C. Sharps Arms Mod 1874 Sharps “OLD RELIABLE” 34” 45-70 Single Shot Rifle
SOLD FOR: $2,794.01
LSB#: WY250406JS003
Make: C. Sharps Arms Co.
Model: “Old Reliable” 1874 Sharps, No. 3 Sporter.
Serial Number: 74-146
Year of Manufacture: 1994
Caliber: 45 21/10, 45-70
Action Type: Single Shot, Lever Operated, Falling Block Action, with double set adjustable Triggers.
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 ”CAL. 45 21/10”. The left side of the receiver is marked “ C. SHARPS ARMS CO. INC. / BIG TIMBER, MT USA / 74-146”.
Barrel Length: 34” Heavy profile Octagon barrel. This rifle weighs approximately 12lbs 8oz.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a globe front sight with a simple post insert. The rear sight is a semi buckhorn sight with a flip up ladder sight. The tang sight is a Mid range Vernier style sight with a multi aperture Hadley style eye disk. The rifle also includes a small eye disc.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is a two piece smooth high grade fancy walnut. The buttstock is a straight hand, with long lower tang, straight comb and has a color case hardened checkered metal buttplate. The handguard features a traditional pewter tipped smooth forend. The LOP measures 14? from the front trigger to the back of the buttplate. The wood shows only minor handling with no notable marks or marrs. The buttplate shows almost no wear. There are some surface level fine lines on the Hartford tip very common with this type of finish. The Furniture rates in Excellent to Excellent + overall 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. This rifle appears unfired outside of testing. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle is in Excellent+ to Like New condition showing only barely visible handling.
Mechanics: The action and set triggers 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: This rifle includes the original order sheet, manual, and sight pamphlet with small eye disc.
Our Assessment: This C. Sharps Arms Mod 1874 rifle from Big Timber, Montana, is a finely crafted reproduction of the iconic 19th-century single-shot rifle that earned legendary status on the American frontier. This particular example is chambered in .45-70 Government and features a 34-inch heavy octagon barrel, optimized for long-range accuracy and extended sight radius. The rifle is outfitted with a Hartford-style forend with pewter tip, a straight-hand extra fancy walnut stock, and double set triggers for precision shooting. Its classic appearance is matched by its high end functionality, with a globe front sight and Vernier tang rear sight equipped with a mid-range staff and Hadley multi-aperture eyepiece ideal for adapting to changing target conditions.
The original Sharps rifles were famous among buffalo hunters, Civil War marksmen, and competitive shooters of the late 1800s, and the 1874 model became a benchmark for long range black powder accuracy. This modern C. Sharps Arms build honors that heritage with attention to period-correct details and precision machining. Whether used for silhouette competitions or historical reenactment, this rifle offers both outstanding performance and a direct connection to one of the most respected firearm designs in American history. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
