Sharps manufactured approximately 6,400 Model 1874 Sporting rifles between 1871 and 1880. This specific rifle was one converted by Sharps using an altered left over Civil War action. They were popular with market hunters in the West and were well known for their ability to takedown bison at long ranges. They were also popular with long range target shooters and were used in both capacities well after the Sharps Rifle Company closed in 1881 due to increased competition from Winchester's famous lever action and single shot rifles. Many Sharps rifles were manufactured in some of the most powerful black powder cartridges ever made. The use of double set triggers and a set of cross sticks made them incredibly accurate. The top barrel flat is marked "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT, CONN." ahead of the rear sight and script "Old Reliable" in a rectangle with flattened corners ahead of that. The left rear flat near the breech is marked "CAL. 40 2 1/2". The matching serial number is marked on the underside of the barrel under the forearm (bolder and minus the "C") and on the upper tang. The left side of the receiver is marked "SHARPS PAT. SEPT 12TH 1848", and the lock is marked "C. SHARPS' PAT/OCT. 5TH 1852". Dovetailed German silver blade front sight and folding ladder rear sight graduated to "8". It has a blue barrel, casehardened remaining parts, double set triggers, and is mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip repurposed stock with a saddle ring bar plate on the left wrist and a carbine style buttplate. There is a boxed "P" on the underside of the forearm at the receiver.