New Sharps

[Niederlander]

Gentlemen,  I know this doesn't actually fit our period, but it's so cool I had to share!  (I also posted in the Plainsmen forum.)  I just picked up a Shiloh (Farmingdale) 1863 percussion Sharps rifle.  It's in .54 caliber and is serial #234.  Can't wait to get it running!

My pictures really don't do it justice.

[Quick Fire]

That's a neat rifle, Ned. I'm sure you'll put it to good use.

Quick Fire

[Niederlander]

Sure hope to!

[Sagebrush Burns]

A musket even.  Way cool!

[Pitspitr]

It should fit in nicely with our firearms display at Ft. Hartsuff

[Niederlander]

Yes it should!  Which reminds me, I need to work on the write ups for that.

[Blair]

Gentlemen,

I have known a number of people that have used either original Sharps,'59 or '63, or Frank Garrate made Lawrence Pellet primed lock plates in their Shiloh Sharps. This was of course to make them more authentic to the originals. They worked out very well, but these lock plates maybe very difficult to find now days (in reasonable condition).
Early cartridge conversions were also made up using the Lawrence lock system until the M-1874, when the locks were redesigned to be less complex to manufacture.

A number of years ago I built myself up an early Sharps Hunting Rifle using an IAB cartridge action.
I looked over the two most common cartridges these were made in originally, and chose to go with 45-70 due to the cost of reloading equipment.
I had an original complete Sharps lock assembly. At that time these were easy to get. But I had to swap out some parts and pieces.
Center fire hammer, tumbler with a fly for the double set triggers I wanted all came from the IAB action.
Most important was the IAB was cut and set up with a cartridge extractor milled in the receiver!
New longer, heavy barrel with fast 1-16 ROT and a new re stock and sights I was set!

I have not done photos in a long time, but will see if I can come up with some and post them here.
My best,
Blair

[Charles Isaac]

    I remember when those came out in the '70s-I couldn't believe the quality! It was like looking at a brand new 100 year old gun  I don't see how we could pay Americans to make stuff that nice anymore. Probably cost $10,000 to make one nowadays.


   Nice find.! You're not saying what it cost and I'm afraid to ask!

[Blair]

The donor IAB sporting rifle was very cheap.
This is what made it possible.
I doubt it could be less than what a new Shiloh Sharps could be bought for today.
Best to go with a new one.
My best,
Blair

[Niederlander]

    I remember when those came out in the '70s-I couldn't believe the quality! It was like looking at a brand new 100 year old gun  I don't see how we could pay Americans to make stuff that nice anymore. Probably cost $10,000 to make one nowadays.


   Nice find.! You're not saying what it cost and I'm afraid to ask!
It was a good guy deal from a friend.  I couldn't pass it up for $1,000.  I always liked them, but never figured I could afford one.