Thought I'd share a few pics and ask for any help identifying this Sharps Carbine rifle. This is a family heirloom that is being passed from by father-in-law to my wife. According to him, this Sharps was carried in two land runs by his family. In the second run, they claimed a section of land in modern-day Wynnewood. This land, like this rifle, is still in the family. It's excellent hunting property and will be passed on to her as well.
Anyway, back to the Sharps. Based on what I know, this is a converted "new model 1859" that should shoot 50-70 blackpowder cartridges. As it stands right now, I'm not planning on shooting this rifle. It's heritage is far too important to the family to risk damaging it. I am currently trying to get a hold of the owner of the original Sharps records to determine specifics on the rifle. I have a feeling that this was a rearsenaled (and updated) sharps that one might find in a general store back in the day. It would not surprise me if it has Civil War Heritage. I hope to find out!
My FIL was under the impression that it was a still paper cartridge firing rifle, but upon close inspection, it's obvious that it was converted. Too bad, an original Sharps would be worth a mint! This one, we are estimating to be worth about $2,000.00
Serial:36556
Bore shows considerable wear or gunk. will try to clean tonight, very gently.
Action works smoothly and is all original. Breech block has no slop.
Carbine is missing the original Saddle ring, but the ring retainer is still there, but bent. I'm on the fence about replacing the ring, but would not dare to straighten the retainer.
Anyway, back to the Sharps. Based on what I know, this is a converted "new model 1859" that should shoot 50-70 blackpowder cartridges. As it stands right now, I'm not planning on shooting this rifle. It's heritage is far too important to the family to risk damaging it. I am currently trying to get a hold of the owner of the original Sharps records to determine specifics on the rifle. I have a feeling that this was a rearsenaled (and updated) sharps that one might find in a general store back in the day. It would not surprise me if it has Civil War Heritage. I hope to find out!
My FIL was under the impression that it was a still paper cartridge firing rifle, but upon close inspection, it's obvious that it was converted. Too bad, an original Sharps would be worth a mint! This one, we are estimating to be worth about $2,000.00
Serial:36556
Bore shows considerable wear or gunk. will try to clean tonight, very gently.
Action works smoothly and is all original. Breech block has no slop.
Carbine is missing the original Saddle ring, but the ring retainer is still there, but bent. I'm on the fence about replacing the ring, but would not dare to straighten the retainer.
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