I.A.B. American Arms Sharps Cavalry Carbine 45-70 22″ Falling Block Rifle

SOLD FOR: $1450

LSB#: 211002NI59

Make: America Arms Inc.; Mfg by I.A.B., Italy

Model: Sharps Cavalry Carbine

Serial Number: 47773

Year of Manufacture: 1998 (BL Date Code)

Caliber: .45-70 Government

Action Type: Lever Operated Falling Block Single Shot Centerfire Conversion Rifle w/ Double Set Triggers

Markings: The top rear of the barrel is marked “I.A.B. MADE IN ITALY”. The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “CAL. 45/70 US.GOV.”. The right shoulder of the barrel is marked “AMERICAN ARMS INC. – N.K.C. – MO”. The left side of the receiver is marked with three Italian proofs and the “BL” date code. The top rear of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The left side of the barrel is marked with two Italian proof marks. The bottom of the barrel, under the forearm, is marked with “47773” and “IAB”.

Barrel Length: 22” Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a forward sloping silver blade that is dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a folding ladder sight which presents a “V”-notch when down. When folded up, the ladder sight has a slider with a “V”-notch and the right side is marked from “2” to “8” with another notch on the top of the ladder. The upper tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight (not included).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth wood with a schnabel-tipped forearm, straight grip and comb, and a steel buttplate. There are a couple of tiny marks on the belly and a few scattered faint lines throughout. Otherwise, there are no major imperfections. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/8” & 14 3/8” from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the steel buttplate, which shows a scattered light surface oxidation. The stocks rate in about Fine-Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Matte Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is light fouling on the lands.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows faint thinning on the leading edges of the receiver and some faint surface oxidation on the sides. There is light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine-Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: Sharps rifles are a series of large-bore, single-shot, falling-block, breech-loading rifles, beginning with a design by Christian Sharps in 1848, and ceasing production in 1881. They were renowned for long-range accuracy. By 1874 the rifle was available in a variety of calibers, and it was one of the few designs successfully to be adapted to metallic cartridge use. The Sharps rifles became icons of the American Old West due to their appearances in many Western-genre films and books. Perhaps as a result, several rifle companies offer reproductions of the Sharps rifle. This is a centerfire Sharps Cavalry Carbine, manufactured in Italy by I.A.B. in Italy. This rifle sports a 22” octagonal barrel with double set triggers. This rifle is in Fine-Excellent condition with 98% original finish remaining. Please see our photos and good luck!