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”.

The C. Sharps Arms Co. Inc. continues the legacy of the original C. Sharps & Co. and Sharps Rifle Co. by building heirloom quality reproductions of the Sharps 1874 rifles. All 1874 actions are built from 8620 steel billets with parts being made in-house or sourced from manufacturers in the United States. All C. Sharps Arms Co. Inc. rifles are 100% American made