Sharps Old Reliable 1879 Buffalo Rifle 45-70 Caliber
Guns International #: 102856888 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Sharps Rifles - Antique - Single Shot Rifles - American

Seller's Information
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Verified Seller
Seller: jpwinchesters
Member Since: 2/10/08
State: Virginia
Country: United States
Phone: (540) 542-1740
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Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
3 days
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Description:
Offered for your consideration is this original Sharps factory conversion “Old Reliable” rifle in .45 2 1/10 (45-70) caliber. The Sharps filled the demand from buffalo hunters for powerful, big bore rifles that were accurate, and deadly at long range. The demand for the popular model 1874 prompted Sharps to start using 1859-1863 rifle and carbine receivers to manufacture conversion rifles in 1879 that were patterned on the model 1874. Most of these rifles were shipped west and saw heavy use by buffalo hunters and settlers. This rifle, serial number C,8807 (108,807) is one of those produced between 1879 and 1882 to meet the demand from an estimated 20,000 hunters afield during the buffalo hunting era. This is a converted rifle, not a carbine receiver. There isn't a plugged saddle ring hole on the left side which would indentify it as a carbine receiver.   

The barrel on this Sharps is full octagon, 30 inches in length that measures 1 1/8 inches across the flats forward of the breech tapering to 1 inch at the muzzle. The bore is in exceptionally good condition for a 145 year old rifle from the black powder era. The rifling is still sharp and bright with scattered light pitting. I rate the bore a strong 7+. The  bottom barrel flat is correctly numbered to the receiver, “8807”. The front sight is a pinned blade style, the rear sight is the R.S. Lawrence ladder sight that was standard on both rifles and carbines. The receiver is in very good mechanical condition and works smoothly. The hammer holds on half and full cock. It is equipped with double set triggers that function properly with crisp let-off. The buttstock and forearm are tight and solid, no chips or cracks are evident. The rifle has normal external wear as you would expect to see on a rifle that saw use on the frontier, but the very good bore condition indicates this may well have been a buffalo hunters rifle. A letter from Dr. Richard J. Labowskie, owner of the original Sharps Rifle Company records, will be included with the rifle. 

Take a look at the photos and let me know if have any questions or would like additional photos.

$3,495.00

Payment by USPS money order preferred with shipment next business day after receipt. Your check is welcome but will have to clear the bank prior to shipment.  

Shipment via USPS Priority Mail is at actual cost. Insurance is extra and at your option.

This is an antique rifle that can be shipped directly to the buyer.  

        

SOLD

Antique: Yes
Rifle Caliber: .45-70 Government