I will give myself the credit of not asking a group of willing enablers to talk me off the ledge regarding a jump into BP, Sharps (et al). A few decades, maybe a bit more than just a few, ago, the thought of the Sharps was as in my young, pure mind, the stuff of legend. That view hasn't changed. So, I have been mining the world wide web for a while, answering some questions and finding more.
Back 'when', the thought of the Sharps was not cluttered with the 'slight' list of piddly details. At least not in my mind. Barrel lengths, weights and to some degree chamber options are mostly sorted. (I did find an article someone linked to on the board that helped bridge the confusion some on rifle markings versus some of the cartridge definitions, more inquiry to come on that though.)
But, actions. I'm limiting myself to the falling blocks, there's plenty of variation available and little more to wish for regarding strength. The 1885 Winchester (and re-makes) are viable firearms and have some good things to be said for them. I don't know enough about the Hepburns to really have an opionion. The Sharps model variations, I really haven't run across any great discussion of benefits of the variants, so *specifically* which one.. that's a fine question.
What are the differences functionally, among the '74, '75, '77?? Granted, that can be taken or given as a generic difference or could be specific to a given manufacturer, not discounting that not all makers offer all models.. or have.
The '74 seems to be the common and possibly (?) heavier action. (Which can get into off center hammer movement & effects on accuracy, etc.)
The '77 looks like it shaves some weight off the action, which can go into a heavier barrel?
Somewhere down the line, someone will ask, 'What are you using this one for?'. Well, either some kind of local shoots or range. I would list the possibility of hunting with it, but really if I'm hunting 'modern firearm' I have other choices, and frankly for big stuff I look to the bow. I really don't know enough about BPCR 'games' to hold forth any aspirations there of. So far.
Thanks!
Nick