Shooting a GWYN & CAMPBELL Civil War Carbine

Shooting a GWYN & CAMPBELL Type 2 Civil War Carbine, AKA COSMOPOLITAN, Union Rifle, Grapevine.

[@Dimwit_the_last_mountainman]

Thankyou, Doc! Very impressive work on your part. Truely an interesting gun, but I'd hate to fight a war with it. I am guessing most of the Civil War carbines are more appreciated today as collectors items, than they were appreciated by the men who fought with them. Your work in documenting how these antique guns actually work, is truely remarkable. You deserve some sort of medal, and an Oscar of course, and a hundred thousand subscribers!

[@dr.durellshepard398]

Hi John, good to hear from you. I hope your cabin project is going well. Building anything is plagued with setbacks and cost over runs. First time I shot these and they did do better than I expected. Rudimentary by today's standards but it all was new to them. Growing pains if you will, to the firearms evolution. And they were always issued the incorrect ammo for their particular gun ! I had fun going back in time. Regards....Doc

[@Dimwit_the_last_mountainman]

@@dr.durellshepard398 Yep, that's quite a time travel! More enjoyable that way, when nobody's shooting back... Spent the weekend at the cabin, with the wife. Good food, and good wine. Looking forward to spring. Got some outside projects planned at the cabin.

[@dr.durellshepard398]

@@Dimwit_the_last_mountainman With the fire crackling, Sounds nice, good for you guys.

[@longuecarbine]

I enjoy the detail in your videos. That cartridge holder is a nice touch.

[@dr.durellshepard398]

Thank you Sir, I appreciate that you were moved to comment, Regards....Doc

[@justhavingfun675]

Doc, Another great video. Shooting, description of the action and history; all in one video. A carbine with a very interesting action. I like the printed tubes. I will have to make some for a family members paper cartridge sharps carbine. The cartridge bock was interesting too.

[@dr.durellshepard398]

Good morning "Just". I appreciate the comments, thanks so much. When I discovered that I could get my HP printer to print out to an EXACT dimension, I was on my way to print these cartridge papers. If you need any help with them please let my know. I have done the Sharps. Happy shooting in the new year.....Doc

[@chrischiampo7647]

What An Amazing Carbine Doc 😀❤️❤️❤️😀 Your Videos are The Best On The Subject and Your Ability To Make These Historical Firearms Shoot Again In There Former Glory 😀😊 Thanks For All You Do Doc and Looking Forward To Your Next 😎😊👍🏼

[@dr.durellshepard398]

Hi Chris, I wasn't sure how this project was going to culminate, but was pleasantly surprised at the performance of the little gun. Thanks for coming along. Regards....Doc

[@jeffe.9904]

Thanks Doc, loved the Video!

[@dr.durellshepard398]

Hi Jeff, Thanks so much, and say hi to Little house guy when you see him at the range....Regards...Doc

[@googleisaterroristorganizan]

Thank you for your work in documenting these firearms, you've got quite a nice collection!

[@dr.durellshepard398]

Glad you enjoyed the video, and thank you for letting me know. ...Doc

[@albertogonzalez9152]

Otro gran vídeo como siempre,mostrándonos las armas y su historia,un lujo al completo con usted Doc. Un saludo desde Toledo Spain.

[@dr.durellshepard398]

Buenos días Alberto desde USA. Me alegro de que pudieras venir con nosotros en la aventura. Feliz tiro en el nuevo año. Médico ((Good morning Alberto from USA. I am pleased that you could come along with us on the adventure. Happy shooting in the new year. Doctor)) ((Another great video as always, showing us the weapons and their history, a complete luxury with you Doc. Greetings from Toledo Spain.))

[@steveinthethumb6441]

Another fine video Doc. Way to start the new year off with a bang. Haha You have good day. Best regards, Steve

[@dr.durellshepard398]

Thanks so much Steve, And I hope you and your family have a great year as well......Doc

[@stephanfoster5043]

Doc as always excellent video would love to see a video of you rolling the cartridges, and I love your oak cartridge block. I always come away learning so much.

[@dr.durellshepard398]

Hi Stephan, This video was getting to long so I didn't include the ammo making. Some of my other ones do show it, as " GREENE, BREECH LOADING, BOLT ACTION RIFLE of 1857" Thanks for the comments. ....Doc

[@steveblancard5566]

Very detailed and interesting video Doc. The flash igniting the side of the cartridge is odd, but perhaps more effecient. Thanks for sharing!

