Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878

About the Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878

The Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878 is a single-shot, hammerless falling-block breechloading rifle chambered in .45-70 Government. Designed by Hugo Borchardt around an 1877 patent, it was the last single-shot rifle produced by the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company. Unlike earlier external-hammer Sharps rifles, it used an internal self-cocking striker actuated by the underlever, giving it a clean modern profile. The military model featured a 32-inch round barrel, two barrel bands, a walnut stock and military ladder sights, while sporting and long-range target variants were also offered.

Designed by Hugo Borchardt before he went on to create the pioneering C93 semi-automatic pistol, the Model 1878 was the final Sharps single-shot rifle and marked the end of the famous Sharps line.

Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878 specifications

The Borchardt action sold poorly against the established external-hammer Sharps designs and military trapdoor rifles, contributing to the closure of the Sharps Rifle Co. in 1881. Hugo Borchardt later designed the C93 pistol. Specifications are for the military rifle; barrel and weight vary across sporting, mid-range, and long-range target variants.