1874 C. Sharps Build: Questions

[Tony Simmers]

Hey Everyone!
I just finished paying off my action for my dream build: The 1874 Sharps. I bough the action directly from C. Sharps and my barrel is a Green Mountain 45-70 Octagon Blank. I am going with american black walnut for the stock, pewter forend cap, and will be doing some interesting silver inlay work as well as some inlaid gemstones on the stock, (Yeah, I know, weird...but this is a one of a kind piece for MY enjoyment, not anyone else's! lol)and MVA tang/globe sights. (I am debating on a British style Express sight as well for when I am not using the tang sight, but I dunno...I may just stick with a single semi-buckhorn) If any of you have built one of these I would love to hear any pointers you may have, things to watch out for, tricks, or any fun anecdotes! I will not be bluing this rifle, I want it all to be "in the white", no color case hardening, or anything of that nature. I will be doing some engraving on the barrel and action eventually, but after a few more years of practice on scraps before I put a graver anywhere near this baby!! I will be doing the chamber myself and the shaping of the stock and the silver inlay work, along with the barrel shank and threads, all under the close supervision of my gunsmith friend/mentor, as well as the dovetailing for the sights. He will be doing the fitting/inletting of the action, as I would not want my lack of experience to screw up a ridiculously expensive piece of wood!! ( I searched forever for the right grain profile/color, and finally found it! It is very unique...) I look forwards to hearing from you guys! Thanks in advance!
Tony

 

[CharlieNC]

I don't have any constructive input, but just wanted to say that will be a cool rifle. Post some pics when its finished.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Please post some progress pics

 

[alinwa]

OK, so I don't have anything constructive either, but since you're just visiting about Sharps' and I do have 3 '74's and a '63

I'll visit.

First of all, IMO a BIG ol' ladder-style tang sight is just too kewl for skewl. What you put on the barrel is less "important"

...and since it's your own may I recommend a patchbox! I've actually got one setting here to be installed into one of my '74's and I've just been too lazy so far. TECHnically it's period incorrect (but jewels might be too....)

The pewter forends are fun and not all that hard to do. Kinda' like 'points' on a pool cue, once you know how it's done it's doable.

Fitting the buttstock is NOT fun. I've never done one from scratch but I've repaired one and I have inletted sidelocks before. I hope you're a singularly patient fellow. I use this guy's stuff for inletting http://www.kokopelliproducts.com/inlet.html ...... And for mounting scopes (not relevant, I just like some of John's products) ooops, I see your friend is doing the inletting. Well, I don't envy him!

Inletting joools? I'm interested to see how this turns out. I'm thinking you're gonna' need a macrame owl hanging from it to offset the decoupage LOL

please do give a running commentary. I promise you I will follow it!

 

[Aero]

I can't give you any tips, tricks, or anecdotes even though I just finished rebarrelling a Shiloh Sharps to 44-90 with a Green Mt. barrel.

I only wanted to say that once you have it finished, I hope you don't commit blasphemy by shooting it with something other than the Black Powder and cast bullets that God intended it to be loaded with