Make: Monarch Tool Co. Argus Barker
Model: Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878 Reproduction
Serial#: A19
Year of Manufacture: 1989 / Modern
Caliber: .45-110, .45 2 7/8"
Action Type: Hammerless Striker-Fired Falling Block Action
Markings: The underside of the receiver is marked, "A19". The underside of the barrel is marked, "Monarch Tool Co. Stevensville Mt.", "1-18 .459 4-89 / R10-2000 AB". The tang sight is marked "A20" at the base.
Barrel Length: 30" Taper Octagonal
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a german silver blade, set between a base, dovetailed to the barrel. There is a vernier style tang sight installed.
Stock Configuration & Condition/Grip: The stocks are two piece smooth walnut with straight grip, straight comb, checkered steel buttplate, and schnabel tip forend. There are faint handling marks. There are no cracks. The LOP is 14 1/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the condition of the stocks rates at about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color, Fire Blue Screws.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its original finish. The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout. The fire blued screws are somewhat muted. The bluing on the barrel is strong and complete throughout with a slight plum color turning at the receiver. There is a very small surface level chip at the top of the wrist. The case colors are vibrant with subtle muting at some of the edges. The screw heads show signs of light tooling, but still retain strong slots and the pins are undamaged. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The original Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878 was Hugo Borchardt's hammerless, striker-fired refinement of the Sharps single-shot rifle and became highly regarded for the strength and accuracy of its falling-block action. A century later, Argus Barker of Monarch Tool Co. in Stevensville, Montana produced exceptionally well-made American reproductions of the Borchardt, with surviving examples showing an emphasis on traditional target and long-range configurations. A9 was the first standard-production Barker rifle following eight prototypes, placing this A19 very early in the known production sequence.
One of fewer than 100 Sharps-Borchardt rifles produced by Argus Barker’s Monarch Tool Co., and an exceptionally early example from the A-series production run, this rifle is an especially appealing early Monarch Tool rifle, combining the Borchardt action with a 30" tapered octagon barrel, Vernier tang sight, handsome walnut stocks, and the formidable .45-110 chambering. The barrel's "4-89" marking is consistent with its 1989 manufacture date, while its 1-18 twist marking is appropriate to the heavy .45-caliber projectiles associated with long-range black-powder cartridge shooting. With approximately 98% original finish, vivid case colors, a brilliant 10/10 bore, and excellent furniture, this example has survived in unusually high condition. Its low A19 serial number, scarce Barker manufacture, and classic big-bore target configuration make this a particularly noteworthy modern interpretation of one of America's great single-shot actions.
