Axtell Rifle Co. Model 1877 Sharps 45-90 Falling Block Single Shot Rifle
SOLD FOR: $3,030.00
LSB#: LSB260410CF008
Make: Axtell Rifle Company Sheridan Montana
Model: 1877 Sharps.
Serial Number: 396
Year of Manufacture: Circa Early 1990s
Caliber: 45 24/10, 45-90
Action Type: Single Shot, Lever Operated, Falling Block Action, with double set trigger.
Markings: The barrel is marked “-MODEL 1877- AXTELL RIFLE CO. SHERIDAN MONTANA. CALIBRE 45”. The top tang is marked with the serial “396”.
Barrel Length: 34″ Tapered Octagon. This rifle weighs 13 lbs 3 oz.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a windage adjustable globe front sight with insert and a spirit level. The tang sight is a Vernier style tang sight with Long Range staff.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture set is a high grade two piece checkered walnut set. The forend is a Schnabel tipped forend and the stock is a semi pistol grip, straight comb with a steel checkered butt plate. The LOP is 12 14″ and 13 1/4″ from triggers to buttplate. There are scratches and compression dents throughout, the most notable being around the toe. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in Good to Very Good 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. There is some minor fouling. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains 95% of its metal finish. There are scratches throughout. There are a few spots of bluing loss from corrosion. The screw heads show very light tooling but are serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Very Good 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: Wood Case
Our Assessment: This Axtell Rifle Co. Model 1877 Sharps is a high-quality modern reproduction of a classic long-range single-shot target rifle, built by Axtell Rifle Company of Sheridan, Montana, circa the early 1990s. Chambered in .45-90, also marked as .45 2 4/10, it features a substantial 34″ tapered octagon barrel and weighs 13 lbs. 3 oz., giving it the mass and balance expected of a precision black powder cartridge rifle. The falling-block action, lever operation, double set triggers, windage-adjustable globe front sight with spirit level, and Vernier-style long-range tang sight make this rifle especially appealing to shooters and collectors interested in Sharps-style target rifles and long-range BPCR competition.
Condition is very good overall, with strong mechanical and bore condition. The rifle retains approximately 95% of its original blued and case-colored metal finish, with scratches throughout, a few spots of bluing loss from corrosion, and very light tooling on the screw heads. The markings remain clear, and the action and double set triggers are reported to function correctly. The bore is a major strength, rating 9.75/10 in the writer’s opinion, with a bright interior, sharp rifling, no erosion, and only minor fouling. The high-grade checkered walnut stock set remains in Good to Very Good condition, showing scratches and compression dents throughout, most notably around the toe, but with no chips or cracks.
Overall, this Axtell Model 1877 Sharps presents as a desirable and well-built long-range single-shot rifle with excellent bore condition, quality sights, attractive walnut furniture, and its wood case. Its cosmetic wear keeps it from being a top-condition example, but the strong bore, original finish, functioning mechanics, double set triggers, and period-correct sight setup all support its appeal as either a serious target rifle or a collectible Sharps reproduction. While it has not been test-fired and should be cleaned or inspected to the buyer’s standards, it appears mechanically sound and represents a substantial, purpose-built .45-90 rifle with significant presence and practical shooting potential. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF