Shiloh Sharps Model 1874 30 .45-70 Gov’t Single Shot Rifle, MFD 1991-2000
SOLD FOR: $3085.99
LSB#: 230314MG001
Make: Shiloh Rifle MFG.
Model: Sharps 1874
Serial Number: 1940B
Year of Manufacture: 1991-2000
Caliber: 45 2 1/10 (45-70)
Action Type: Single Shot Breech Loading Rifle with Double Set Triggers
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “Shiloh-Sharps Model 1874” in front of the rear sight, behind the rear sight is marked “CALIBRE 45 / 2 1/10”, the bottom (under the forend) is marked with the serial number and “45 70”. 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.
Barrel Length: 30” Half Round, Half Octagon
Sights / Optics: This rifle is mounted with a case color Kelley long globe front sight with a case color Kelley Long Range Soule Sight. The sights rate in excellent condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece walnut with Schnabel forend, straight grip, straight comb with cheek rest and case colored buttplate. The stocks have a few light marks and show that they were well cared for. There is no major damage. The LOP measures 13 ¼” and 14 ¼” from the front of the trigger to the back of the case color buttplate. The buttplate shows a small knick in at the toe. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Case Color & Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion and for the age, this bore rates a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows only light handling and storage wear, there is no notable wear or damage. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent 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. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our 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 little, if any use, in Excellent 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!
-Chris
