Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Auction Company is pleased to present this truly iconic single-shot falling block rifle today for a penny start action, this is the Sharps Model 1874 "Old Reliable"!
The rifle that shooters today most recognize as the “Sharps” thanks to recent movies like Quigley Down Under, is the Model 1874, which actually saw its earliest production in 1871. The “Model 1874” markings were not used on the rifle until after several years production. Sharps’ famous “Old Reliable” trademark began to show up on the barrels in 1876, after the company, then known as just Sharps Rifle Company, had moved to Bridgeport, Conn.
The rifle that shooters today most recognize as the “Sharps” thanks to recent movies like Quigley Down Under, is the Model 1874, which actually saw its earliest production in 1871. The “Model 1874” markings were not used on the rifle until after several years production. Sharps’ famous “Old Reliable” trademark began to show up on the barrels in 1876, after the company, then known as just Sharps Rifle Company, had moved to Bridgeport, Conn.
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SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: C. Sharps Arms
Model: 1874 "Old Reliable"
Serial: No Serial
Caliber: .45 Cal
Finish: Color Case Hardened Receiver with Blue Barrel (that over time has turned to patina)
Barrel Length: 30" Octagon
Optics/Sights: Dovetail Blade Front with Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Straight Grip Walnut Stock and Forearm
Action: Falling Block
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Arguably the most famous single shot rifle of the American West, the 1874 Sharps falling block rifle story began in 1848 when Christian Sharps patented his first breech-loading rifle and carbine design using paper cartridges ignited by a separate musket cap. Throughout the 1850’s and 1860’s the Sharps breech-loading rifle became popular with military and civilian users alike. As metallic cartridges were developed and became available the venerable breech-loading Sharps was a perfect candidate for conversion to the metallic cartridges of the time. Many of the Civil War Era Sharps rifles and carbines were converted to early metallic cartridges.
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.
Model: 1874 "Old Reliable"
Serial: No Serial
Caliber: .45 Cal
Finish: Color Case Hardened Receiver with Blue Barrel (that over time has turned to patina)
Barrel Length: 30" Octagon
Optics/Sights: Dovetail Blade Front with Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Straight Grip Walnut Stock and Forearm
Action: Falling Block
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Arguably the most famous single shot rifle of the American West, the 1874 Sharps falling block rifle story began in 1848 when Christian Sharps patented his first breech-loading rifle and carbine design using paper cartridges ignited by a separate musket cap. Throughout the 1850’s and 1860’s the Sharps breech-loading rifle became popular with military and civilian users alike. As metallic cartridges were developed and became available the venerable breech-loading Sharps was a perfect candidate for conversion to the metallic cartridges of the time. Many of the Civil War Era Sharps rifles and carbines were converted to early metallic cartridges.
The 1874 Model was introduced by the Sharps Rifle Co. as the first purpose-built rifle to house the new breed of powerful metallic cartridges. It quickly showed itself as being a rugged and reliable rifle perfectly suited to the rigors of the frontier. This reputation led to the 1874’s nickname and C. Sharps Rifle Co. Inc. trademark of “Old Reliable”.
Return Policy:The silver screen has often breathed new life into older firearms designs, especially with landmark Westerns, and the Sharps is no exception. Matthew Quigley (Tom Selleck) in Quigley Down Under (1990) did for the Sharps Model 1874 what John Wayne Westerns did for the Colt SAA in the 1950s and 1960s, and what Harry Callahan (Clint Eastwood) did in the 1970s for the Smith & Wesson Model 29 in Dirty Harry. The rifle was practically a character in the movie, and Quigley wasn’t at his full power without it — and it always seemed to come back to him, and he never seemed to run out of its custom ammunition either. There’s even a speech to go with the rifle. “It’s a lever-action, breech loader,” Quigley says when describing his rifle after newly arriving in Australia. “Usual barrel length’s 30 inches. This one has an extra four. It’s converted to use a special .45-caliber, 110-grain metal cartridge with a 540-grain paper patch bullet. It’s fitted with double-set triggers and a Vernier sight. It’s marked up to twelve-hundred yards. This one shoots a might farther.” The film’s iconic scene where Quigley shoots a bucket offhand, repeatedly, that was carried out to an extreme distance by a rider stirred the souls of seasoned and new long-range shooters alike. It helped propel the Sharps Model 1874, then a 119-year-old design, to the forefront of people’s minds and led new generations of shooters to realize you don’t need a super-expensive rifle and scope to shoot at really long distances. You just need a good gun and lots of practice.
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 $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping $65.00
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.
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
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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.
