Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this HIGHLY SOUGHT-AFTER, high-quality, single-shot falling-block rifle for auction; this is the A.O. Zischang / Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: A.O. Zischang / Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company
Model: Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878
Serial: 18875
Caliber: Unknown (Known to be .45 and .50-caliber Sharps)
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 28" Heavy Round Barrel
Optics/Sights: No Sights, Installed Lyman 5A USMC Sniper Rifle Scope
Stock/Grips: Fine Line Checkered Exhibition Grade Circassion Walnut Zischang Schuetsen Style Buttstock and Buttplate with Schnabel Style Forearm
Action: Single Shot, Hammerless, Falling-Block Rifle
Markings: The left side of the receiver is stamped “SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT CONN. / U.S.A. / 18875 / PAT. DEC. 1876.” The top of the barrel is stamped "A.O. ZISCHANG SYRACUSE, N.Y.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The A.O. Zischang Sharps-Borchardt Schützen rifle is a high-grade, European-style target rifle that marries robust American-pattern single-shot craftsmanship with the refined ergonomics and sighting philosophy of the German/Austrian Schützen tradition. Built or finished by A.O. Zischang (known for high-end import, custom finishing, and retailing of fine long-arms), these rifles take a stout single-shot action — influenced by the falling-block Sharps lineage and often incorporating Borchardt-era improvements in locking and bedding — and dress it in the heavy, long-barrel, and full-stock package that Schützen shooters prize. Visually and functionally the rifle is unmistakably Schützen: a long, heavy, tuned barrel for steadiness and inherent accuracy; a Monte-Carlo or high-comb stock with cheekpiece and extended forend to provide a consistent cheekweld for precise sighting; richly checkered and sometimes engraved furniture; and a deluxe set of target sights (globe front often with interchangeable inserts and a precision, micrometer-style rear sight or vernier tang sight) to enable exact windage and elevation control at long distances. The attention to fit and finish — hand-fitted action bedding, selective barrel lapping and crowning, polished feed/ejection surfaces, and a crisp, adjustable trigger — places the Zischang Sharps-Borchardt Schützen well above ordinary hunting sporters and into the realm of serious precision target rifles or collector’s pieces. On the firing line, these rifles typically reward patient, deliberate shooting: the heavy barrel and long sight radius reduce disturbance from the shooter's position and improve the aiming process, while the match-grade trigger and careful bedding often translate into sub-minute accuracy potential with appropriate ammunition (historically black-powder or early smokeless target loads, and in modern hands with carefully developed handloads). The Schützen configuration favors single-shot accuracy and a manual of arms that emphasizes precision over speed — slow reloads and a focus on stability are part of the platform’s ethos. From a practical standpoint, collectors and shooters should inspect provenance, bore condition, and the integrity of the action bedding (many of these rifles were hand-fitted, and any stock refinishing or repair can affect accuracy). Spare parts and service for Sharps-style or Borchardt-influenced mechanisms can be specialist work, so buyers should prefer examples with documented maintenance history or be prepared to consult a qualified historical rifle gunsmith. Overall, the A.O. Zischang Sharps-Borchardt Schützen rifle is best understood as a thoughtfully executed hybrid: a precision single-shot built for measured, long-range target work and historical interest, prized equally for its shooting potential and its handcrafted, collector-oriented presentation.
Model: Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878
Serial: 18875
Caliber: Unknown (Known to be .45 and .50-caliber Sharps)
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 28" Heavy Round Barrel
Optics/Sights: No Sights, Installed Lyman 5A USMC Sniper Rifle Scope
Stock/Grips: Fine Line Checkered Exhibition Grade Circassion Walnut Zischang Schuetsen Style Buttstock and Buttplate with Schnabel Style Forearm
Action: Single Shot, Hammerless, Falling-Block Rifle
Markings: The left side of the receiver is stamped “SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT CONN. / U.S.A. / 18875 / PAT. DEC. 1876.” The top of the barrel is stamped "A.O. ZISCHANG SYRACUSE, N.Y.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The A.O. Zischang Sharps-Borchardt Schützen rifle is a high-grade, European-style target rifle that marries robust American-pattern single-shot craftsmanship with the refined ergonomics and sighting philosophy of the German/Austrian Schützen tradition. Built or finished by A.O. Zischang (known for high-end import, custom finishing, and retailing of fine long-arms), these rifles take a stout single-shot action — influenced by the falling-block Sharps lineage and often incorporating Borchardt-era improvements in locking and bedding — and dress it in the heavy, long-barrel, and full-stock package that Schützen shooters prize. Visually and functionally the rifle is unmistakably Schützen: a long, heavy, tuned barrel for steadiness and inherent accuracy; a Monte-Carlo or high-comb stock with cheekpiece and extended forend to provide a consistent cheekweld for precise sighting; richly checkered and sometimes engraved furniture; and a deluxe set of target sights (globe front often with interchangeable inserts and a precision, micrometer-style rear sight or vernier tang sight) to enable exact windage and elevation control at long distances. The attention to fit and finish — hand-fitted action bedding, selective barrel lapping and crowning, polished feed/ejection surfaces, and a crisp, adjustable trigger — places the Zischang Sharps-Borchardt Schützen well above ordinary hunting sporters and into the realm of serious precision target rifles or collector’s pieces. On the firing line, these rifles typically reward patient, deliberate shooting: the heavy barrel and long sight radius reduce disturbance from the shooter's position and improve the aiming process, while the match-grade trigger and careful bedding often translate into sub-minute accuracy potential with appropriate ammunition (historically black-powder or early smokeless target loads, and in modern hands with carefully developed handloads). The Schützen configuration favors single-shot accuracy and a manual of arms that emphasizes precision over speed — slow reloads and a focus on stability are part of the platform’s ethos. From a practical standpoint, collectors and shooters should inspect provenance, bore condition, and the integrity of the action bedding (many of these rifles were hand-fitted, and any stock refinishing or repair can affect accuracy). Spare parts and service for Sharps-style or Borchardt-influenced mechanisms can be specialist work, so buyers should prefer examples with documented maintenance history or be prepared to consult a qualified historical rifle gunsmith. Overall, the A.O. Zischang Sharps-Borchardt Schützen rifle is best understood as a thoughtfully executed hybrid: a precision single-shot built for measured, long-range target work and historical interest, prized equally for its shooting potential and its handcrafted, collector-oriented presentation.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
