Axtell Rifle Co. Model 1877 Sharps 45-90 Falling Block Single Shot Rifle

SOLD FOR: $3,302.00

LSB#: LSB260130RL008

Make: Axtell Rifle Company Sheridan Montana 

Model:  1877 Sharps.   

Serial Number: 738L 

Year of Manufacture: Circa Early 1990s

Caliber: 45-90 WCF 45 4/10″

Action Type: Single Shot, Lever Operated, Falling Block Action, with double set triggers.

Markings: The barrel is marked “-MODEL 1877- AXTELL RIFLE CO. SHERIDAN MONT. CALIBRE 45 4/10″. The top tang is marked with the serial 738L”.   

Barrel Length: 30″ Half Octagon

Weight: 12 lbs 2 oz 

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a semi buckhorn V notch with flip up ladder. There is a MVA Vernier Mid-range tang sight installed. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock on this rifle is two piece checkered walnut, schnabel tip forend, factory added pistol grip with nitre blued cap, straight comb, with checkered case hardened buttplate. The LOP is 13″ and 14″ from triggers to buttplate. There is light handling wear. There are a few light scratches, mostly around the wrist. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in Excellent condition. 

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Hardened. 

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There are a few light spots of superficial corrosion. There is minor fouling. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its original finish. There is light handling and operational wear. There are light corrosion spots, most notably on the sights. The case hardening is vivid though there is light corrosion freckling. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Very Good to Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action and trigger function correctly. The hammer holds full and half cock. The double set trigger works as intended. The sight adjustments are free. 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: The Axtell Model 1877 Sharps is a refined modern interpretation of one of the most elegant and advanced single shot rifle designs of the 19th century. The original 1877 Sharps represented the peak of Sharps Rifle Company’s development before the decline of the buffalo hunting era, offering improved lines, balance, and handling over earlier models. Axtell Rifle Company of Sheridan, Montana built a strong reputation in the late 20th century for producing high-quality Sharps reproductions, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern precision machining. Their rifles are well regarded among black powder cartridge shooters for both their authenticity and their performance on the range.

Chambered in .45-90 WCF, this rifle is rooted in one of the most iconic cartridges of the American frontier period. Developed as an advancement over the .45-70, the .45-90 offered increased powder capacity and improved long-range performance, making it a preferred choice among buffalo hunters and early long-range marksmen. Its heavy bullet weight and consistent ballistic characteristics have ensured its continued relevance in modern black powder shooting disciplines, where it remains a capable and historically correct chambering for extended range work.

This example is a well-balanced and visually appealing rifle, configured with a 30″ half-octagon barrel, traditional barrel-mounted sights, and an MVA Vernier mid-range tang sight that enhances its long-range capability. The rifle retains approximately 98% of its original finish, with vivid case colors and only light handling wear, while the walnut stock remains in excellent condition with minor marks around the wrist and no structural concerns. The bore is strong with sharp rifling, and the action, including the double set triggers, functions correctly. Light corrosion noted on the sights and minor freckling in the case hardening are present but do not detract from the rifle’s overall presentation. This is a well-executed Sharps reproduction that captures the look, feel, and performance of the classic rifles of the American West. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF