[minnesota_bound]

Winchester 73

[Duckdog]

I like that movie.

[Chainmail]

After watching movies like Winchester '73 when I was a kid, I couldn't wait until I could own and shoot the genuine article.

Finally a few years ago, I bought an 1873 Winchester rifle (octagon barrel, curved butt, full magazine) in .44-40 and after a careful cleaning and inspection took it to the range.

After loading up, I carefully adjusted my hearing protectors and I fired.

"Ptap".

Not "Bang", not "pow", and certainly not a thunderous roar - just "Ptap".

It turns out that a pistol cartridge in a long gun doesn't isn't loud at all.

Thus I learned of the insidious effects of movie magic and their sound men. A little bit of a letdown!