Cape Outfitters Italian Sharps 1874 .45-70 Govt. Single Shot Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1001
LSB#: 210712PJ01
Make: Italian Manufacturer, Imported By Cape Outfitters
Model: 1874
Serial Number: 42099
Year of Manufacture: ATF Modern
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Single-Shot Breech-Loading Rifle
Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “CAL. 45/70 US. GOV.”. The left side of the barrel is marked “42099”. The top of the barrel is marked “MADE IN ITALY”. The right shoulder of the barrel is marked “CAPE OUTFITTERS – CAPE GIRARDEAU MO USA -”.
Barrel Length: 29″, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a globe sight with interchangeable leaf reticles that is dovetailed to the barrel. The front sight is loose and can be pushed out of place easily. A level is dovetailed to the rear of the slide. The tang sight is a peep aperture wheel that is adjustable for elevation. The left side of the tang sight is marked “0-250” in increments of 25.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth wood with a straight grip, straight comb and a steel buttplate. The stocks have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate shows thinning around the edges and has old adhesive on the face. Overall, the stocks are in Fine-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is some light erosion on the bottom of the receiver, as well as some lighter oxidation infrequently scattered throughout the rest of the receiver. There are some scattered faint marks on the barrel. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock position. The lever locks up tight. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
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 1874 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 .45-70 Gov’t. Shiloh Sharps 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 rifle appears is in Fine condition. 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!