In a surprise to exactly no one, my background check came back okay and I was able to finally pick up my new rifle today.
And there it is in all of its Wild West glory. Mine is a little special with the colorful case hardening, dark walnut woods, and a 22″ blued octagonal barrel, but otherwise this is pretty much the rifle that won the West. It’s a late 1880’s design firing late 1870’s ammunition, but made with modern metallurgy.
Now to order a few more bits and pieces (a cleaning kit, case, ear and eye protection) and some ammo, and then get her sighted in at the local range.