3,881 octagon barrel Model 1874 sporting rifles were manufactured at the Sharps Bridgeport factory and within that group there is a tremendous amount of variation. This rifle was manufactured around 1877 based on other documented rifles in the 161000 range and features a heavy barrel (popular with the professional buffalo hunters) marked with the "Old Reliable" marking followed by the Bridgeport address ahead of the rear sight and "CALIBRE 45" above "2 7/8" at the breech, a replacement brass blade front sight in the original steel base, Lawrence patent folding ladder rear sight, adjustable double set triggers, standard patent marking on the left, smooth stock and forearm, and a checkered shotgun style steel buttplate.

Very good with 30% original blue finish concentrated in the protected areas at the breech end of the barrel, smooth brown patina on the balance of the barrel, mottled silver gray and dark brown patina on the other metal components, some faint pitting, and general mild wear. The butt of the gun was struck hard given the toe of both the stock and buttplate are gone, but the wood is otherwise mostly fine and has mild scrapes and dings, minor chip on the comb, some hairline cracks, and general scrapes and dings. Mechanically excellent. This Sharps "Buffalo rifle" definitely has some real "been there" character.