Custom Sharps Borchardt Model 1878 Long Range Rifle 45-100 Antique John King

Serial #6103, .45-100 Sharps (.45 Caliber with 2 6/10” case length), 34 inch extra heavy bull barrel with a bright, excellent bore marked on the top with “Old Reliable” trademark and “Sharps Rifle CO. BRIDGEPORT CONN.” “Cal.45” with “2 6/10” on the side.  This is a Custom built long range rifle featuring a beautifully restored original Sharps Borchardt Model 1878 dropping block action receiver, modern custom barrel and stock weighing in at 13.12 pounds.  Though unmarked it certainly appears to be the work of master Gunsmith John P. King of Kila Montana.  It features a spirit level windgauge front and long range Vernier tang mounted peepsight, and deluxe checkered Walnut forearm and stock along with a case hardened steel shotgun style butt plate.  In excellent plus condition the barrel retains virtually all, 98-99% of the original high polish blue finish with some very light handling marks and several light scratches near the breech.  The frame, lever, action and safety show vibrant case-colors with some of the original Sharps markings still visible and the trigger and screw heads show what look like a modern approximation of nitre blue and the top tang screw head has some distortion.  The forearm shows some very light handling marks with a slight surface crack on the side of the black tip with the stock near excellent with very slight use and handling marks both with crisp checkering.  The action functions properly with a tight lock up and very responsive lever.  A beautiful custom Borchardt rifle in the original Sharps caliber that looks as great as it shoots!  Antique