Sharps Question

[Andrew]

   Hey Guys,
New to this-just bought a Palmetto(Italy) 45/70 Sharps imported by Garrett Arms Norfolk Va.Is this thing safe to shoot?-can I use smokeless powder .Weapon looks in new condition-got a Hawkin stle wood on it-kinda strange looking.Did I just buy a $500.00 boat anchor?Any info is more than I have on this subject,
Thanks,
Andrew

[Major 2]

you did fine... Garrett was an importer in the 1980's ...the Percussion 54 Mil. carbine is IMO the best replica ever made..
complete with working Lawrence pellet priming system...
I added original lock plates for the correct marking ( back when you could get Sharps lock plates for $15 from DGW)
they were an exact drop in....
Garretts were costly back then at $249 (Log Cabin) while the Sile (IAB) import was $159 at most places...I bought mine for $205 shipped on sale from the Log Cabin Lodi ,Oh. store.
I actually bought two more, buying props for a film , I think these were in the $350 range by then.

As built they were great shooters...in fact I still have my 54 cal mold.. I sold my last Garrett years ago for a tidy sum
and have seen Garrett's command and bring $900-1100 in NIB condition of late...

The last guns imported were still stamped Garrett but they were not imported by him.. they were a final lot run of cartridge guns
not chambered or headspaced listed in Shotgun News.. as I recall @ $350.
you would have to get them chambered head spaced....

If I found one at that price I'd  jump on it...congrats