I came across a decent looking Sharps but being a NOVICE regarding Sharps rifles...I thought I'd seek some thoughts from anyone here who enjoys these cool old rifles.

Here are a the pics I took. The gun can be had for a tad under 4k.

It's bore is as clean as a new rifle and the rifling is deep and looks great. The lever mechanism is smooth and feels real nice.

Would this be a Model 74?
What about the fore-end stock...does this look correct.

I see a couple screws missing. One on top (perhaps a screw for hole for a tang sight?)
Below near the trigger...don't have a clue on this one.

The rear sight is not real tight...actually it's a bit worn...it does not stand at rigid attention and moves easily fore & aft.

45 Calibre...would it likely be a 45/70? A 45/70 snap-cap fit in the chamber. I realize it might be another caliber...checking before I purchase may be problematic.

I missed the lack of a fore-arm swing swivel...I think I may be over my head!

Any and all comments are greatly appreciated....I'm thinking on this gun and could use some input.

Thanks!!

Bob

__________________
"Onward thru the Fog"

in 1985 got a deal on a semi custom 45/70 shiloh sharps [the original montana co. before they split]. semi octagonal barrel, lyman tangent rear sight, globe front. upgrade on the wood for $820. shoots like a dream with cast bullets and modern smokeless loads. unless you are a collector or black power person i would suggest a modern one you then will have a all the fun plus more than an antique.
p.s; the fit and finish on mine is impeccable; blows those italian repros. away

These were custom ordered in the old days but i don't think this one had swivels anyway. The wood to metal fit is off in places but that just looks like wear. The Shiloh comes in a business rifle with a 28" barrel which is based on original Sharps. This one looks like one of those. There's a great photo of Calamity Jane holding one (Hey. Maybe this is it!). I own two Shilohs but am no expert on the values of the originals. Guys like gunwriter Mike Venturino shoots old ones regularly. You could check Gunbroker and other places to see what other guys are asking. If you look real hard on the barrel look for something like ".45 2.5" or something like that. That will be your caliber and case length to determine pwder charge. 45-70, 45-90, etc.
The single trigger might be common but it seemed unusual to me. It has a military buttstock but doesn't appear to be converted. Unless they changed the hammer.
Good luck on it. Here's three Shiloh 45-70's. The top one was sold.
I just looked at the patent date on the left side of that gun. That will probably be a clue to an expert. Patent dates apply to lots of later guns but if this is a model 1869 then there's something about the firing pin hole that is dangerous. I forgot the details but Elmer Keith wrote about shooting an 1869 and a piece of firing pin or something shot out the back into his eye. The doctor pulled it out like a sliver. Something to checkout before shooting it.

It's an "1874" model, possibly a Business Model variant. Looks pretty straight. The missing screw is for a tang sight, not serious. The caliber marking should read something like "45 2 1/10" which would indeed be a .45-70. That 2 1/10 is a length of case figure. It could also read for a shorter or longer cartridge. There were a lot of variant cartridges. for example, I had a .44-70 that looked like that.

References are Sellers' book on Sharps and the Flayderman guide. It pays to do your homework on these.

I'm not a Sharps expert but do know a thing or two about old guns and that stock has been refinished. Perhaps a while ago but definitely refinished. Look at the dark finish remaining around the edges and the overly smooth finish around the action and the dark finish remaining in the dents. Overall the color is way too light for an original finish. Then ask yourself does the stock patina and condition fit the wear and patina of the metal? No it doesn't.

Do what you want but that would be a huge deal breaker for me if I were shelling out 4 grand for a supposedly original Sharps.

Bob
I am kinda with the others, I would buy a Shiloh or C. Sharps version if you just want a really nice shooter. They are pretty nice.

This one shoots real good.

Looks like Business rifle or possibly a Meacham conversion of an old military rifle.

I have lost track of the prices of original, but seems a bit steep for the condition.

Thanks to all of you!!! I think I'll step back from the table on this one and start looking for a Shiloh or the other American made Shiloh.

I think I got an itch that needs scratched.

Bob

__________________
"Onward thru the Fog"

Well, may I scratch your back by telling you that the "Little Quigley" Shiloh in the middle of that picture I posted is for sale? It's expensive but about $1500 cheaper than that original one. It's custom ordered just like the Quigley rifle except 30" barrel and 45-70. And no gold initials in the reciever. Shot 17 rounds in the mid 90's then put away.
Notice how I just took advantage of your current vulnerability by bringing that up?

Curtis, I am gonna send that picture to my wife. First to show what a Sharps looks like, second to prove that my man cave is is exactly like yours!! What does one of these Sharps weight?