This was the final stage in the development of a lighter action for Creedmoor rifles. Like the prototype immediately before it, the breechblock was reduced considerably in size. At only one inch wide, it was about half the width of the Model 1874. It was also lightened slightly by drilling holes in the lower legs of the breechblock away from the pressure of firing. The lock plate and hammer were made about 30% smaller and lighter. The action was much the same contours as the Model 1875 and the later Model 1878. It was not built on a modified Model 1874 frame as the breechblock opening is too narrow on this. At one time it was speculated that this was a modified Model 1878 but the contours on that do not match either. The upper and lower tangs are both separate. Note that the rear trigger guard attachment screw has an oversize head, the same as the upper buttplate screw. This rifle has been attributed to A.O. Zischang for many years. The style of the buttstock, trigger guard and tang sight are very Germanic and much like some work that Zischang did. While he worked at the Sharps factory during the period when this rifle was being developed and the stock was made by him, it is not known whether he did the work at the factory or later. The designer of the action has not been identified. There are no marks of any kind on it. It is the only one known. The muzzle has been turned for a bullet starter. The trigger guard is separate from the lever, which has been contoured to match the Germanic appearance of the rest of the butt.

Fine to excellent with 97% blue on the barrel and 75-80% fading casehardening colors on the action. There is some loss to the plating on the brass buttplate. The wood is very good with minor dents and scratches on the butt and a repaired crack on the forearm. Mechanically excellent. The bore is bright, PICTURED Sharps, p244