How Do You Load An 1863 Sharps Rifle?
The 1863 Sharps rifle is a breech-loading firearm of the American Civil War era. It was not distributed by the armies involved to the soldiers but was sometimes privately purchased as an improvement over the army-issued weapons. The original guns are close to 150 years old and should not be fired unless first inspected by a knowledgeable gunsmith. Reproduction guns do exist and, if well cared for, should be safe to fire. Only black powder, or its equivalents, should be used in these guns. Push the lever, found around and behind the trigger, down to open the breech. This action causes the breech block to slide down, exposing the rear opening of the chamber. Keep the gun pointed in a safe direction with the barrel angled downward during the entire loading process. Push an appropriately sized bullet into the front of the chamber. The 1863 Sharps is available in. 45 and .54 calibers. The proper bullet will fit against the rifling at the front of the chamber. Pour loose FFg black powder or
