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DateOriginal Topic
15th February 2001rounds fired?
By Jim McCoin
on several rifle forums I have read different
estiments on the number of rounds fired by the de
defenders at the "Drift".I'm curious what the
Army said.I shoot a modern 45/70,not quite the
rifle, but after about 30 rounds I'm beat up!
I know they had to change shoulders alot due
to the beating.So how many rounds?
DateReplies
16th February 2001Alan Critchley
Jim,

I believe it was in the region of 20,000 rounds fired. The problem was not only the damage done to the shoulders by the recoil, but also to the heating of the barrel. Many used rags to hold the rifle. Many also fired their Martinis held away from their shoulders when it became too painful.

Alan
17th February 2001Barry Iacoppi
I do own and shoot a Martini in 577/45. When shot standing it is not as hard on the shoulder as shot from the prone position. I guess most of the lads at the drift were standing. The barrel gets very hot after just a few rounds. I would think that having an endless supply of Zulus set on sinking a bit of sharp iron into your guts would bring on a type of "Buck fever". The recoil might not be felt until after the event.