IAB Sharps

[Sgt Major Barber]

Greetings.

I am considering purchasing either a 1859 or 1863 IAB Sharps Carbine.  First, can anyone tell me the difference between the tto?
Second, has anyone had experience with either piece?  Comments on the piece would be very much appreciated.  I do love BP but might be inclined to get a cartridge '73 Sharps.  Good, bad or ugly, I would appreciate comments and guidance.
Thanks all,
Two Dot Wrangler

[Deadeye Don]

One piece of advice.  Do not buy either unless you are a gambler.

[Fingers McGee]

I've got a .54 Cal percussion 1859 IAB Sharps rifle.  Bought it used about fourteen years ago.  Have never had a problem with it and it's a lot of fun to shoot.  Of course, I dont shoot it a lot.  Rolling paper cartridges isnt hard; but is time consuming.  Mayhaps when I can shoot Plainsman in a monthly match, I'll shoot it more.

I woud only recommend a 'paper cutter' Sharps to an experienced shooter.  They can be a little finnicky.

Fingers (Show Me MO smoke) McGee

[Major 2]

The main visible difference is the patch-box on the 1859 the 63 did not have one.

IAB is entry level  , on another thread I gave it a C+

I've owned 4 originals 1-59, 3-63's , two Shiloh's (A+) , 2 Garretts A+ (Palmetto Arms ) , one Sile (B) and one Petersoli  45/70 (A+.)

The most and I mean the MOST authentic replica's were the Garretts ..I buy another in a heart beat if I could find one.

IMO --- I'd save awhile longer and get the Petersoli or just a few $$ more the Armi Sport (B++) or Uberti. (A)

Do a search on IAB or Petersoli and you'll fine your way ...

There is also the Pededri IAB (Cartridge) about B
and C Sharps A+ and costly

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Words of wisdom from one who knows!

[Deadeye Don]

If you ony buy one Sharps,  save your money and get a C-Sharps.   They can still be had for under 2K.

[Noz]

On the other hand, I bought an IAB Sharps from a pawn shop owner that was needing some ready cash. It shoots far better than I can.
At about 80 yards(that's where my bench was sitting) I put 3 rounds into .8 inches with a modest quality tang sight.
Did I shoot any more that day? No.
Could I duplicate it? Maybe-maybe not. But we did it once.

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Don't ya love it, Nozzie - when some smartarse smugly says "Betcha can't do THAT agin!"

And you can then say - "I don't HAVE to: it's YOU who's gotta beat it!"

[Sgt Major Barber]

Hey all.

I appreciate your info on the IAB...if I would be gettin' a Sharps style it would be a plinker and only then on occasion.  It's just that I really like the way they look and could be used, in cartridge form, as a huntin' pole for some Oregon kitty cat-sized Black Tails at no more than 60 yards.  .  I'm gonna keep looking but will not spend jusst under 2k...can't do that and preserve this 27 year marriage....
Thanks a lot,
Two Dot Wrangler

[Major 2]

The IAB will run about $600-700 NIB

A 54 Cal. Carbine Uberti or Armi Sport maybe $100-$150 more.

If your planning a 1874 carbine in 45-70 about $900-1000 for Petersoli.

The Petersoli will have cut rifling the others button rifling.

The longer guns will be about $100-150 more respectively per Manufacture.

Special models "Quigley's etc go even higher

Check GunBroker.Com ,often there are some good buy over there.

for example http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=94809849

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

I LOVE my Pedersoli.  If you hold out for one you are not likely to have to "upgrade'.  You mentioned using it with cartridges?  The best starter caliber for a single shot rifle, or carbines is .45-70.

[Pitspitr]

I LOVE my Pedersoli.  If you hold out for one you are not likely to have to "upgrade'.  You mentioned using it with cartridges?  The best starter caliber for a single shot rifle, or carbines is .45-70.

I agree fully with the above statement.

[Major 2]

That is what I was alluding to... save awhile longer and get the Petersoli 
The 45/70 74 carbine I owned was very fine.

In your price range (IAB range)  the Uberti & Armi Sport's are available for just a few Hamilton's more.