“Somewhere I read that in the 1870's a new Sharps cost up to $225 complete with a bullet mold and an Ideal realoading kit. Considering those buffalo hunters may have had 2 or 3 or 4 of them for business that could have become very expensive very fast. I think at the time a Colt Single Action Army only cost $20 and an 1873 Winchester was also about $20.”

Actually, Sharps were nowhere that expensive. In some of Colonel Frank Mayer’s accounts, he claims to have paid $237.50 for a 16-pound 45/120/550. However according to Frank Sellers, book Sharps Firearms he was either way overcharged by someone or he exaggerated the price greatly. Here is the factory price break down (model 1874) according to Sellers.

Basic rifle $33
Double set triggers $4
Globe and peep sights $5
Barrels $1 per inch over 30” and $1 per pound over 12lbs.
Stocks could add another $35
Telescopic sight ~$40 (1885 price)

In “Getting a Stand” by Miles Gilbert it’s mentioned that a hide hunter’s word was as good as gold and not uncommon for them to charge a lot or all of their equipment till they got established.

“Where did you find a .45-70 Gatling gun? Is it a reproduction?”

Every year at Norco in southern California, they hold a shoot. Factories, gun shops and some collectors bring out hundreds of guns for the public to shoot (try before you buy). Depending on the caliber the cost to shoot them runs from $1-$5 a round. The year I went a collector had several original 1889 Gatling guns (not for sale) chambered in 45/70 and charged $1 per round to fire them. The Barrett semi auto cost $5 per round.

The Colt and Winchester prices sound about rite. I believe you could also pick up a Remington rolling block for ~$16. I wonder what the English doubles cost at that time.

Mike