Finaly got this one out to do some shooting. I carried it and my FrankenTrapdoor, 20 rounds for the rifle and 30 for the revolver. I started in close and got on paper at 25 yards with the first shot. A little windage and I was hitting in the center. The next 3 went into a nice group and I was happy. I reloaded and moved a paper plate out to fifty to see what would happen. The groups opened but I could see enough potetial in the revolver, I may keep it. So, I reloaded and started walking the property. Targets would appear, rocks, stumps 5 gallon pails, lids for the same, etc. I would estimate range and pop them with whichever firearm seemed appropriate. The trapdoor performed as I would expect it to, sight, squeeze, boom, and hit. It never gets old! The 51 suprised me. While I could not hit as well at the long ranges as I could with the rifle, I was pleased that at least out to 100 (and maybe a bit farther) yards, I was holding well enough to worry a five gallon pail lid. Anything smaller and I had trouble holding a sight picture. The sighting on the 1851 is the standard hammer V and front cone. I will clean up the V to a square sided notch and install a dovetailed front sight for the next outing and see if it allows me a steadier picture. But I was pleasantly pleased with the 51. And while it paired well with the 50-70, I doubt it will replace the Richards Conversion I normally carry.
But at least I know it will do as a woods gun.
