Sharps Model 1874
Sharps Rifle Company · Rifle · Discontinued · 1871
Also known as: Old Reliable, Sharps Buffalo Rifle, 1874 Sharps
Overview
The Sharps Model 1874 is a single-shot, falling-block breech-loading rifle and one of the most iconic firearms of the American West. Nicknamed 'Old Reliable,' it was chambered for powerful black-powder cartridges such as the .45-70 Government, .45-110 and .45-120, and became the favored tool of Plains buffalo hunters who could drop game at extreme range. Its dropping breechblock, operated by the lever-style trigger guard, sealed a heavy cartridge for accurate long-range fire, and target versions with vernier tang sights and double set triggers dominated 1870s long-range competition.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4670 g (164.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1245 mm (49.02") |
| Barrel Length | 711 mm (27.99") |
| Action Type | Falling Block |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Set |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 411 m/s (1348 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2215 J (1634 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .45-70 Government · primary — also known as .45-70, .45-70 Govt, 11.6x53mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot Breechloading
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Falling Block Breech, Double Set Triggers, Octagon Barrel, Tang Sight Compatible, Single Shot
Variants
- Sharps Model 1874 Sporting Rifle — Sporting
- Sharps Model 1874 Business Rifle — Business
- Sharps Model 1874 Long Range Rifle — Long Range Target
Service history
Operators
- American buffalo hunters
- Long-range competition shooters
Production
Production years: 1871-1881
Produced in many sporting, business, hunter and long-range target configurations until the Sharps Rifle Company ceased operations in 1881; modern reproductions are made by C. Sharps Arms, Shiloh and Pedersoli.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Christian Sharps
Discontinued: 1881
Notes
Despite the '1874' designation, manufacture of the Model 1874 actually began in 1871 and continued until the Sharps Rifle Company went bankrupt in 1881. Offered in numerous configurations of barrel length, weight, calibers and sights; the .45-70 was among the most common chamberings.
Background
The Sharps 1874 was immortalized in American frontier lore and film as the buffalo hunter's rifle. The legendary long shots attributed to marksmen like Billy Dixon at the Second Battle of Adobe Walls (1874) helped cement the rifle's reputation for reaching out to extraordinary distances.