Buffalo rifle generally refers to large-calibre, generally single-shot
black powder cartridge firearms which were used to hunt
American Bison
The American bison (''Bison bison''; : ''bison''), commonly known as the American buffalo, or simply buffalo (not to be confused with Bubalina, true buffalo), is a species of bison that is endemic species, endemic (or native) to North America. ...
to near-extinction in the late-19th Century. Three types of rifles in particular were used by professional bison hunters, namely the
Sharps rifle with a
90, 100 or 110 grain powder load, the
Springfield Rifle and the Remington No.1 rifle otherwise known simply as the
Rolling block.
The Sharps was the favorite among hunters because of its accuracy at long range.
See also
*
.45-70
*
.50-70 Government
*
.50-90 Sharps
*
Long rifle
References
{{Firearms
Rifles of the United States
Bison hunting
Guns of the American West
Hunting rifles