Axtell Rifle Co Model 1877 Sharps 34” 45-70 Falling Block Single Shot Rifle

SOLD FOR: $3,775.00

LSB#: LSB50708MS044

Make: Axtell Rifle Company Sheridan Montana 

Model:  1877 Sharps.   

Serial Number: 121

Year of Manufacture: Circa Early 1990s

Caliber: 45 2 1/10, 45-70 

Action Type: Single Shot, Lever Operated, Falling Block Action, with single trigger. 

Markings: The barrel is marked “-MODEL 1877- AXTELL RIFLE CO. SHERIDAN MONT. CALIBRE 45 2 1/10”. The top tang is marked with the serial “121”.   

Barrel Length: 34” tapered profile round barrel. This rifle weighs approximately 11lbs.    

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a windage adjustable globe front sight with a simple post insert and a spirit level. The tang sight is a Vernier style tang sight with Long Range staff and small eye disc. The back of the stock has a second sight base so the tang sight can be relocated for back position shooting.  

Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture set is a high grade two piece checkered walnut set. The forend is a round profile ebony tipped forend and the stock is a semi pistol grip, fluted straight comb with a plastic checkered butt plate and an ebony insert in the pommel. The stock wood has a beautiful grain that is stunning to see in person. The length of pull is 14″. The wood shows scattered minor marks from light use and age with none being notable. There are no chips or cracks. The butt plate is in similar condition to the wood and is held on by two nitre(fire) blued screws. Overall the furniture is in Excellent condition.   

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Colored. 

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. This rifle shows some very minor lead fouling on the edges of some of the grooves. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.75/10. 

Overall Condition: This rifle retains 99% of its metal finish. The barrel shows some minor rub marks about 6” in front of the action. The action shows no notable marks or wear. The rear tang base shows some very minor surface oxidation. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp overall this rifle is in Excellent+ condition.      

Mechanics: The action and trigger function 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 Axtell Rifle Co. 1877 Sharps chambered in .45-70 Government is a faithful reproduction of one of Sharps’ most refined rifles. It features a 34″ round profile barrel and weighs 11 pounds, well-suited for long-range target work. The rifle is outfitted with a windage-adjustable globe front sight with a post insert and spirit level, paired with a Vernier-style tang sight with a long-range staff and small eyepiece for precision shooting. A second tang sight base at the rear of the stock allows the sight to be relocated for back-position shooting, a hallmark of serious match rifles. Its high-grade walnut furniture is beautifully checkered, consisting of a round-profile, ebony-tipped forend and a semi-pistol grip stock with a fluted straight comb, ebony pommel insert, and a checkered plastic butt plate. The striking figure in the walnut makes this rifle not only functional but stunning to behold.

The Sharps Model 1877 was developed as a more refined, elegant version of the earlier 1874, designed for competitive shooters and sportsmen who wanted greater precision and lighter handling. The 1877 featured sleeker lines, improved balance, and higher-grade finish and wood compared to the rugged military and buffalo hunting associations of the 1874. Axtell Rifle Co., known for producing meticulous Sharps reproductions, captured this refinement beautifully, creating rifles that stand out as both functional target rifles and true works of art. This example, with its exceptional wood grain and finely crafted details, exemplifies the spirit of the 1877, an upgraded and elegant iteration of a legendary rifle design. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.