Sharps 1846 Falling Block Percussion.
 

Going thru my Firearms getting ready for a Hunter Safety Class as I teach I found another of my Dad's treasures.

It is a Sharps 1864 Rolling Block(Drop Block) and is a percussion.

How do I reload or develop a charge for this rifle?

It is a 54 cal. - Siles New York NY IAB Macheno Italy 1846 Patent Date Stamped on it is Sept 12, 1846 and is a reproduction - not the real McCoy.

The Drop Block is interesting as it looks like it has a wad cutter on it as it comes back up over the action.
There is a little side lever off the receiver I have no idea what it does. The button does have a spring loaded button to be able to move it down.

I will add pictures. Just waiting for them to upload.

Right Side.


Lever is up


side lever down position


Action Dropped or opened


Looking at the barrel Action is Open


Dave....JW

Heres a pretty good instructional page for the Pedersoli repro model but it's the same concept. https://www.cimarron-firearms.com/Ma.../PedManual.pdf

Also has the manuals for breakdown and such as well.

beautiful rifle. I just passed on of my fathers rifles down the family tree. I know how special those rifles are. I sure hope you can work up an load and learn to shoot that thing. Thanks for posting the pictures.

JW...

I believe that's called a "falling block" and is pretty much what the rifles developed by Christian Sharps were. They were used by famous outfits such as "Berdan's Sharphooters" during the Civil War. They did not use a metallic cartridge, they instead utilized a paper cartridge which contained the charge and the projectile. When the action was opened, a paper cartridge was inserted into the breech and the action was then closed. This sheared the tail off the cartridge exposing the charge which was then ignited by the percussion cap. They were breechloading single shot rifles that were known for their accuracy and reliability as well as the speed with which they could be reloaded during a fight. After the war they were re-designed to accommodate metallic cartridges and the percussion nipple was replaced by a firing pin mechanism.

If you dig around on the net you'll probably find info on how to make your own paper cartridges. I would check with the NSSA, those folks are into everything Civil War era with regard to that period's firearms and their use.

I believe I have a box of .54 conicals that were meant for that type of weapon somewhere around that I bought by accident years ago and then discovered my mistake. I'll PM you if I find them in case you're interested, they're of no use to me.

BPS

Thanks Men - it is a great day as I learned a ton by just posting here.

I figured that side lever had something to do with taking the block out. I was reluctant to put a brass punch but now will.

As far as I can tell this rifle is unfired.

I did pull the Nipple out as I went thru this thing again wiping it down. Annual Winter Project.
The nipple face that seats in the threaded hole had a burr on the bottom which was enough not to let it seat properly. I stoned that off carefully.

Is a cool thing to know I have a second 54.

Will I shoot it? Oh heck ya. From Supers Pedroselli attachment though I do want a Peep site like that. I have so much trouble seeing open sights it upsets me. I just can't focus anymore as the eyes have gotten bad. Age thing - really ain't that old.

So yes I am looking for bullets. I also need to go through my Dear Ole Dad's molds. He might just have one. I know I have alot of cast bullets sitting in some box as well as an electric crucible, ingot molds, lead, etc.

And now to go find some Swiss. I have never used that either. Pyrodex is all I have used. I have some old cans of real BP - real old that still have powder. And some newer ones. All stored in a non sunlit, cool dry place.

Thanks
Dave....JW

So any suggestions where to have a Tang Peep site installed correctly. I certainly don't have the shop or tools to do that.

And suggestions on brand of Peep site or where to get one?

JW

JW...

Marblearms.com has a LOT of period style tang peeps for the older style rifles. Check them out!!

BPS

I second BP's suggestion of Marble. Their selection of period correct peeps for Sharps style rifles is pretty much unmatched. As far as installing one, it really isn't difficult with a couple of simple tools but any quality smith would be able to do it if you don't feel up to the task.

Funny your should mention Marble Arms.

