Sharps Question

[lakota]

I found a used Sharps replica today. The markings on the barrel were Verdone(?) Italy and .54 Caliber Black Powder Only. It had a nipple that looked as though it would take a musket cap. The clerk knew nothing about the rifle.

I am not familiar with BPCR's but I would like to get into it. I love shooting muzzle loaders.

My questions are is this a rifle that loads in the same fashion as a muzzleloader or is it a breech loader? If it is a breech loader would I have to roll paper cartridges?Is there even such a thing as a paper cartridge? Is this an accurate representation of a Sharps rifle? I've never heard of the manufacturer, are they reputable?

Thanks.

[horseman308]

It sounds like you found either an 1859 or 1863 model Sharps. I believe both were paper cartridge breech-loading. I know both used musket priming-caps to fire as well. Here is a link to a really good article on loading and shooting paper cartridges and that model Sharps.

http://www.jesseshunting.com/articles/guns/category16/35.html

As far as maker, could the name have been Gardone? Pedersoli is located there (I think) and has a great reputation for their Sharps.

[lakota]

Thanks for the link. It was an 1863 Sharps. It may have been Gardone on the barrel, but there was no MFG stamp that I could see.

Is $500.00 a fair price for a used one. The bore was in great condition. and the rifle only looks to have been fired a couple times.

[Will Bison]

I have a Pedersoli 1863 Sharps in .45 caliber. With the standard Army 500 grain bullet it will print less than 6 inches at 300 yards. They are loaded from the back side with bullet then powder. I don't use paper carts, too much trouble, just pour in loose powder. Stick on a musket cap and fire.

My rifle shoots so well that I installed a vernier tang sight and front globe.

Some tricks: I use alcohol/peroxide on a chamber brush after each shot. I use a short seating rod so the bullet is seated to the same depth each shot. Powder is poured in loose and the breach block cuts off the excess.

Bullet gets a 1/4 inch bees wax cookie followed by a milk carton wad. This reduced the powder charge a bit and the gun likes it so I do it. Don't know if it's the extra lube or the reduction in powder, but it shrank my groups.

The old Sharps is a fun gun to experiment with.

Bill