:shock: Wow Marty, didja steal it? A real Sharps, should be worth some money. The Sharps were legendary ol guns, yep they DECIMATED the buffalo herds in the late 1800s. Initially they were 58cal blackpowder guns and then later converted to smokeless 50cal guns (via liners in the barrel) and later yet 45 calibers like the 45/70Govt. (I'm assuming that's what yours is?) Many blackpowder Sharps were used in the Civil War and the centerfires were the standard issue for the U.S. Calvary during the late 1800s as well.
I'd have it thoroughly cleaned and inspected before I fired it and even then I would be careful with the ammo chosen. Todays ammo is alot hotter than what was available way back then. If you know anyone that handloads you might give them the components and have them load you some reduced stuff to fire on occasion. No sense taking a risk destroying a nice old gun like that and sure don't want to see you at the rallies with an eye patch!
Remember that movie Tom Sellick did a few years ago, "Quigley down under"? That was an ol Sharps he carried.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRKUMUPcR7k
lol and despite the "Hollywoodisms" they aren't "lever action breach loaders". They are really known as FALLING BLOCK rifles, some to follow the Sharps were the Browning Hi Wall, the Creedmore with the most modern being the Ruger #1. It's that block that was easily converted from a percussion capped muzzleloader to a centerfire metallic cartridge like the .45/70. :wink
There's a WORLD of stuff available for that gun as they are still quite popular. Honestly, since it's a real Sharps I would track down correct/original equipment to put on it. Would increase the value and authenticity.
COOOOOOOOL deal bro, :beer:
RA