I have from Marble Arms Gladstone MI


and



and



All given to me by my Grandfather. The lapel compass is still in its box. Although the box is beat up. The Axe is in my truck travels with me everywhere. And the Match container. Think I have 2 or 3.
And I have a Marble Arms Peep site on my Model 94 Win 32 Special given to me way back when by grandpa!

Oh I also corrected the title to Falling Block

I had better look as I bet I have more Marble Arms things to add.

JW

JW...

I sent you a PM, please read it.

BPS

Topic moved as some dummy (ME) put it in the wrong forum.

Sorry about that.

Dave........JW

Anybody have any good info on how to make a papercharge for this thing?

JW

Google "video for making a paper cartridge" pretty fair amount of info. I have found it is much easier to show on video than it is to try to get someone to understand the various intricacies of some things.

I saw the videos but didn't really describe paper type or length much. I just ordered a book from Track of The Wolf on Paper load making as well as some .54 cal 435 gr bullets.

I should have ordered lube too but don't what brand to try. My Dad had a box full of bullet molds but I haven't found them yet. I very well may have .54 cal bullet mold. I have a handle of lead conicals I use for demo in my Black Powder part for Hunter Ed class.
And I went on a few Gun sales sights and was surprised at the resale of this piece.

Easiest is to just fill with powder as I have the right funneled measure to do that.



Dave.....JW

Yep. All the paper cartridge does really is make it faster reloading. Impregnating paper with a potassium nitrate solution then forming them is a pain in the rear. As far as sizing the paper for your chamber, that's pretty easy. But you want to use a mandrel for making the tube and I always used the "cup" method rather than shearing the tail. The "cup" is making a cup base facing the percussion cap with a very thin and small square of curler wrapping paper. The fire from a #11 will blow right through that and set off your powder much better. Just reload the chamber as you suggested but use some caution Dave and make sure you blow out any missed/spilled powder on the outside of the chamber. Your hairline and eyebrows will thank you. Don't ask me how I made that discovery :D Been quite a few years since I messed with one of those old girls but I did enjoy them. One thing I would suggest on the powder is to use #2 Swiss or Goex. #3 will eat your throat faster. Especially #3 Swiss.

Hey thanks.......actually got the bug now to shoot it bad but need to wait to get to my north home.


And I have decided to smoke all wild turkeys this yr or stick em. My Ole Meat in the Pot 1187 is going to hate me.

thanks all for the help.
JW

Well to date my bullets came. Fit is perfect! And paper tubes have come and have yet to try and load them. And I found end wrap papers and need to try my own paper loads.

I am waiting bullet lube and I am contemplating sending the Sharps rifle off to a gunsmith for a Marbles Tang Peep sight and new front sight. As I can't see the Box horn/front pin correctly. Old eyes.

And I tore the firearm completely down. It is in pristine shape. I do think I will JB the barrel so have ordered that too.

Oh and I am looking for a source of Ballistrol.

Soon I will be blowing smoke.....in fact I think I just go load without paper later today to just hear it bang! I have some black powder shotgun wad lube I use. It does say mini ball lube too. So I might as well grease up a few bullets - take 80gr of some real black powder I have from my dad. It is old but has been kept dry. To see how she shoots!


JW

JW,

If you mean Ballistol... Midsouth Shooters Supply has it for $13.27 for a 16 oz. can. Darn near five bucks cheaper than what Midway USA wants for it!!

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.co...s-Oil-16-Fl-Oz

BPS

Thanks BPS

I found some .54 lead balls at Midwest Shooters Supply and bought a bottle of Shockleys FFg. I will try some of my old Black Powder too.

But I am about ready to learn to load paper cartridges now. Both round ball and mini.
Even have some old Lymans bullet lube to try from my dad.

soon - I will be shooting.

JW

That is a cool rifle. Can't wait to see your shooting report on it. Speaking of Marble's they make some really high quality stuff. I have an old stag horn handled knife that was passed down to me from my great grandfather. The steel on that thing is super hard. I have a fetish about having a razor sharp knife and it took me forever to get it shaving sharp. But man does that hold an edge. I really like that hatchet you have with the blade cove that swings into the handle. Pretty neat.