1885 High Wall or 1874 Sharps?

[Mike]

Ed333, I must agree, somewhat, with most of the others by suggesting you get a Sharps. My choice is a rifle from C. Sharps Arms. They make both the Hartford version and the Bridgeport version as well as a Hunter's Rifle. Of course, C. Sharps Arms also makes a Highwall and a Sharps Model 1875, and a Hepburn. But my choice is the Model 1874 Sharps. However, I also like and have a Highwall but I can admit how I can see myself with just a Sharps, not with just a Highwall. Also, you seem to be fairly well read and your writing is very good. Maybe you have already seen Mike Venturino's book Shooting Buffalo Rifles of the Old West and if you haven't seen it, I will recommend that you get a copy. In his book, Mike talks about the various types of buffalo rifles including the Highwall. However, his book, like our attitudes, is more or less filled with tales and tributes to the '74 Sharps. He also goes through each of the buffalo cartridges with history and loading data. I'm sure you will enjoy seeing that book and perhaps you already have. For more good reading, in my opinion, you can go to the Publications section of this forum and read through The American Sharps Shooters just by calling them up. Reading some of the shooters' stories might help you form your own opinions about which gun you will favor. Shoot sharp, Mike