It took 20 years, but I finally have a beautiful 1874 Shiloh Sharps rifle. I bought it from an estate. Made about 1997, unfired, it does not have a scratch on it; a 'safe queen' its entire life. The original box is very plain, but has the previous owners notes on dates that he oiled it. It is in like new condition.
It is an 1874 'Sporter #3' version,
- 45/70 cal (2 1/10"),
- 30" standard octagon,
- semi-fancy walnut
- checkered stock
- pewter forend tip
- straight-grip shotgun butt with 'rubber' plate
- buckhorn rear and Shiloh #111 globe front barrel sights
- MVA sporting tang sight
(Thanks for the as-ordered detail, Lucinda.)
For 'semi-fancy', the stock is gorgeous.
As fine as this Shiloh rifle is, I would still prefer a 'hunter' style .50 caliber rifle. I will trade only for a Lone Star manufactured rolling block, a Shiloh center fire, or C.Sharps 1874 .50 cal. I realize that I missed a recent Lone Star. I'd prefer stock upgrades.
Before I decide to keep, shoot, and drag it through the brush; or before I send it off to Shiloh to become a .50, I thought I would try to trade with someone wanting a 45 cal. Trade it while it is still LNIB. The trade chamber can be anything along the lines of 50/70, 50/100 Win, 50 AK, 50/90; any rifle ctg suited for BP use. Looking for shorter, lighter barrel and overall weight. Shotgun butt. I would expect 'well used', but excellent condition rifle, or better, in exchange.
I will not sell, please don't ask. I will swap high-resolution pictures, and as much info as possible with anyone with an appropriate rifle and serious about doing a trade.
Pull that hard-kicking .50 cal safe-queen out of your locker, and get this sweet shootin' 45, instead!! If your rifle is that much nicer than mine, we can still work out a deal.
Thanks for looking.