[@dr.durellshepard398]

Hi Steve, I do have several guns that ignite the cartridge on the side, as the Greene and the Merrill. But they really need a nitrated cartridge case.....Doc

[@blackpowderfirearmenthusia3194]

Good interesting video thank you.

[@dr.durellshepard398]

Thank you for the kind comment.....Doc

[@daveclemons1225]

Happy New Year's Doc! Another great video, and a neat history lesson. I liked how you showed where the primer flash hits the side of the case and not the back. I did not know that. I have seen a few of these fine firearms, but never one being fired! Thank you for all the work you put in to making these video's. I appreciate it!

[@dr.durellshepard398]

Hi Dave, I'm glad you saw the video. What an exciting time in that town with the canal boats going through and the trains just coming in. Yes they were uncertain times, but a lot of good stuff going on. The gun shot very well which surprised me a little as the reports from the field were mixed. Regards...Doc

[@sharonrigs7999]

A light, handy little carbine. All it needs is a little 1/4 stock so you won't burn your hand

[@dr.durellshepard398]

Hello Sharon, Yes that would be a nice addition. Thanks so much for commenting.......Doc

[@sharonrigs7999]

​@@dr.durellshepard398 What sort of loads are you using? Do you have any chrony figures? Thanks. Ps. That cartridge holder block is absolutely gorgeous!

[@dr.durellshepard398]

@@sharonrigs7999Hi Sharon, Most Civil war carbine shooters use between 25 to 40 grains of real black powder. I like my speeds to be around 1000 fps. Peter Shiffers book "Civil War Carbines" tells a lot about shooting 11 of the most popular carbines.

[@tomsherwood4650]

I remember seeing I think, a type 1 in an antique shop in the 90s for relatively cheap in really fine condition. Even though it was not expensive I did not have the means to buy it then and now wish I had. I was not really familiar with them at the time and money went to modern stuff.

[@dr.durellshepard398]

Hi Tom, Thanks for watching and commenting. I totally know the feeling of the one that got away. I really enjoyed the historical research path and she shot well also. Regards....Doc

[@timberdrifter8225]

I just found your channel and have been enjoying the great videos. Looking forward to watching all of them. I'm curious if you have ever gotten your hands on a sharps and Hankins m1862 carbine? I suppose the .52 cal rimfire cartridge would be pretty difficult to make. I handled a couple of them at a gun show about 20 years ago and that is what started my fascination with civil war Era cartridge firing carbines. Thanks for the great videos.

[@dr.durellshepard398]

Hello Sir, and thanks for the benevolent commentary, it is appreciated. I do have a S & H carbine and have tested my home built rim fire cases in it . They work very well. I do not have a posted video of it at this time, perhaps this summer. In several of my videos I show how to make the cases using only simple tools. Once you shoot one, you will be hooked on the immersion into the physical history side of things. Regards.....Doc

[@johnraina4828]

That's a cool gun

[@dr.durellshepard398]

Hello John, thank you for commenting, and I totally agree with you....Doc

[@mikeharrell4222]

As always a great video Doc. Does the base wad have to be removed by rodding every shot? If so not a lot better than muzzle loading. That is one massive hammer. Also a fun way to make kindling.

[@dr.durellshepard398]

Hi Mike, The nitrated papers burned up fine but I added a base wad in those as a gas seal, which never burns up. Most of those wad could be blown out after the shot. The printer paper ones did not have the base wad but some of those cases did not burn totally. It was the first time I shot this gun so I was experimenting. So, nitrated paper cases without a base wad would burn completely. Yes, the hammer is massive and slows down the lock time, getting it moving. I had no misfires as it hits hard, and I can't believe why that was a complaint in the field, back in the day. Regards....Doc

[@csorgb05]

Wow! that gun is accurate

[@dr.durellshepard398]

It did do well on the tin can, I was impressed.

[@garyruxton5226]

You don't have a link for PM. Too bad I have so much to ask. Could the cartridges have better ignition by nitrating them or fewer wraps of the paper that would also insure complete consumption. What about accuracy target. Anyway, super researching and a Paul Harvey "Rest of the Story".

[@dr.durellshepard398]

please provide your email and I will contact you.

[@corystreat7605]

DARN FINE VIDEO!!! I have one in great condition except missing the trigger, can you help please???

[@dr.durellshepard398]

Hi Cory, You may try .....Miller's gun parts Morris PA, 16938......or S & S in Glendale New York. If they don't have one , try to get a lead from them to another source. Worst case your gunsmith will have to make one from scratch. Regards....Doc

[@richardsims1805]

What range are you scoring these hits? Please identify powder and quantity. Great video!!

