C. Sharps Arms Old Reliable Model 1875 28” .38-55 Win Single Shot Rifle
SOLD FOR: $2,550
LSB#: 231109MB032
Make: C. Sharps Arms Co.
Model: Old Reliable (1875 Sharps)
Serial Number: 0-782
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1992-2019
Caliber: .38-55 Winchester
Action Type: Single Shot, Breech Loading Rifle with Double Set Triggers
Barrel Length: 28” Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a globe sight that is dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a two position flip up sight, when down it is a V notched buckhorn sight, when flipped up it is a sliding U notch. The top tang is mounted with a fully adjustable aperture sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The checkered stocks are two piece walnut with a Schnabel forend, pistol grip, straight comb cheek rest and checkered shotgun style case hardened buttplate. The checkering is sharp. The stock shows light wear from handling and storage. There are a few compressions, light scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks present. The LOP measures 14 ½” & 13 ¾” from the front of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. This stock rates in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its Original metal finish. The metal shows light handling and storage marks. The tool heads are sharp, some show light tool marks. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions Correctly. The hammer has a safety-notch position. The lever locks up tight. We did not fire this firearm. We have cleaned this firearm and performed a mechanic’s check but expect many will want to clean the firearm again depending on their standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Christian Sharps introduced one of America’s first and most successful breech-loading rifles with design starting in 1850 and improvements continuing into the 1870s and the metallic cartridge era. This rifle is a very high quality reproduction of the 1875 model, a rifle which bridged the gap between muzzle-loading rifles and cartridge rifles. It is breech-loaded with a falling block and chambered for .38-55 Winchester. The .38-55 is used to hunt black bear and deer at moderate ranges and is also used in cowboy action shooting side matches. C. Sharps Arms Co. has a well-deserved reputation for making some of the finest Sharps rifles since the originals, probably much better given advances in metallurgy and machining. This example is in Great shape, showing light use. It should make for a great shooter for the lucky winner or a great addition to a Sharps collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
