Post by Jimbo on Mar 8, 2005 2:04:50 GMT -6
For those of you that are interested in a more in depth, technical analysis by the application of ballistics to determine the various types of Repeating rifles and others used by the Indians in the Custer battle, type in: "Little Big Horn repeating rifles". You will bring up some excellent sites that do a very thorough study by the application of modern up to date ballistics testing on lead projectiles of various calibers that have been excavated over the years at the battlefield. Through this method the National Park Service has determined and ascertained exactly what types of weapons were used by all participants, Indians as well as soldiers, including muzzle loaders as well as Repeaters. Dr. William Allen,a sportsman, historian and writer, who visited the Custer Battlefield shortly after, mentioned in one of his books "Adventures with Indians & Game" that, after arriving on August 18th. 1876 at the Custer Battlefield, found many numerous exposed , poorly buried bodies and next located the initial Indian positions opposite Custer's troopers position and found empty shells by the hundreds. After examining the spent cases, they discovered that they were 45-70 and 50-70 Springfield, 56 cal Spencer, 44 cal rimfire Henry rifle, '66 Winchester shells and 44-40 Winchester model 1873 shells. At the Reno court of inquiry, Major Reno said: "The Indians had Winchester rifles and my column made a large target for them and they were pumping bullets into it." (After defeating Custer's Column the Indians looted the trooper's bodies of Springfield Carbines & left over 45-70 cal ammunition and rode back & rejoined the battle against Reno & Benteen and then their troopers were being killed and wounded by Custer's troopers guns and ammunition as well as by the Winchesters and Spencers,etc..) The actual web site is: " Archeology at the battle of the Little Big Horn" by the Midwest Archeological Center. I found it very interesting. Thanks for your indulgence !