Reader Brad_In_IL suggests a theme for a shooty weekend:
“Seeing that this is Memorial Day Weekend, I’ve decided to only shoot pieces which are uniquely and distinctly American. Therefore…
“Saturday will be my Browning / Stoner 2023 Memorial Day Commemorative Shoot, and I’ll be shooting the 1911 and the AR-15… and maybe some .22 pistol (also Browning). No 9mm this weekend… Georg Luger (Austrian) will have to take a rest.”
An excellent thought: bringing a little background to the typical “Oh what should I shoot today?” question that plagues us all. And going All-American on both gun and cartridge makes it a little more fun, especially as it relegates the 9mm Europellet and the 7.62x39mm Commie to the “Later, Furrin Bastards!” category.
To make life even more interesting, let’s set an arbitrary criterion of “guns and cartridges from before 1900“.
Not so easy now, is it?
Here’s what I would take:
Winchester 1894 (.30-30/.30 WCF or .45 Colt/.45 Long Colt or .44-40)
…and of course Marlin’s and Henry’s versions would be welcome, too.
Browning 1885 High Wall (.45-70 Gov)
Colt Single Action Army (.45 Colt/.45 Long Colt or .44-40)
And of course, there’s some plinking to be done:
Marlin Model 39A (.22 LR) 
Winchester Mod 61 (and clones)
(clones allowed because Winchester stopped making them because they’re idiots)
Now, I’m not saying I actually own any of the above (because of that Tragic Canoeing Accident on the Brazos a few years ago), but you have to admit, there’s a whole lotta shooty Murkin goodness on that list.
Your suggestions for the festivities in Comments, as always.
Would have to go with guns designed by our lord and savior, John Moses Browning. The lineup is rich in history, calibers, actions, pistols, rifles and full autos (not that I have any).
Bully! From my safe–
Original Trapdoor Springfield rifle 45-70.
Model 1890 Winchester .22 that my maternal great grandfather bought new.
30-40 Krag rifle.
Cimarron Colt clone in 44-40 (the one you shot).
Navy Arms 1862 Colt Navy conversion to cartridge, chambered 38 special as a concession to modern convenience. Original conversion were in 38 Colt, which is strictly a roll your own proposition and a royal PITA to handload.
Well, got the Winchester 30-30 along with a Marlin 30-30. Also got a Rossi clone in .357, model 92 so fits your time period.
Several .45 Colt revolver clones and also a .45 Remington clone (1858 version converted to cartridge).
Multiple pump and lever .22’s, but then again who doesn’t have those.
Slightly violating your time period, but a S&W M1917 .45 auto revolver also rounds out the shooting day.
No high wall yet, but that’s what the wish list is for.
Taking a canoe trip soon, anyone else up for a jaunty ride down the river with all your guns?
Too bad I gave the .30-40 Krag-Jorgensen to my son.
All for a good cause. I likewise lost the Swedish Mauser to the Son&Heir.
oh man that Swedish Mauser must be a delight to shoot!!!
passing on firearms to a good home does have some satisfaction to it. the legacy of marksmanship and firearm appreciation must bring some satisfaction and joy
The only thing I thought I could add wold be a Trapdoor Springfield in 45-70 but RHT beat me to it.
You lost me at the pre 1900 limit. The only thing else I could come up with would be black powder firearms such as the 1861 Springfield musket, Colt Army and Navy, Remington New Army etc and we all know that black powder requires a lot of cleaning afterwards.
On the modern take, 1911, M1A and various Smith & Wesson revolvers for me.
JQ
In the M1894 .25-35, .32 Special, .32-40, and .38-55 are all acceptable. If you have a Model 1892, .44-40 is good.
I have my grandfather’s bolt action magazine fed Ted Williams 22LR that was made by Winchester. It has a military style peep site and is extremely accurate. It doesn’t make the pre 1900 for the gun but it does for the round.
Turn,
That sounds like a lot of fun! enjoy!
JQ
I would love to go shooting with you this weekend, if only I could. Unfortunately, I live in Commifornia. I’d bring a 1886 Winchester, manufactured in1892, an original Trapdoor, a replica 1895 Browning High wall, a replica Sharps, all in 45-70. Winchester 30 WCF, but manufactured in 1925. Is that old enough? Finally, A Winchester 1890 and a 1906 for rimfire shooting. I love old guns. I have a replica1873 in 357, but the cartridge kind of put it way out of the timeframe. Wish I had some original revolvers. Wish I could afford more antique rifles.
What should I shoot today?
Probably some commies.
Then get to bed early for a fresh start on the next batch tomorrow.
.
Kidding.
I love commies, I think everybody should own a few… for working the fields.
Oh, this one is easy. My Remington M1863 revolver. It’s an original, made during the Great Unpleasantness Between The States. And the gun I won a World Championship with.