NGD: Original 1863 Sharps Carbine

[tjiann]

Just got this today. Cast both original Christmas Tree style and Richmond 54cal bullets this morning, then test fired this afternoon with 40-50 grains 3FG Schutzen. Really nice bore with strong rifling and only minor pitting. Shot well. Trigger is too heavy, needs some adjustment, but the breech block is nice and tight with no noticeable gas leakage. Serial numbers, markings, and cartouches all visible and as they should be. Very impressed with this old gun! Psyched to have it in my collection. Now to make a bunch of paper cartridges for it.

 

[joppaj]

It's a gorgeous rifle Sir. I don't know a thing about black powder but I hope it serves you well.

 

[Triggerfinger]

So which shot better, the Eras gone by Richmond bullets or the ring tails. Nice rifle, I have 4 of the 1863's but all modern Shilohs. Would love one like you have!

 

[tjiann]

So which shot better, the Eras gone by Richmond bullets or the ring tails. Nice rifle, I have 4 of the 1863's but all modern Shilohs. Would love one like you have!

4 Shilohs? Wow. Nice.

From this first shoot, I give the Richmonds a nod. But I need to get cartridges made up and do a better comparison when I have more time. I did measurements while out there to size the paper properly for both bullet styles.

 

[Triggerfinger]

Good to hear the Richmonds did well, I have the mold just haven't cast them yet. Also had Tom from Accurate molds make me a mold with two different types of 54 cal long shank cavities. Another mold I haven't cast with as well. If down the road you need a Lyman 577489 I may have a couple stashed somewhere.
One of the 1863's is a Shiloh Sporter that holds 120 grains of BP. It's a brutal beast with a full charge. The rest are humane loads of the normal musket and carbine loads.

 

[Horseman308]

That's one of the coolest things I've seen in a while. Congrats!