C. Sharps Arms 1875 26” 25-35 Win. “Old Reliable” Rifle & UNERTL Scope
SOLD FOR: $1,675.00
LSB#: WY241019DB055
Make: C. Sharps Arms Co.
Model: “Old Reliable” 1875 Sporting Rifle.
Serial Number: 75-2186
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: 25-35 Winchester
Action Type: Single Shot, Lever Operated, Falling Block Action, with Single Trigger.
Markings: The top of the barrel at the front of the forend is marked “Old Reliable”. The top of the barrel is also marked “C. SHARPS ARMS CO. INC. / BIG TIMBER, MONTANA, U.S.A.” and near the receiver with ”25-35”. The left side of the receiver is marked “C. SHARPS ARMS CO. INC. / BIG TIMBER, MONTANA. U.S.A. / 75-2186”. The left side of the scope is marked “J.UNERTL / OPT CO./ 55425”. The mount is marked “J.UNERTL”.
Barrel Length: 26” Heavy profile octagon barrel. This rifle Weighs 11lbs 7oz.
Sights / Optics: Currently there are no provisions for iron sights however the front of the barrel is dovetail cut for a front sight, and the tang is drilled and tapped for a tang sight. The barrel has two scope mounting blocks carrying a Unertl Scope in an external adjustment mount. The first ring on the eyepiece is marked “14”. The scope has an objective parallax control, and a crosshair with center dot reticle. The recoil spring is missing its set screw, the turrets adjust with a positive click, the light transmission is good and the sight picture is clear. The blued finish of the scope shows some minor surface rust freckling scattered throughout. Overall the scope is in Good to Good+ condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is a two piece smooth, “fancy” walnut furniture set. The forend is a thin profile Schnabel style forend. The stock is a straight hand, straight comb stock with a checkered metal buttplate. The LOP is 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The forend wood shows handling wear with a few minor marks, compressions and lines. There are no chips or cracks. The stock shows handling wear with lines and compressions scattered throughout with some minor discoloration in the finish. There is one very small chip by the buttplate. There are no visible cracks. The metal buttplate shows some surface level scratches with some minor surface rust developing in the checkering. Overall the furniture on this rifle is in about Good to Good+ condition.
Type of Finish: Blued and Case colored
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion or visible fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The barrel shows some lines and small nicks scattered throughout from use. The action also shows some minor lines. The barrel has been painted with a line of yellow paint. The barrel also has a few small patches of surface rust present. Overall the rifle is in about Good+ to Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions 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: This rifle includes two thread in caps for the scope.
Our Assessment: This C. Sharps Arms 1875 Sporting Rifle in .25-35 Winchester is a fine example of blending classic 19th-century rifle design with modern precision optics. The .25-35 Winchester cartridge, introduced in the late 19th century, is a mild-recoiling, flat-shooting round favored for small to medium game hunting and target shooting. Its pairing with the 26″ octagon barrel provides an optimal balance between precision and portability, while the octagon shape adds a touch of traditional craftsmanship. The smooth walnut furniture and straight-hand stock maintain a clean, understated elegance, ensuring comfort and durability for extended use.
The inclusion of a 14x Unertl scope with external adjustment mounts and objective parallax adjustment elevates this rifle’s accuracy potential significantly. Unertl scopes are renowned for their clarity and precision, often favored by competitive shooters and vintage rifle enthusiasts. The external adjustment system, characteristic of classic long-range optics, complements the rifle’s historical styling while offering modern usability. This combination of the meticulously crafted rifle and high-quality optics makes it a standout piece, ideal for collectors, precision shooters, or hunters seeking a historically inspired yet high-performing firearm. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
