The Arms & Equipment in the Civil War Message Board

Berdan Sharps or Trapdoor-Officer Model???

I am an avid Deer and Bear Hunter. I've been hunting for a long time. I'm becoming more and more traditional each year now. I'm looking into single-shot rifles specifically the Berdan Sharps/.54 Caliber and the Springfield Trapdoor 45-70, Officer model. the Berdan is a paper cartridge versus the blackpowder brass in the Springfield. I still can't figure out which is the better of the two rifles - accuracy and knockdown power of course is very important but I haven't been able to figure which would be more practical and more accurate. If someone has any experience with either or both rifles, I sure could use some advice. I really like the Berdan but I am concerned about the paper bullets - are they easy to come by, easy to make, as accurate or less accurate than the Springfield????? Any information would be of help. Oh, I would, at some point, like to get involved in competitive shooting. Both rifles are NSSA approved, but again I am not certain about their accuracy capabilities. Thank You for any help anyone can provide, I appreciate it.

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Berdan Sharps or Trapdoor-Officer Model???
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Re: Berdan Sharps or Trapdoor-Officer Model???
Re: Berdan Sharps or Trapdoor-Officer Model???
Re: Berdan Sharps or Trapdoor-Officer Model???
Re: Berdan Sharps or Trapdoor-Officer Model???