When I retired, my boss asked me what gun I would like as a parting gift. I thought about what would be a gun that I would (could) never buy for myself. A gun that is high on the cool factor, a gun of multi-generational quality, a gun that would be handy in case I am attacked by buffalo or bears, a gun that I have no valid use for. I lean towards single-shot rifles, so I opted for the 1874 Sharps Military Carbine made by Shiloh Rifle Manufacturing Company in Big Timber, Montana.
This gun took 17 months to make, which is pretty quick based on what I have heard. The quality is impeccable, way beyond expectations. The wood-to-metal fit is perfect. The finishes are perfect. The operation is perfect. It is a testimony to American craftsmanship that can still be attained when the objective is to make the best rifle possible. The folks at Shiloh are from a different era: old-world craftsmanship, detailed, highly skilled handwork, and discipline married to modern technology.
This has a saddle ring for tying the gun to my horse. This is so I don’t lose it when I get bucked off, and the horse gallops away.
The case colors on this gun are insane.
The wood is pretty nice as well.
Chambered in the iconic 45-70, this gun lobs a 405-grain bullet into whatever needs to be whacked.
These guns are expensive, but when you hold the finished rifle, you know it was money well spent.
This is where it happens. Everything is manufactured in this modest building. Raw wood and steel are delivered to the loading dock at the back, and the finished gun is handed to the customer at the front. Super nice people, this was one of the best gun-buying experiences of my lifetime.
Next time, back to bird hunting!
Thanks for visiting.
Birdhunter 