Make: Axtell Rifle Company, Sheridan Montana
Model: 1877 Sharps
Serial Number: 062
Year of Manufacture: Ca. Early 1990s
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Single Shot, Lever Operated, Falling Block Action, with single trigger.
Markings: The barrel is marked "-MODEL 1877- AXTELL RIFLE CO. SHERIDAN MONT. CALIBRE 45 2 1/10". The top tang is marked with the serial 062". There are gold inlay "L" and Texas state outlines on the sides of the receiver. There are gold inlay double-bands around the muzzle and chamber.
Barrel Length: 34", Round
Weight: 10 lb., 4.6 oz.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fire-blue windage adjustable globe sight with spirit level. The rear sight is a MVA Long Range Vernier tang sight. The rear sight has evenly scattered minor oxidation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered walnut with ebony tipped forend, semi pistol grip with "S"-profile bottom and triangle ebony inlay, straight comb, and checkered resin plastic Axtell buttplate. There are a few minor scratches and compression dents. There is light handling wear. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the stocks are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Hardened, Gold Trim
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There are a few spots of minor erosion and a little minor fouling in the bore. There is minor fouling. In this writer's opinion this bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its original finish. There is light handling and operational wear. There is infrequent minor oxidation, most notably on the rear sight. The case hardening is vivid though there is infrequent minor freckling. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Fine condition mostly due to the oxidation on the sight. If not for that this rifle would rate solidly in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions 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: None.
Our Assessment: The Axtell Model 1877 Sharps is a refined modern recreation of one of the most graceful and advanced single shot rifle designs of the late 19th century. The original 1877 Sharps represented an evolution of the earlier 1874 pattern, offering improved lines, balance, and handling that appealed to both target shooters and sporting riflemen of the frontier era. Axtell Rifle Company of Sheridan, Montana built a strong reputation in the late 20th century for producing high-quality Sharps reproductions, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern precision. Their rifles are widely regarded for capturing the look and feel of the originals while delivering consistent performance for today's black powder cartridge shooters.
Chambered in .45-70 Government, this rifle is tied to one of the most historically significant and enduring cartridges in American firearms history. Introduced in 1873, the .45-70 quickly became a mainstay for military service, hunting, and long-range shooting, valued for its dependable ballistics and versatility. Its continued popularity in modern Sharps-style rifles reflects its balanced performance and strong connection to the buffalo hunting era, where it proved effective across a wide range of applications.
This example is a striking long-range configuration, featuring a 34" round barrel paired with a windage-adjustable globe front sight and an MVA long-range Vernier tang sight. The rifle retains approximately 97% of its original finish, with vivid case colors and only light handling wear, while the walnut stock remains in very good to excellent condition with minor surface marks and no structural issues. The rifle was ordered with light scroll engraving and gold inlay accents including "L" initial, Texas state outline, and double bands at the muzzle and chamber, adding a distinctive custom character that sets this rifle apart visually. The bore remains strong with sharp rifling, and the action functions correctly with a crisp trigger pull. Minor oxidation on the rear sight is the only notable fault in an otherwise gorgeous rifle. Please see our photos and good luck with your bids!
