Make: Axtell Rifle Company Sheridan Montana

Model: 1877 Sharps.

Serial Number: 227L

Year of Manufacture: Circa Early 1990s

Caliber: 45 2 1/10, 45-70 GOVT.

Action Type: Single Shot, Lever Operated, Falling Block Action, with double set triggers.

Markings: The barrel is marked "AXTELL RIFLE CO SHERIDAN MONT. CALIBRE 45 2 1/10". The top tang is marked with the serial "227L". The right side of the block "A251".

Barrel Length: 30.5" heavy octagon barrel. This rifle weighs approximately 13lbs 7oz.

Sights / Optics: The rifle is mounted with an un branded Unertl style externally adjustable scope with a dual stadia reticle. While the magnification is not marked it appears to be around 6x. The sight picture is clear and the light transmission is good. The scope mounts to two dovetailed blocks on the barrel. The tang is drilled, tapped and plugged for a tang sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture set is a high grade two piece smooth walnut set. The forend is a Schnabel tipped forend and the stock is a straight hand grip, fluted straight comb with a metal checkered butt plate. The stock wood has a beautiful grain that is stunning to see in person. The wood shows scattered lines and minor compressions. The forend shows a cluster of compressions just behind the tip. There are no chips or cracks. The right side of the stock has a small patch of discoloration in the finish. The butt plate shows very minor marks from use. Overall the furniture is in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Colored.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. This rifle shows some very minor lead fouling on the edges of some of the grooves. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.75/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains 99% of its metal finish. The barrel shows a few very minor marks. The action shows no notable marks or wear. The upper tang has a few hairline scratches. The lower tang just behind the front trigger has a tiny spot of surface rust. The brass eyepiece on the scope shows some minor oxidation. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp overall this rifle is in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action and set triggers function correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle includes two threaded caps for the scope.

Our Assessment: This Axtell Rifle Company Model 1877 Sharps is a precision-focused single-shot rifle built with competition and long-range accuracy in mind. Chambered in .45-70 Government, this example is fitted with a 30.5" heavy octagon barrel and weighs 13lbs 7oz, a configuration that promotes excellent stability and recoil control for deliberate, accurate shooting. The rifle is equipped with double set triggers, allowing the shooter to choose between a standard pull or a very light trigger pull ideal for target work.

The rifle is fitted with an unbranded Unertl-style externally adjustable scope, a period-correct optic design that pairs perfectly with the Sharps platform and reinforces its long-range shooting capabilities. The furniture consists of smooth, high-grade walnut with a Schnabel forend and straight-hand stock, maintaining a clean, traditional silhouette while emphasizing function over embellishment. This Axtell 1877 Sharps is a serious rifle for the shooter or collector who appreciates heavyweight precision, classic design, and the enduring appeal of the Sharps single-shot legacy.