colt. That's why I recently went with a Colt SA in that cartridge. Once gain, I have to drool when I see pics of that gun. I won't able to pass one of those up if and when I come across one.

By the way, there is a category in cowboy action shooting that features shooting a handgun off of a running horse. Would love to see that.

[RanchRoper]

This is the current champ...wow


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbXXUVIhlFU

[PT7]

Yup, I know you understand why I like this revolver a lot, RR.
And agreed. "Scary" is an excellent description. Badger's ears just might fold downward after a couple of rounds fired!

Great report and shooting. Such a nice pistol.
Yes horseback would be a challenge for sure. Horses are not the most stable platform at the best of times let alone under fire. Lots of lead flying everywhere I would expect. Scary.

Absolutely a much-fun-to-shoot bullet, NCG. The 45 Colt has become my favorite revolver caliber.

Nicely done, nicely done, PT. Love those big 45 Colt holes in paper and love shooting the 45 Colt.
By the way, there is a category in cowboy action shooting that features shooting a handgun off of a running horse. Would love to see that.

[ESquared]

It seems like shooting anything off the back of a horse (revolver, rifle, sling-shot, etc.) would be more "point" than "aim," sort of like they preach when learning shooting at clays.

The whole conversation makes one look differently when watching that famous scene in True Grit (for example), where Rooster and Ned (and his boys) go charging at one another on horseback. Some great Hollywood work right there!

[fortyshooter]

Nice shooting! Maybe try shooting from a lawn tractor in motion! I might try that one day.

[BigAl52]

Looks like a good training video RR for Badger.

[BigAl52]

Nice shooting PT have you seen Sellack in Crossfire Trail yet.

[Jdl447]

This is the current champ...wow


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbXXUVIhlFU

They shoot a special blank certified to break balloons at 20 feet.

[Mags]

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I was wondering about what they were shooting...

They shoot a special blank certified to break balloons at 20 feet.

[Mistered]

I have a book which Is a compilation of the best stories and articles from the beginning of 'outdoor life' magazine up through the early 70s.
One of the stories is from the late 40s and it was about just this - the author recreating and reinacting shooting scenarios with original Colt .45s & black powder loads. Mostly he dispelled a lot of 'myths' about it and his shooting from horseback was part of it. It's only a few pages long and if anyone is interested in reading it I'll try to scan and post it.

[Mags]

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I would be!

I have a book which Is .... It's only a few pages long and if anyone is interested in reading it I'll try to scan and post it.

[Mistered]

I'll dig out the book and try to get it on my scanner.
While thinking about it I recall the author mentioning he pulled several bullets out of the cases from a box of early ammo and discovered the powder charges and bullets varied widely in weight.