The Sharps Model 1874 was considered one of the best firearms of the late 19th century American West and was famously used by professional buffalo hunters, pioneers, and guides. An estimated 3,881 Sharps Model 1874 Sporting rifles were made with an octagon barrel at the Bridgeport plant, as on this attractive example. It features a bead front sight made of horn, 800 yard elevator rear sight, adjustable tang mounted peep sight, double triggers, checkered Schnabel forearm, and checkered pistol grip shotgun buttstock with checkered steel buttplate. The top of the barrel is marked "Old Reliable" ahead of the Bridgeport address (hidden under the rear sight) and "CALIBRE 40", with "2 1/4" marked on the right of the breech. The matching serial number "156851" is marked on the upper receiver tang (the 6 is correctly offset for the peep sight mounting stud) and underside of the barrel.