C. Sharps Arms MT Mod. 1885 Highwall 26” #3 30-40 Krag “Old Reliable” Rifle
SOLD FOR: $2,332.00
LSB#: WY250204DA005
Make: C. Sharps Arms Co.
Model: “Old Reliable” 1885 Highwall Sporting Rifle.
Serial Number: 85-928
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: 30-40 KRAG
Action Type: Single Shot, Lever Operated, Falling Block Action, with Single adjustable Trigger.
Markings: The top of the barrel at the front of the forend is marked “Old Reliable”. The top of the barrel is also marked “C. SHARPS ARMS CO. INC. / BIG TIMBER, MONTANA, U.S.A.” and near the receiver with ”30-40 K”. The left side of the receiver is marked “C. SHARPS ARMS CO. INC. / BIG TIMBER, MONTANA, U.S.A. / 85-928”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “3”.
Barrel Length: 26” medium weight barrel 55/45 round/octagon profile. This rifle weighs 9lbs 12 OZ.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a globe sight with a circle post insert dovetailed to the barrel. There is no cut or dovetail for a rear sight. The tang sight is a Marbles style tang sight adjustable for elevation and windage.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture set on this rifle is a smooth extra fancy walnut set with a Schnabel forend and a straight hand straight comb stock. The length of pull is 14.25” from the trigger to the buttplate. The buttplate is a metal checkered French gray buttplate showing essentially no signs of wear. The wood shows only very minor handling wear with a few scattered barely visible compressions. There are no visible chips or cracks. Overall the furniture on this rifle is in Excellent to Excellent + condition.
Type of Finish: The barrel is blued and the receiver, hammer, trigger, buttplate and lever are silver (French Gray).
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. This rifle appears unfired outside of testing. The muzzle is clean. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The barrel and receiver show only very, very minor handling wear with no notable marks. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in Excellent to Like New 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: This C. Sharps Arms 1885 Highwall in .30-40 Krag is a finely crafted single-shot rifle that embodies the elegance and precision of classic American gunmaking. Built around the strong and graceful 1885 Highwall action, this example showcases extra fancy smooth walnut furniture that sets it apart. The stock features a straight hand and straight comb design, complemented by a schnabel forend that adds a refined, traditional touch. A checkered metal buttplate not only adds period-correct detail but also offers a secure shoulder fit. The furniture’s rich grain and deep figure reflect the meticulous hand-finishing C. Sharps Arms is known for, creating a firearm that is as much art as it is engineering.
The 26″ barrel sports a round-to-octagon profile, beautifully blued to contrast against the French gray finish of the receiver, lever, and buttplate, an elegant two-tone aesthetic that speaks to the rifle’s custom feel. Precision shooting is aided by a globe front sight with a circle post insert, perfect for target work, while a Marble’s style tang sight offers fine adjustments for long-range accuracy. Whether admired as a collector’s piece or used for its intended purpose in the field or at the range, this rifle blends old-world craftsmanship with practical precision in a truly distinguished package. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
