Axtell Rifle Co. Sharps Model 1877 .38-55 Single Shot Rifle

LSB#: 120906JG06
Make: Axtell Rifle Co.
Model: Model 1877
Serial Number: 212
Year of Manufacture: We honestly dont know. Ca. 1990’s. Shiloh bought Axtell in 2010 and information is scarce…
Caliber: .38 Caliber. (A .38-55 will chamber)
Action Type: Single Shot Falling Block Rifle
Markings: The barrel is marked “model 1877 Axtell rifle Co. Sheridan Mont.”. The upper tang is marked with the serial number “212”. The cap is habd engraved with an “A” and “Axtell Rifle Co.”.
Barrel Length: 30″
Sights / Optics: The gun is mounted with a bubble level globe front sight, with donut insert. The front sight is windage adjustable. The rear sight is a screw elevation adjustable peep sight, mounted to the upper tang.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are beautifully grained, finished and hand cut checkered wood. There is a left side cheek piece. The checkering is quite sharp and deep and the wood just shows scattered dings and marking, nothing severe. The left side of the wrist at the top shows some crazing of the wood finish. These marks are mostly on the underside of the forearm and are likely from storage. The LOP measures about 13 1/2″ from the Schuetzen style buttplate to the front trigger. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Case hardened receiver, Rust Blued Barrel, Plated Buttplate
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is deep and sharp. There is no pitting or erosion and just a bit of fouling that will clean.
Overall Condition: This gun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows a bit of muzzle wear and a mark or two on the barrel, none through the finish. The case colors are quite vivid and there is very little wear on the receiver, even at the breech. The left side of the buttplate, at the top shows some beginning of the plating lifting. This is the only instance of this and is the most mentionable imperfection on the rifle. This is a beautiful rifle, in construction, finish and the way it’s been preserved. The Screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this gun rates in about Fine – Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions as designed, we have not fired this rifle.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None, but the aforementioned sights,
Our Assessment: Honestly, when this rifle came in we didn’t know what it was. The build quality is exceptional, on par only with Shiloh and perhaps C. Sharps. But neither made an 1877…? Upon further research, we learned that Axtell was purchased by Shiloh. There are only perhaps 3 rifle manufacturing companies in existence recently that are capable of this level of craftsmanship, and they are all connected in one way or another, with this being the most obscure of the lot.

This is the best cowboy long range gun I have seen. My favorite: .38-55, set triggers, 1877 action and beautifully finished! You honestly couldn’t ask for more and this is without a doubt, one of the best looking rifles I have ever seen.

Sold For: $4,175

Axtell Rifle Co. Sharps Model 1877 .38-55 Rifle
Axtell Rifle Co. Sharps Model 1877 .38-55 Rifle