Shiloh Sharps MOD. 1874 Custom Sporter #3 32” 45-90 With Tang Sight
SOLD FOR: $3,125.00
WOA: WY240529EW001
Make: Shiloh Rifle Mfg. CO.
Model: Sharps Model 1874 Sporter #3
Serial Number: B5162
Year of Manufacture: 1997 original sales sheet included.
Caliber: 45-90
Action Type: Single Shot Breech Loading, Falling Block, with set triggers.
Markings: The tang is marked “B5162”.The top of the barrel is marked “Shiloh-Sharps Model 1874” and “CALIBRE 45 / 24/10”. The left side of the receiver is marked “SHILOH RIFLE MFG. CO. BIG TIMBER, MONTANA.”
Barrel Length: 32” Standard weight 60/40 Round/Octagon barrel.
Sights / Optics: This rifle is mounted with a combination front sight dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a flip up Ladder style with markings from 2-8, while the sight is folded down the sight is a small notch semi-buckhorn sight dovetailed and screw set to the barrel. This rifle has a Vernier style sight with no windage adjustment and a Long range staff with 3.5” of adjustment and “small” eye disc.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is a two piece smooth semi-fancy walnut. The buttstock is a straight hand, with long lower tang, ebony pistol grip, straight comb, and has a color case hardened smooth metal buttplate. The handguard features a traditional pewter tipped smooth forend. This rifle also features fire blued screws. The LOP measures 13.75″ from the front trigger to the back of the buttplate. The forend wood shows some minor scattered lines and the stock shows only a few minor scratches that are barely visible. The bottom of the ebony pistol grip has some rub wear. There are no chips or cracks. The comb has very, very faint characteristic marks from the eye disc. The Furniture rates in Excellent to Excellent + overall condition.
Type of Finish: The barrel is blued and the receiver, lever, tang and hammer and butt plate are color case hardened. The screws are fired blued.
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion. This rifle appears to be unfired outside of factory testing. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The barrel shows a few small marks and some surface lines primarily on the left side. The lines are barely visible. The tang sight has turned brown with patina. The screw heads are undamaged and sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent to Like New condition.
Mechanics: This rifle has double set triggers, which function correctly and are exceptionally smooth. The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes a 38 cartridge leather cartridge belt, original paperwork, Shiloh Pamphlets and 100 rounds of 45-90 Ammunition. The Ammunition will have to be shipped separately at additional expense. The ammunition is head stamped 45-70 but is clearly 45-90. Please see our high quality photos for a better understanding of the accessories.
Our Assessment: The Shiloh Sharps 1874 Sporter #3 in .45-90 is a classic example of American craftsmanship, offering both historical significance and modern performance. This rifle is a faithful reproduction of the iconic Sharps 1874 model, which gained fame in the late 19th century for its accuracy and power. The .45-90 cartridge is a longer variant of the .45-70, offering greater powder capacity and, consequently, increased velocity and range, making it a favorite for long-range shooting and hunting large game. The 32-inch barrel on this model is a 60/40 round/octagon design, combining the aesthetics of an octagon barrel with the practical advantages of a round barrel. The fire blued screws on the rifle add an extra touch of elegance and craftsmanship. Fire bluing is a traditional finishing technique that not only enhances the visual appeal of the rifle but also provides a degree of rust resistance to the screws, contributing to the overall durability of the firearm. Set triggers further enhance this rifle’s accuracy, providing a lighter and more consistent trigger pull that minimizes shooter-induced errors. This rifle is also Equipped with a Vernier Style tang sight. This type of sight is essentially a micrometer and allows for extremely precise adjustments for elevation. The Vernier tang sight is a hallmark of Sharps rifles, the use of which was famously portrayed in the 1990 classic movie “Quigley Down Under”. This example is set up very similar to a Quigley rifle and In this writer’s opinion, the straight hand stock carries with it a more authentic look and feel to the original 1874s. Overall, the Shiloh Sharps 1874 Sporter #3 in .45-90 with its combination of a 32-inch 60/40 round/octagon barrel, Vernier tang sight, set triggers, and fire blued screws is a superbly crafted rifle. It embodies both the heritage of 19th-century American firearms and the precision engineering of modern-day reproductions, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts of historical firearms, competitive shooters, and hunters alike. Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
