Built around a reduced Model 1874 action, the 1877 was designed with lightened parts, in order to maximize the weight of the barrel while conforming with Creedmoor's 10 pound weight limit. Only 75 of these rifles were manufactured, serial numbered D1 to D75, 29 in this configuration and all were sold to J.P. Lower, Denver, Colorado. Sharps 1880 catalog referred to these rifles as "Special Model 1874" rifles. The top barrel flat is marked "Old Reliable" in a box and "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT, CON" ahead of the rear sight and "CAL 40 2 1/2" on the left flat at the breech. The bottom flat is marked with the numbers "1" and "16". The serial number "D 16" is marked on the upper tang. The barrel is equipped with a small blade front sight on a dovetailed base and folding rear sporting sight absent of graduation markings and marked with the three line Lawrence patent marking on the base. One of the upper tang screws is absent.