Going the Distance with the Sharps Rifle
As legions of mechanics struggled with repeating actions, Christian Sharps built a stronger breechloading single-shot. The New Jersey native had apprenticed under John Hall at Harpers Ferry Arsenal. In 1848, he received his first patent, for a sliding breech block. The tight breeching held promise for hunters, because it could handle cartridges that would hit hard at long range.
Did Billy Dixon really make that 1,538 yard shot with his .50 cal. Sharps on June 28, 1874? Flip a coin and choose a side...
The "1874 Long Range Express", and other models, are still available from Shiloh Sharps.
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