Shiloh Rifle MFG “OLD RELIABLE” 34” 45-70 Single Shot W/ MVA Vernier Sight
SOLD FOR: $2,181.00
WOA#: WY240415EH233
Make: Shiloh Rifle Mfg. CO.
Model: Sharps Model 1874 “Old Reliable”
Serial Number: 4721
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: 45-70 Gov.
Action Type: Single Shot Breech Loading, Falling Block, with set triggers.
Markings: The tang is marked “4721”.The top of the barrel is marked “Old Reliable SHILOH RIFLE MFG. CO.” and “CALIBRE 45 / 21/10”. The left side of the receiver is marked “SHILOH RIFLE MFG. CO. FARMINGDALE, N.Y.”. The black buttpad is marked “SHARPS OLD RELIABLE”
Barrel Length: 34” Heavy profile Octagon Barrel.
Sights / Optics: This rifle is mounted with a Globe front sight, currently with no insert, dovetailed to the barrel. This rifle has an MVA Vernier style sight with a mid range staff, fire blued base, and “small” eye disc. The barrel has no dovetail for a traditional rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is a two piece smooth “Fancy” walnut. The buttstock is a full pistol grip with checkered curved lower tang, fluted straight comb with cheek piece, and has a black plastic buttplate. The handguard is a thin profile Schnable style handguard. The stock shows a depression in the bottom of the pistol grip and several depressions on the comb where the eye disc hits when the staff is folded down. There are also some very minor scattered lines. The LOP measures 14? from the front trigger to the back of the buttplate. The Furniture rates in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: The barrel is black and the receiver, lever, tang, and hammer are color case hardened. The sight base is fire blued.
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The metal surfaces show some scattered lines and very small marks with some freckling mostly at the muzzle on the barrel. The screw heads are undamaged and sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good + to Excellent 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: None.
Our Assessment: The Shiloh “Old Reliable” Rifle with a 34″ octagon barrel, set triggers, and chambered in .45-70 is a testament to classic American firearms design and craftsmanship. Produced by the Shiloh Rifle Manufacturing Company, this rifle is a modern reproduction of the iconic Sharps rifles that were widely used in the mid to late 19th century. Shiloh Rifle Manufacturing is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and dedication to historical accuracy, making their rifles highly sought after by collectors and shooting enthusiasts. The .45-70 Government cartridge, for which this rifle is chambered, is one of the most enduring and versatile cartridges in American firearms history. Originally developed for the U.S. military in the 1870s, the .45-70 has proven its worth in hunting and shooting sports due to its substantial stopping power and long-range accuracy. This “Old Reliable” rifle features a 34″ Heavy octagon barrel. The octagonal shape adds to the rifle’s aesthetic appeal and provides a traditional look reminiscent of the original Sharps rifles. The length of the barrel contributes to increased accuracy, muzzle velocity, and sight radius making it ideal for long-range shooting. To enhance the long range capability of this rifle it is equipped with a Vernier tang sight. This type of sight is essentially a micrometer and allows for extremely precise adjustments for elevation. The Vernier tang sight is a hallmark of Sharps rifles, the use of which was famously portrayed in the 1990 classic movie “Quigley Down Under”. The set triggers on the Shiloh “Old Reliable” rifle are another notable feature. Set triggers allow for a very light and crisp trigger pull, which enhances accuracy by minimizing the disturbance to the rifle when the shot is fired. This feature is especially valued in precision shooting disciplines, where a consistent and clean trigger break can make a significant difference in shot placement. The “Old Reliable” rifle’s historical significance adds to its allure. Sharps rifles played a significant role in American history, particularly during the Civil War and the westward expansion. Owning a Shiloh “Old Reliable” reproduction allows enthusiasts to connect with this rich heritage and experience that history firsthand. Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
