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SHARPS - Metal cartridge
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After the Civil War many paper cartridge percussion Sharps rifles were converted into breech loading rifles with metal
cartridges. The post-war years were golden years for the Sharps Company; production increased strongly, and at the same
time the activity of converting percussion rifles into rifles with classic loading grew. The most famous Sharps among all the
models that the company produced was certainly the “Sporting 1874” model. Ironically, both Lawrence and Sharps died in
1874. That year, investors launched the reorganized Sharps Rifle Company, and with it the Model 1874, also called the “Old
Reliable” which was stamped on its barrel.
The large variety of calibers – from an easy cal. 40 to a more massive cal. 50 – also contributed to Sharps’ being the most
important and most popular rifle during those years. Hunters and frontiersmen in the West required bone-crushing cartridges
to harvest big game, and the 1874 Sharps was one of the few rifles that could handle such charges. The Sharps rifles were
famous for being able to shoot their big black powder bullets huge distances with extreme accuracy.
Many famous names in the America of that period are bound to the name of Sharps. Men like Billy Dixon, “Buffalo Bill”
Cody, “Bat” Matterson and many others used the “great single shot rifle” in hunting bisons, at the time when this animal was
still roaming with immense herds on American plains.
1874 SHARPS BERDAN RIFLE
Hiram Berdan was a successful engineer and inventor before the Civil War. At the beginning of the war,
Berdan was permitted to organize units of sharpshooters, which would consist of the most accomplished
marksman from the Northern states. These units soon became legendary for their expert marksmanship and
respectable battle record. This Sharps features a 30’’ round blued barrel attached to a one-piece American walnut hand oil
finished stock with 3 metal bands. The front sight is fixed and the barrel features an adjustable rear sight. Tang is predrilled
for Creedmoor sight placement with 2 1⁄4’’ base.
1874 SHARPS CAVALRY
This Sharps features a 22’’ round blued barrel. The front sight is fixed and barrel features an
adjustable rear sight. Tang is predrilled for Creedmoore sight placement with 2 1⁄4’’ base.
Texas Sharps Carbine
is a copy of the 1859 Percussion Sharps Military Carbine
converted to centerfire. This firearmwas then sold to Texas and issued to the Texas Rangers
stationed on theWestern Frontier. Each of the 36 original carbines were marked on the
barrel by the Rangers with a T S and numbered as issued. The carbines are produced in
45-70 and 50-70 calibers and feature case colored receivers, a blued steel barrel and parts.
The wood is American black walnut as was used on the original Texas Ranger carbines.
Lock detail
1874 SPORTING SHARPS