Sharps Shooter?

[Queasy Dillo]

An odd sorta-relevant item that might interest you guys.

If you visit the Ft. Davis museum (Ft Davis, TX), the restored barracks has a rack of Sharps rifles on a carousel in the middle of the room.  All are original and in near 100% condition. 

You can see the carousel here, though the quality isn't great.  I'll try and find some of the up-close pictures.
http://queasy-dillo-amusements.fotopic.net/p4665892.html

Interestingly enough, these rifles were last issued in 1942.  The story goes that all available M1 Garands went to front-line units.  Unfortunately there weren't enough to go around, so the 1903 Springfield had to fill the gaps.  This didn't leave many Springfields for non-Army or -Marine units.  Thus, the United States Coast Guard was instead issued Sharps until more Garands came available. 

[Four-Eyed Buck]

Dillo, think the link hit a speed bump. Came up not available..........Buck

[Queasy Dillo]

***grumble...dat-blame confusers***

http://queasy-dillo-amusements.fotopic.net/p4665892.html

[Four-Eyed Buck]

Well, that one works Like you said, can't tell much from this one though.......Buck

[Queasy Dillo]

Here's the link to the  other picture - rifles in the bottom left corner.  Can you say SUPERSIZED?

http://images2.fotopic.net/?iid=y5nf3a&outx=600&noresize=1&nostamp=1

[Walt OReagun]

Didn't the August 2004 issue of American Rifleman mention some "Sharps" being discovered in an old armory/palace in Nepal?  (With over 400 tons of other armaments) 

IIRC, although they say "Sharps" on them, there's a question about whether they're actually American made - or just Nepalese copies.

[Uncle Eph]

Dillo, them look to be Trapdoor carbines to me.

[Four-Eyed Buck]

Super-sized, they're Trapdoors alright. the Nepalese find were definately knockoffs, but there were quite a few Martini's that weren't. about three different versions if I remember correctly. I believe American Rifleman TV is doing an article on those in December.........Buck

[Queasy Dillo]

Eh.  Volunteers.  Get what you pay for, right?   

Still a neat museum, though.

[Four-Eyed Buck]

Dillo, those TRAPDOORS looked nice though. Guess what they say is true, you can't get good help anymore...........Buck