Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company · Rifle · Discontinued · 1871
| Weight (empty) | 5443 g (192.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1219 mm (47.99") |
| Barrel Length | 762 mm (30.00") |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Muzzle Velocity | 411 m/s (1348 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2466 J (1819 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Frame Material | Steel |
Primary Caliber: .50-90 Sharps
The Sharps Model 1874 is a single-shot, breech-loading rifle built around a falling-block action operated by a lever that also functions as the trigger guard. Introduced in 1871 by the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company and officially branded 'Old Reliable' in April 1876, it became the definitive American buffalo rifle and a dominant long-range target rifle of its era. Highly customizable, customers could order virtually any barrel length (typically 26-34 inches), weight (7-25 pounds), and shape...
Country of Origin: United States
Designer: Christian Sharps (original 1848 Sharps action); Richard S. Lawrence and Hugo Borchardt (later refinements)