Help Identifying a Sharps

patrickandmolly · September 19, 2011, 09:50:22 PM

I am new to this forum and was just given a sharps in 45-70 that I was hoping somebody might know somerthing about. Based on the research I have done I am guessing it is an old IAB kit that somebody never finished.

The wood is shaped but rough and the metal is gray like it has been sitting around for several years, it looks like it was never color case hardened. There are no markings or import stamps on the rifle except for the number 206 stamped in the receiver, lock, and extractor. It also has one of those little safety levers on the firing pin which I have only heard of being on the IAB sharps.

My cousin bought it for $100 and then gave it to me so I guess it was a good deal no matter what it is. If anyone has any info for me I would like to know what I have before I try to finish it. Thank you for any help. Patrick

Otter · September 26, 2011, 07:34:17 PM

Throw some pictures up here and you may get some help. Kinda hard to identify one without seeing it. Get as much detail as possible, like any stampings, cartouches & etc. I may not be able to help out with the ID, but I do like looking at pictures.

Kent Shootwell · September 26, 2011, 10:55:28 PM

EMF imported a Sharps style rifle in 45/70 that had a "positive automatic safety" but my book shows no kit. 28" barrel, action drilled and tapped for tang sight, folding leaf rear sight and sporting blade front. Pictures like Otter says would help.

patrickandmolly · September 29, 2011, 03:55:36 PM

Here are a couple pics. Based on some other Sharps pics I have seen, I think it is a copy of the conversion rifles made in the late 1860s. There are no markings except the # 206 under the wood on the receiver, inside the lock, and on the extractor. The barrel also has (45-70 government) stamped on it.

It still needs to be color case hardened which will be a challenge but a fun project. I would really like to know what I have before I work on it, but everything I read seems to point to it being a cheap copy. I also need some sights, something as authentic as possible but at a reasonable price. Do I have a chance of finding something like that?

patrickandmolly · September 29, 2011, 04:04:43 PM

Here is a couple more pics. Thanks for any help.

The Pathfinder · September 29, 2011, 04:42:02 PM

There was a place years ago, Cape River outfitters or something like that, that used to sell kits. it may be one of those. They were out of Cape Giradeau, Mo I think.

St. George · September 29, 2011, 05:20:56 PM

Looks like one of the ones handled by Sile.

Scouts Out!

bear tooth billy · September 29, 2011, 05:34:26 PM

when you start pricing sights for these guns you better sit down, a good rear sight (MVA) or equivilent are about $480, if you buy a
cheaper one and then start shooting longer shots say 400 yds or more then you'll be like I was and buy a good sight and sell the
first one. Best advice buy the best one you can afford.

BTB

Jan Buchwald · October 08, 2011, 10:30:36 AM

Pedersoli makes sights at a reasonable price, Se: http://www.davide-pedersoli.com/tipologia-accessori.asp/l_en/idt_9/accessories-creedmoors.html

http://www.davide-pedersoli.com/tipologia-accessori.asp/l_en/idt_10/accessories-front-sights-e-inserts-set.html

patrickandmolly · October 10, 2011, 01:15:42 AM

Thanks for the help guys. As for the sights I think I will try to get just a standard front and rear, not a tang sight. It already has dovetail slots cut in the barrel and I don't plan on using it for long range shooting.

The front sight should be easy to get and I see Shilo and CSharps sells a flip-up ladder rear sight. Are there any other halfway authentic rear sights out there for sale? I know this is a cheap reproduction but I like to choose parts similar to the originals whenever possible.

Does anyone know what the original sights would have looked like on a rifle like mine?