Hello there, This is my first time on, this seemed like a good enough place to start my researching, I have little to no knowledge about rifles, my father passed away a few years ago leaving me a collection of 8 guns spanning the years. Well now I have time to sit down and start researching them. None of the guns are in amazing condition,
What I'm looking at has stamped on it "Sharps Rifle Company Patent April 6, 1869. On the barrel Calibre 44" 158*** is the number stamped on the topside of the rifle.
Any information would help, I don't have any information yet. Thanks for the help.
i have just finished read "Sharps firearms" by Sellers, i would say you have a VERY early model 1874, problably made in 1871 or 1872 by the serial number(the model number 1874 is a misnomber, they were made as early as 1871).It's 10-1 a 44-77 caliber, you can buy 43 spanish cases and fireform them if you want to shoot it. 43 spanish uses .439 bullets, 44-77 uses .446 bullets, otherwise the cases are the same. DO NOT use 348 winchester cases, even made by Buffalo Arms, the rims are too thin. All these old guns used folded head cases with rims about .090 thick. Bullets should be soft or use PP bullets. Never use hard bullets in an original gun, they will not upset to fill the grooves and skid down the barrel leaving lead all over your barrel.
