Sharps Borchardt 1878 Short Range Rifle .40-50 Sharps Straight, Antique

SOLD FOR: $3,276.00

LSB#: LSB250521RR022

Make: Sharps Rifle Co.

Model: 1878 Short Range

Serial#: 17480

Year of Manufacture: 1878 to 1880

Caliber: .40-50 Sharps Straight, Black Powder.

Action Type: Single-Shot, Shrouded Falling Block Action with Extractor

Markings: The underside of the receiver is marked, “17480”. The barrel is marked, “Old Reliable / SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT, CONN. / CAL. 40 / 1 7/8 ” The left side of the receiver is marked “BORCHARDT PATENT / SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT CONN. / U.S.A.”

Barrel Length: 26 Inches, Round. 

Sights/ Optics: This rifle has a flip-up globe front sight dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable Vernier tang sight with a small peep hole screwed to the top tang. The top of the barrel has a Lawrence patent semi-buckhorn V-notch ladder sight marked out to 7.

Stock Configuration & Condition/Grip: The stock is a two-piece checkered walnut, with semi-pistol grip, straight comb buttstock with a hard rubber buttplate. The forend is also checkered with a schnabel forend. The stocks show signs of moderate wear, with scratches, pressure dents, and scuffs throughout. The front of the comb has indentations from the tang sight being folded down. Overall, the condition of the stocks rate in about Good condition. 

Type of Finish: Blued (Barrel), Case Color (Receiver/Lever/Action).

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no notable erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.  

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its original finish. The receiver has almost completely lost its case color. There are dark spots of patina on the receiver, and some corrosion starting. The action has light wear. The bluing on the barrel is starting to thin out, and there are spots of oxidation starting on the barrel as well, mainly on the right side of the back half. The screw heads show signs of tooling, but still retain serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle is in Good condition. 

Mechanics:  The action functions correctly, as does the set triggers. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check.  As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: None.

Our Assessment:.This is a rare and desirable example of the Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878 Short Range rifle—one of the finest and strongest single-shot actions of the 19th century. Introduced in the final years of the Sharps Rifle Company, the Borchardt marked a radical departure from earlier designs by employing a hammerless, fully enclosed, falling-block action. With fewer moving parts and superior strength, the Borchardt was decades ahead of its time and would influence precision rifle designs well into the 20th century.

Chambered in .40-50 Sharps Straight, this rifle represents a transitional period in American ballistics when black powder cartridges were being pushed to their limits for both hunting and competition. The cartridge was well-suited to the 1878’s robust action, offering mild recoil and exceptional accuracy at medium range. The markings are all correct, including the famed “Old Reliable” barrel stamp and the Bridgeport address, which are deeply struck and legible.

This example is outfitted with a 26″ round barrel and a complete period-correct sighting setup: a globe front sight, Lawrence patent ladder rear sight, and a Vernier tang sight—all features indicative of a rifle that was meant to be used in the field or on the line. The checkered walnut stocks exhibit honest wear and character, and the presence of set triggers confirms its precision-shooting pedigree.

Though the case color on the receiver has faded and some oxidation is beginning to show, the rifle still retains approximately 50% of its original finish. The bore is excellent for its age—semi-bright with sharp rifling—and the action remains sound with set triggers functioning properly. With serial number 17480 and manufacture between 1878 and 1880, this is an antique rifle with both collector appeal and historical gravitas. Whether you’re a Sharps enthusiast, single-shot competitor, or collector of American precision rifles, this Short Range Borchardt is a standout example from one of the most innovative firearms manufacturers of the era. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.