Author Topic: Axtell rifles vs. Shiloh and C. Sharps (Read 6488 times)

pinetree · « **on:** November 19, 2003, 10:25:26 AM »

*(I posted this on the other board and got some really helpful comments from ButlerFord45 and Gunny. Then I noticed that I probably should have posted this on this board since this is more about the rifles as opposed to reloading. Im learnin!)

I'm kinda new to this sport and am shooting a used Browning 1885 in 40-65. Always wanted a sharps but wanted to wait till I could get a real nice one. This is a once in a lifetime rifle. I was all set on a Shiloh in 45-70 until this fella showed up with an Axtell. It was beautiful. He just got it, so no info on how it shot. Anybody know about these rifles? I heard that thay are real expensive.

Butler got me some info on their web site and that made me drool even more. Got me some sticker shock too.

Sooo, anybody know if they shoot as well as they look? I really like good shooting guns cause I'm usually capable of missin the target all by myself and I don't need the gun to help with that. What about the recoil reducer they build in? How are their sights vs others? Are they going to be in business much longer? I see from a net search that they are up for sale or is that old news? Also should I look at anybody else besides them, Shiloh and C. Sharps? Any advice will be very appreciated!!!!

You guys have probably been over this question a million times and I apologize for bringing it up again but to me its all new.

rdnck · « **Reply #1 on:** November 19, 2003, 01:45:57 PM »

pinetree--Go with the Shiloh. I own five of them at present, and have two more on order. Inside, where it counts, the Shiloh is better fitted, and the attention to proper heat treating and metallurgy-quality control in general-is superior on the Shiloh.

I have a friend that owns two C. Sharps 1874 models. He is waiting for his next rifle, and it is a Shiloh. After looking inside of mine, he went Shiloh. I have removed the breechblock and lockplate on an Axtell, and it simply did not measure up to the price tag on close inspection.

Shiloh is a vibrant company, under the stewardship of a family with pride and integrity. It is managed by people in their early forties, and they put customer service first. They are alive and well, and have a very bright future. Shiloh is not for sale, the other two companies are. Shoot straight, rdnck.

MikeT · « **Reply #2 on:** November 21, 2003, 10:07:44 AM »

pinetree,
My advice is spend your money on the best, which is Shiloh. I shoot a #1 Sporter, and love it. Last Spring at the midrange gong shoot, one of the guys brought a new 77 Sharps by Axtell. After a few shots, the hammer would not stay at full cock. His day was over before he got any sight settings. I looked over that rifle quite closely because a friend of mine was thinking about getting one. The checkering was below the quality that the price would indicate, even if the gun had not broken down. I would expect better stock work from a rifle of that price range. They do look nice though.
Keep on hav'n fun!
MikeT

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 21, 2003, 10:42:52 AM »

My vote goes to the Shiloh. I have a Shiloh Montana Roughrider in 45-70 and it is the best made gun I own. The service Shiloh offers is above all, and the fit and finish is outstanding. My friend and hunting buddy has the Hartford model and loves his Shiloh also. You just can't beat the workmanship of a Shiloh Sharps.

Humboldt · « **Reply #4 on:** November 21, 2003, 01:54:35 PM »

Pinetree, I have been completely through the Shiloh plant and I was so impressed at what I saw there that I bought a Number 1 in 45-70 right off of the rack. I have since had it rechambered to 45-90 (by Shiloh) at it is very, very, accurate. At Shiloh, they make every part of their rifles in house, that is, they manufacture the actions, the barrels and do all stock fitting and finishing at their facility.None of the other makers do that. I will have an article in the Single Shot Rifle Journal in the Dec./Feb. issue on the Shiloh Rifle Manufacturing Co. Check it out!! Humbolt

pinetree · « **Reply #5 on:** November 22, 2003, 07:30:41 PM »

Well you guys make it really hard with your opinions ranging all over the place. Let's see, I guess I'll split the diffrerence and just go with Shiloh.

I appreciate all your advice. I know that generally shooters all have pretty strong opinions but usually such agreement is rare. In the meanwhile I did contact Axtell and spoke with Carmen. She is a very nice lady and I do believe that she really does care and tries to get out a good product but it also appears that she is the company and unlike Shiloh there is not much backup.

Now all I have to do is get Shiloh a deposit and spec the rifle. I think I will go with a 45-70. They said the current wait is about a year. I want this rifle to do just about everything so I'll have to give some thought to the barrel length. My first thought is to get it in 32" heavy octogonal. I hope that their barrels are as good as Badger.

Redneck and Mike, I really appreciate your inside comments on the actual gun quality and parts comparisons. Redhawk your comment on service is important. Humboldt, I will read your article, the factory perspective really helps. Thanks again to each of you.

Pinetree

rdnck · « **Reply #6 on:** November 23, 2003, 02:38:16 AM »

pinetree--Don't worry about the quality of the Shiloh barrels. I shoot against guys with Badger barrels all the time and don't feel like I am handicapped in the least. Mine are accurate, easy to clean up, and never produce any leading. Ever. I have three 45-70s and a 40-65 that get shot a great deal on a regular basis, and they are dependable performers. You'll like yours. Shoot straight, rdnck.

Clarence · « **Reply #7 on:** November 23, 2003, 03:57:41 AM »

Pinetree,

I agree with Redneck. Having had 6 Shilohs over the last 15 years and also having several rifles with Badger barrels, my experience is also that the Shilohs shoot as well as I can. I have no qualms about entering a tough match with a Shiloh.

I know of at least one Shiloh #1 .45-90 with 32" heavy octagon barrel that doesn't make silhouette weight, so I'd go with a 30" barrel if silhouette is in your future. Otherwise, I like the 32" barrels.

Clarence