Sharps-Borchardt M1878 Rifle

Published on February 17, 2015
Duration: 7:55

This review details the operation and historical context of the Sharps-Borchardt M1878 Rifle. Expert Ian McCollum explains its lever-actuated falling block action, single-shot .45-70 Government caliber, and military configuration. The rifle's advanced striker-fired mechanism and short lock time are highlighted, alongside its market reception and eventual discontinuation.

Quick Summary

The Sharps-Borchardt M1878 Rifle is a lever-actuated falling block firearm, typically chambered in .45-70 Government. It featured an advanced hammerless, striker-fired mechanism with coil springs, resulting in a short lock time. Despite its technical sophistication, it faced market challenges against repeating rifles and was produced in limited numbers.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Borchardt's Legacy
  2. 01:01Hugo Borchardt's Background
  3. 01:55The Sharps-Borchardt M1878 Context
  4. 02:40Action and Operation
  5. 03:16Market Reception and Demise
  6. 04:06Technical Advantages: Striker and Lock Time
  7. 05:46Safety Mechanism and Sights
  8. 07:18Conclusion and Auction Info

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of action does the Sharps-Borchardt M1878 Rifle use?

The Sharps-Borchardt M1878 Rifle features a lever-actuated falling block action. This mechanism involves pulling a lever downwards to drop a solid block, exposing the chamber for loading, and then raising it to lock the breech securely.

What caliber was the Sharps-Borchardt M1878 Rifle typically chambered in?

The standard caliber for the Sharps-Borchardt M1878 Rifle, particularly in its military configuration, was the .45-70 Government. This powerful cartridge was common for large-bore rifles during the late 19th century.

What made the firing mechanism of the Sharps-Borchardt M1878 unique for its time?

The Sharps-Borchardt M1878 employed a hammerless, striker-fired design utilizing coil springs. This was technically advanced and resulted in a very short lock time, which is beneficial for shooter accuracy.

Why did the Sharps-Borchardt M1878 Rifle ultimately fail in the market?

Despite its technical merits, the rifle's hammerless, striker-fired design was perceived as 'alien' by the market, and it struggled to compete with the popularity of Winchester's repeating rifles, leading to its discontinuation.

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