Thanks so much to everybody for your interest and kind comments on my Sharps rifle. I've been short on time lately, so I am just now making a short reply.

Some more information on my rifle:
• It is all original, with original condition and finishes.
• The sights are original to the rifle, marked with the Sharps patent date and serial numbered to the rifle.
• The barrel is 34” with a perfect bore.
• Only 230 of these rifles were made.

Some details of the patented rear sight:

The rear sight seat, at the heel of the stock, is put there for the prone “Creedmore position” used in long range competition. Here are a couple of photos I garnered from the internet:

Source: The Back Position

Here is the entry for the Model 1878 Long Range Rifle found in Frank Sellers' fine book:

Source:

More details will come as the case develops. I will have shooting results to report at some time. I'm still in load development.

Curly