Shooters today have a wide variety of long-range rifles at their fingertips. There is something for everyone, from super high-end custom builds to off-the-shelf rifles. Most modern rifles effortlessly hit targets at 1000 yards. While many see this as an evolution in technology, there is a gun that predates these modern marvels. The Sharps rifle was designed in 1848. In the right hands, it was capable of hitting targets up to 1000 yards. It’s time to look at this old-school long-range rifle.

Developed over 176 Years Ago, The Sharps Rifle Was Accurate Out to 1000 Yards

Christian Sharps, an American firearms designer, patented his innovative breech-loading rifle design in 1848. The Sharps were different from traditional muzzle-loading rifles of the time, which required gunpowder and a projectile to be loaded from the barrel’s end. The Sharps rifle utilized a falling block mechanism that allowed for much faster reloading. This was a significant technological leap that improved both firing speed and accuracy.

The first commercially successful model, the Model 1849, was produced by A. S. Nippes in Mill Creek, Pennsylvania. 1851, the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company was established in Hartford, Connecticut, and began producing the Model 1851. This model became popular among civilian shooters in the military.

Old West Influencer

The Sharps rifle was well-regarded for its long-range accuracy, making it a favorite among frontiersmen, buffalo hunters, and military marksmen. Its reliability and power allowed it to bring down large game with a single shot, contributing to its widespread use in buffalo hunting during the 1860s and 1870s.

Because of its overwhelming popularity with buffalo hunters, Sharps built additional models, including the Sharps 1874 Buffalo Rifle. These rifles were chambered in large, powerful calibers like .50-90 and .45-70. They were capable of taking down even the largest bison at great distances. Notable sharpshooters such as Buffalo Bill Cody and Bat Masterson were known to have used Sharps rifles during their hunting expeditions.

Civil War Use

During the American Civil War, the Sharps rifle was adopted by both the Union Army and Confederate forces. Of the two, it was more widely used by Union troops. The Sharps Model 1859, 1863, and 1865 were among the most common military variants. These rifles were issued primarily to specialized units such as the Berdan’s Sharpshooters, an elite Union regiment known for its marksmanship and effectiveness in skirmishes and long-range engagements.

The Sharps carbine became a favored weapon among cavalry units due to its ease of use and rapid reloading capability. The ability to fire multiple rounds quickly gave Union cavalry troops a significant advantage over Confederate forces still relying on muzzle-loading rifles.

All Good Things Come To An End

After the Civil War, Sharps continued to develop new models. The Sharps Model 1869 and Model 1874 were particularly popular among buffalo hunters, marksmen, and target shooters. These models were produced in various calibers and configurations to suit different needs.

However, by the late 19th century, advancements in repeating rifles, such as the Winchester lever-action rifles, began to overshadow single-shot rifles like the Sharps. The Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company eventually ceased operations in 1881, marking the end of an era for these historic firearms.

The Sharps Rifle Today

Despite its decline in production, the Sharps rifle’s legacy endures today. Many original Sharps are highly sought after by collectors. Companies such as Shiloh Rifle Manufacturing and C. Sharps Arms have continued to produce high-quality replicas of classic Sharps rifles, allowing modern shooters to experience the legendary firearm firsthand.

The rifle has also been immortalized in popular culture, particularly in Western films. One of the most famous examples is the 1990 film “Quigley Down Under,” in which Tom Selleck wields a Sharps 1874 rifle with jaw-dropping precision. This has helped cement the rifle’s reputation as one of the greatest firearms in American history.

Ballistic Icon

The Sharps rifle is a testament to the ingenuity of 19th-century firearms design. Its precision, reliability, and historical significance make it one of the most revered rifles of its time. From the Civil War battlefields to the American West plains, the Sharps rifle left an indelible mark on history.