Wanting 1863 Advice

[tljack]

I realize there are as many opinions as there ar people but......... I am going to be ordering a Shiloh 1863. I am interested in what you folks would recommend and why in the way of models and options etc.

I currently have a 1874 45-70 Pedersoli, a 1859 Infantry rifle by Armi and a 1874 Shilo Montana in 40-65.

I will truely welcome your ideas.

Terry

[KL]

Go buy an original 1859 or 1863 for around $2500.

[Rich Siegel]

If you are going to buy a carbine, make sure you get the saddle ring. If you buy the rifle, get the patchbox. Reason is for resale. Members of the N-SSA are always looking for both types but they must have those options. You never know when you might want to sell one Shiloh to get a different one.

Rich

[Todd Birch]

tljack

Military or civilian is your first decision, then calibre.

I've got the '63 MR rifle and carbine in .50 and a Sporter in .54. The Sporter is rarely fired.

Rich's advice on options is sound, but who buys a Shiloh with the aim in mind of trading or selling it off?

I have a '74 carbine on order in 50-70 and I did not order either the saddle ring or patchbox, despite the 'cool' factor. They were both options after '75 on originals as they are now.

The saddle ring on my '63 carbine is a PITA ass, rattles and makes it impossible for a left hander to get a grip if one is a port sider. I have the patchbox on both my MRs (.50 and 50-70) and have yet to discover a use for them. The one on the 50-70 is partially covered by the BA lace on butt pad in any case.

[tljack]

I am appreciative of ths input so far.

The issue about the saddle ring for lefthanded shooters (me) is something I would have never even thought about.

Have been on guntrader.com looking and am not finding any $2,500 guns. They seem to be $5,000 and up. I will keep the option of buying an original open anyway as I would like to have some.

[KL]

Try <gunbroker>.

[Bill Goodman]

Try a sporter- Shiloh will make other calibers than .50 or .54. Of the two, I do like the .50. Put MVA sights on it and it will shoot as well as a cartridge model.

[Free_Stater]

I put together a little cloth bag that fits into the patchbox. The bag contains a dozen extra musket caps, and there's also a homemade nipple pick in there. Any other small stuff I can think of that might come in handy will go in there as well, but that's it for now.

[WV SCROUNGER]

Do your research ! they aint Cheap...so make sure you get what you want!.....you will still be wanting to own more later

[tljack]

Have not been to the forum for some time. Thought I'd leave an update on the very slight chance someone is interested in what I did.
I bought an original 52 cal. Sharps carbine. Then I found another that had the liner conversion to 50-70. Both are in excellent condition and shoot very good.

Terry

[snapcap14]

I like the patch box just for the look of it. if you get the carbine w/ patch box you can still use it in the NSSA. the patch box will make it a 59 instead of 63. 59 had them 63 did not. If I was to go civilian I would go cart sharps. only because I do not have one. Have carbine 63 so would go milatary rife just to shoot in NSSA

[Jay Yuskaitis]

Great choice. You'll never go wrong that way. Much enjoyment shooting them. Enjoy. Jay

[Michael P Nowak]

Hello: When I purchased my first Sharps 1863 military I took the double set triggers. A few of the Yankee's had them. Enjoy and have have fun. You never know you might even purchase a carbine down the road. Mike

[Mike Johnson]

Congrats. I have a .54 MR with patch box.