Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878
Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company · Rifle · Discontinued · 1878
Also known as: Sharps Borchardt 1878, Sharps Model 1878, Old Reliable Model 1878
Overview
The Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878 is a single-shot, hammerless falling-block breechloading rifle chambered in .45-70 Government. Designed by Hugo Borchardt around an 1877 patent, it was the last single-shot rifle produced by the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company. Unlike earlier external-hammer Sharps rifles, it used an internal self-cocking striker actuated by the underlever, giving it a clean modern profile. The military model featured a 32-inch round barrel, two barrel bands, a walnut stock and military ladder sights, while sporting and long-range target variants were also offered.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4080 g (143.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1245 mm (49.02") |
| Barrel Length | 816 mm (32.13") |
| Action Type | Falling Block |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | None |
| Muzzle Velocity | 411 m/s (1348 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2215 J (1634 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 900 m (984 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 Breechloader
- Safety mechanisms: Sliding Trigger Safety
- Features: Single Shot, Self Cocking Striker, Military Ladder Rear Sight, Blade Front Sight, Two Barrel Bands, Checkered Steel Buttplate
Variants
- Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878 Military — Military
- Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878 Long Range — Target
Service history
Operators
- Michigan State Militia · adopted 1878
Production
Estimated total produced: 22,000 · Production years: 1878-1881
Company records cite roughly 8,700 to 22,000 rifles across all models from 1878 until the Sharps Rifle Co. closed in 1881; the majority were military rifles.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Hugo Borchardt
Discontinued: 1881
Notes
The Borchardt action sold poorly against the established external-hammer Sharps designs and military trapdoor rifles, contributing to the closure of the Sharps Rifle Co. in 1881. Hugo Borchardt later designed the C93 pistol. Specifications are for the military rifle; barrel and weight vary across sporting, mid-range, and long-range target variants.
Background
Designed by Hugo Borchardt before he went on to create the pioneering C93 semi-automatic pistol, the Model 1878 was the final Sharps single-shot rifle and marked the end of the famous Sharps line.