Martini or Sharps Rifle

[Murphinator]

My neighbor is selling some of his older rifles out of his collection and he has set aside two that I am deciding on. One is a Martini action rifle in .45-70 and the other is a Sharps Rifle in .45-70. The Martini rifle is marked "EG Mk III" made in 1922. The Sharps is marked "Shiloh Sharps Buffalo Model C" made in the 1970s by his estimate. Both rifles are in great shape and the Sharps is higher than the Martini in price. Im trying to decide on which rifle I should buy and which I should let slide. More or less which rifle wont hurt as bad to say no to. I decided to get an easier to load for caliber as my last hunting rifle was an 1857 Snider-Enfield in .577 Snider and that is quite pricey to reload for and casting bullets for that rifle uses a good amount of lead as the bullets are .600" diameter and are about 530 grains. I want to step down to .45-70 and cast .459" bullets and use 405 grain bullets to save my supplies and have cheaper brass and more plentiful access to brass cases. Thanks to all who reply, this is my first forum post so if this is in the wrong sub-forum my apologies I just joined today.

[koger]

If you can afford it, go with the Sharps, never heard anyone complain after buying one, and in the long run if you take care of it, the worst you could do is get your money back, more likely you will make some money.

[ascast]

Good Morning and welcome to the board. Tough choice. If you ever want to compete in BP, one general rule is you must have an exposed hammer. This rules out the Martini. The Sharps will always have more resale value. So which shoots better? I would try to get a handle which is chambered tighter, throated?, better sights, better trigger pull, better fit to me. Or... find more money and get both. best wishes.

[marlinman93]

One issue with the Martini is if you ever wanted to use it for BPCR matches. Some matches require an exposed hammer style action, so a Martini is not OK. Check your local match rules if you might plan to ever shoot it in the matches.

[eastbank]

buy both, if not get the sharps. you will not be sorry.

[Der Gebirgsjager]

Welcome to the Castboolits Forum, Murphinator. Wow...what a terrible decision to be faced with! Both are really great rifles, and you're bound to have regrets if you only get one.

DG

[RKJ]

Sharps, I don't believe you could go wrong there.

[Gunlaker]

I'd pick the Sharps. I have no personal experience with the older models of the Shiloh Sharps, but have shot quite a few thousands of rounds through various, more recent, Shiloh Sharps rifles.

What sort of stock configuration is the "Buffalo Model C" anyway? That's not a model name that's been used recently.

Chris.

[almar]

I would have to see both rifles. But blind, i would pick the shiloh. Any problems if they occur can be fixed still by the maker that has a great reputation. I have a 1874 sharps from Pedersoli and love it but also have a great shiloh on order...its a different feeling knowing you have a non mass produced firearm. You kind of love it more maybe...

[sharps4590]

Notice my handle.....and guess....

[Murphinator]

I'd pick the Sharps. I have no personal experience with the older models of the Shiloh Sharps, but have shot quite a few thousands of rounds through various, more recent, Shiloh Sharps rifles.

What sort of stock configuration is the "Buffalo Model C" anyway? That's not a model name that's been used recently.

Chris.

It is a half stock with a 32 inch octogon to round barrel with a frony blade sight and a rear buckhorn that flips up to a ladder sight. It has a set trigger as well.

[scattershot]

Welcome from communist infested Denver.. I’d go with the Sharps.

[DocSavage]

No contest buy the Sharps you won regret it. And you'll always will be able to find parts easily should something break.

[elmacgyver0]

If you don't buy both you will regret, it.
If you can't buy both get the Sharps.
It only hurts for a little while; Raman Noodles are your friend.

[Rapier]

I would buy both if the bores are both good. Ask the owner which rifle shoots better. He may say the Martini.

The Sharps will win the resale race hands down.

[Baltimoreed]

I have a nice Martini Cadet that is a blast but a Sharps would be the bomb. A cas friend waited over a year for his Shiloh Sharps.

[pertnear]

As others have said, you can't go wrong with either if the prices are right. It may be a stretch, but buy both & enjoy shooting both then sell the lesser choice for what you paid or make a profit.

[stubshaft]

The Sharps hand down!

[GregLaROCHE]

I agree with everyone else on buying the Sharps. At least I would.

[762 shooter]

What are the ballpark prices?

At least get the Sharps.

762