Taylor’s Armi Sport Sharps 1874 NRA .45-70 Gov’t Single Shot Rifle MFD 2008
SOLD FOR: $1400
LSB#: 220115BS004
Make: Armi Sport; Imported by Taylor’s & Co.
Model: Sharps 1874 Sporting Rifle, National Rifle Association
Serial Number: SH9859
Year of Manufacture: 2008 (CC Date Code)
Caliber: .45-70 Gov’t
Action Type: Lever Operated Falling Block Single Shot Centerfire Conversion Rifle w/ Double Set Triggers
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked with the serial number and two Italian proof marks. The left shoulder is marked “AC” in a circle and “ARMI SPORT / ITALY CAL. 45/70 U.S. GOV.”. The top of the barrel is marked “TAYLOR’S & CO. INC. / –WINCHESTER–VA.–”. The right shoulder of the barrel is marked “National Rifle Association”. The left side of the receiver is marked with three Italian proof marks and the date code. The upper tang is marked with the serial number. The bottom left side of the block is marked with two Italian proof marks.
Barrel Length: 32” Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a German silver blade that is slotted in a base and dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a ladder marked 1-8 inclusive, that presents a “V”-notch in the down position. When raised, the ladder features a “V”-notch integral to the top and a slider with a “V”-notch. 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 straight grip, straight comb, and a steel case colored buttplate. There are just a few light compressions and draglines, mostly on the belly and right side of the stock. There is also a compression on the right side of the forearm. There are no chips and cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/8” & 14” from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the steel buttplate, which shows little to no wear. The stocks rate in about Fine-Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some stubborn fouling in the grooves, there is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The case coloring has slightly muted in some areas but is generally strong throughout. There is no other significant wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. 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: Included is brown leather scabbard with fringe. There are no rips or tears.
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 Model 1874 manufactured in Italy by Armi Sport. This rifle is in Fine-Excellent condition with 98% original finish remaining. Please see our photos and good luck!