[@dr.durellshepard398]

So u-tube doesn't fine anyone...........I saw on the web where one could put in 25 grains of Swiss 2f and shoot them at 40 yards to get the same results as depicted here

[@csorgb05]

Question: If you could only have 5, paper cartridge civil war carbines, what would they be? and Why?

[@dr.durellshepard398]

Sharps new model, Starr, Joslyn 1855, Merrill, and even though a smith takes a rubber cartridge, it is a favorite. Reasons are less gas leak and easy cleaning. ....Doc

[@johnjamieson6368]

After watching many of your videos I have been filled with the need to make ammunition for a Triplet & Scott, hanging on my wall. Have you done a video of one of these ?

[@dr.durellshepard398]

Hi John, When I contemplate shooting a gun that I have looked at in the rack for years, when I finally shoot it... I am not always satisfied with the results, but am always pleased with the experience. I have not shot my Triplet & Scott but would like to direct you to my friends channel "Just Having Fun" who has a video on one. (He has commented on my video here, so just click on his icon.) ....Doc

[@johnjamieson6368]

@@dr.durellshepard398 I truely understand. I have two 50-70 rolling blocks, and two martinis that I regularly play with. Also have a Dutch Beaumont as another project, 2 band spencer and the Triplet and Scott to make bark again

[@terryreynolds9397]

What is the computer program you use to auto-trace the guns for your cartridge papers?

[@dr.durellshepard398]

Hi Terry, I am using AutoCAD LT 2020. I take a photo of the gun, drop it into the CAD drawing and trace it with Polyline. Regards.....Doc

[@tommyadkins844]

Part of me wonders were do you get these rare guns?

[@dr.durellshepard398]

Hi Tommy, I inherited some for both Grand fathers and have been collecting for over 60 years ( back when the prices were reasonable). Regards....Doc

[@robertrobert7924]

Doc, I am afraid I have been somewhat forgetful and confused all week. So I must ask you which cartridge did not leave any debris in the chamber or bore after firing so you could put another cartridge in without cleaning out unburned debris ? Were troopers issued nitrated paper or nitrated linen cartridges ? Did the troopers give good reviews after using these carbines ?

[@dr.durellshepard398]

Good morning Robert, Actually both types left residuals. The nitrated papers burned up fine but I added a base wad in those as a gas seal, which never burns up. Most of those wad could be blown out after the shot. The printer paper ones did not have the base wad but some of those cases did not burn totally. It was the first time I shot this gun so I was experimenting. Not sure if the service ammo was nitrated. There were reports on ALL the carbines that say they were loved and hated at the same time. So I believe the biggest problem was being issued ammo that was close but not correct for all of them. Regards....Doc

[@robertrobert7924]

@@dr.durellshepard398 Thanks for the reply. They are kinda ugly duckings, but if correct cartridges were used(whatever they were?)at least they would have been functional. I think Duelist1954 made some linen cartridges for the Sharpes Military rifle, but my memory has not been working very well lately.

[@dr.durellshepard398]

@@robertrobert7924 Hi Robert, Duelist1954 has a great channel. I will search for his linen cartridge build.

[@robertrobert7924]

@@dr.durellshepard398 I think he has some early experimental paper cartridge videos that he was not happy with, so he tried the linen cartridge and liked it. Let me know if my memory is correct, thanks.

[@dr.durellshepard398]

@@robertrobert7924 Roger That.

[@nicolasgruman635]

I absolutely love your videos and channel but some confederate music would be appreciated. Also maybe some 1870s cavalry tunes

[@dr.durellshepard398]

Hello Nicolas, I purposely included "Kingdom Coming (Year Of Jubilo)" as I assumed it was confederate. Upon farther examination I now guess it is not. When my niece from Alabama appears in my videos you can be sure that I do. Best regards for the new year. ...Doc

[@brissance]

Very complex action , Ballard is clean easy

[@dr.durellshepard398]

Ballard was easy to clean. Gwyn & Campbell was easy to clean also.

[@brissance]

@@dr.durellshepard398 what about if Ballard was in.22 calibre.

[@dr.durellshepard398]

@@brissance I think the Ballard was called their #3 Gallery rifle, very nice and easy to clean. The same action as the bigger ones.

[@brissance]

@@dr.durellshepard398 dr sir blueprints you said to send please. If you dont wanna give no problem just tell me where to look . My mail i had given already.

[@dr.durellshepard398]

@@brissance Hello Rob, I sent the Ballard drawing, Good luck on your research . ....Doc