Shiloh Sharps 1874 Saddle Rifle 26″ 38-55 Single Shot Rifle W/ Tang Sights
SOLD FOR: $2,576.00
LSB#: LSB260225BR001
Make: Shiloh Rifle Mfg. CO. Big Timber Mt.
Model: Sharps Model 1874, Saddle Rifle
Serial Number: 8261
Year of Manufacture: 1987 Verified with Shiloh
Caliber: 38-55 Win.
Action Type: Single Shot Breech Loading, Falling Block, with double set triggers.
Markings: The tang is marked “8261”. The left side of the receiver is marked “SHILOH RIFLE MFG. CO. BIG TIMBER, MONTANA”. The barrel is marked “Old Reliable SHILOH RIFLE MFG. CO. 38-55”
Barrel Length: 26″ Octagon barrel. This rifle weighs 10 lbs.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a globe sight with cross hair insert dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a Pedersoli Vernier style tang sight with mid range staff and small eye disc. The rifle also includes an additional globe sight and Vernier style tang sight with long range staff, base, and two eye discs.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is a two piece smooth walnut with a straight hand stock, a long lower tang, straight comb with cheekpiece, checkered plastic butt plate, and a Schnabel tipped forend screw set to the barrel with a brass front sight insert holder. The LOP measures 14″ from the front trigger to the back of the butt plate. The wood shows minor compressions and minor surface level lines. There are no chips or cracks. The butt plate shows rub marks, compressions and surface level lines. Overall the furniture set is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: The barrel is blued and the receiver, lever, tangs and hammer are color case hardened.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion or pitting. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The lower tang has the signature mark from the lever. The barrel shows some scattered marks and notable scratches on the left side about 3″ in front of the forend and on the bottom of the barrel just behind the muzzle. There are also small impact marks on the right side of the barrel just below the front sight. The loading tray shows some minor brass fouling. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall the rifle is in about Good+-Very Good condition.
Mechanics: This rifle has double set triggers which function correctly. The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Long range tang sight with base, two eye discs, globe sight, and case for the sights.
Our Assessment: This Shiloh Sharps Old Reliable 1874 Saddle Rifle, manufactured in 1987, is a finely crafted reproduction of the legendary Sharps Model 1874 chambered in .38-55 Winchester. Featuring a 26-inch octagon barrel and weighing approximately 10 pounds, the rifle combines the classic lines and substantial feel associated with late 19th century target and sporting rifles. The “Old Reliable” marking pays tribute to the original Sharps Rifle Company advertising slogan, a fitting name for one of the most iconic single-shot rifle designs of the American frontier era.
This example is equipped with double set triggers, allowing for an exceptionally light and crisp trigger pull when set, making the rifle especially well suited for precision target shooting. The rifle is fitted with a globe front sight featuring a crosshair insert and includes two separate Vernier-style tang sight setups, including a Pedersoli Vernier Tang Sight with a mid-range staff and small eye disc, along with an additional long-range tang sight assembly and globe sight. The smooth walnut furniture features a straight-hand stock with cheekpiece, long lower tang, checkered plastic butt plate, and a Schnabel-tipped forend. A particularly neat feature is the built-in brass front sight insert holder in the forend, adding both practicality and period-correct charm to this exceptionally well-appointed Shiloh Sharps rifle. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.