Shiloh Sharps Model 1874 30″ .45-70 Gov’t Single Shot Rifle, MFD 1991-2000
SOLD FOR: $3,625
LSB#: 201019MM12
Make: Shiloh Rifle Mfg. Co.
Model: 1874
Serial Number: 2970B
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1991-2000
Caliber: .45-70 (.45 2 1/0″)
Action Type: Single-Shot Breech-Loading Rifle with Double Set-Triggers
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “Shiloh-Sharps Model 1874” and “CALIBRE 45 / 2 1/10”, the bottom (under the forend) is marked with the serial number and “45 70”. The inside of the forend has “2970AA” written in black marker. The left of the receiver is marked “SHILOH RIFLE MFG. CO. / BIG TIMBER, MONTANA”, the top is marked with the serial number behind the loading groove. The rear sight base is marked “SHILOH SHARPS”.
Barrel Length: 30″, Half-Octagonal, Half-Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a globe-style sight which accepts interchangeable reticle inserts, only the installed aperture insert is included. The top tang is drilled and tapped with a folding aperture sight adjustable for windage and elevation. The eyepiece is quite large with a wheel on the left that can be turned to present 15 different aperture sizes.
Weight: 11 lb., 4.6 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with a pewter-capped forend, pistol grip, straight comb with cheek rest and checkered shotgun-style case color steel buttplate. The forend has a few light nicks and scuffs on the bottom. The buttstock has a couple of light marks at the toe. There is light wear in the nose cap. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/8″ and 12 1/4″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear with sharp checkering. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is lightly thinning at some edges. The case color is slightly muted in the loading groove, the rear of the lockplate and on the lever. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock position. The lever locks up tight. The trigger is light and crisp when set, heavier but still crisp when not set. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Assessment: Christian Sharps introduced one of America’s first and most successful breech-loading rifles with design starting in 1850 and improvements continuing into the 1870s and the metallic cartridge era. This rifle is a very high quality reproduction of the 1874 model, a rifle which bridged the gap between muzzle-loading rifles and cartridge rifles. It is breech-loaded with a falling block and chambered for “Calibre 45 2 1/10″”, dimensionally identical to .45-70 Gov’t. Shiloh Sharps has a well-deserved reputation for making some of the finest Sharps rifles since the originals, probably much better given advances in metallurgy and machining. This rifle appears to have seen gentle and responsible use, in Fine-plus condition. It should make for a great shooter for the lucky winner or a great addition to a Sharps collection. Please see our photos and good luck!