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