1859 Sharps carbine problem

[johnp606]

I purchased a Sharps carbine that has the 1852 and 1859 dates on the receiver. I was told it was a center fire model 1859. When I got home I started to take it apart to clean and lubricate. I noticed that the firing pin was broken. I have not been able to find a parts breakdown on this model. It looks like the firing is part of the block that is hit by the hammer. I was wondering if anyone could suggest a repair or replacement for the firing pin. The only other problem I found was that the top screw on the receiver, above the saddlering assembly, is a newer flat head. It would be nice to get a screw that is rounded, like the real ones. This is a new rifle to me. I have mostly WWI and WWII rifles and pistols. I am 73 and just got started in this type of collecting.

 

[Bob Owen]

It probably a new model 1863 conversion to .50-70. Parts are available and I'll search some sites for you. I've a couple of these that had broken firing pins. A common problem.

 

[Bob Owen]

Start by googling Lodgewood.com.

 

[johan_steele]

Look to http://www.lodgewood.com/ call them and ask if they can help you out. Another source might be http://frontieramericanaoffargo.com/pages/OnlineGallery/ the owner would certainly be able to point you in the right direction for replacement parts. The conversion to .50-70 of the sharps were a simple and starighforward modification that was economical and very effective. They are known to be a good shooter.

Good luck.

 

[James N.]

As Johan says, "Good luck." -

And welcome to the forum!

 

[johnp606]

Thank you for your help. I did not find the part on Lodgewood. I was wondering if the part could be repaired? I had a Nambu pistol with a broken pin and a guy fixed it by welding a pin on the original part. Should I be looking for 1859 parts or 1863 parts?

 

[johnp606]

One other question, for now. What is the correct name for the screw that is located on top of the receiver. It is the one nearest to the hammer and just forward of the serial number 72875. It is a flat head while all other screws are rounded. I do not know, but it does not seem correct to have one screw that is different.

 

[Bob Owen]

Thank you for your help. I did not find the part on Lodgewood. I was wondering if the part could be repaired? I had a Nambu pistol with a broken pin and a guy fixed it by welding a pin on the original part. Should I be looking for 1859 parts or 1863 parts?

The new model 1863 has the early patent dates on it as well as the 1859. Does your gun have a patch box on the butt stock? The firing pin can be repaired. Not sure of what screw you are referring to. In the conversion process after the war, the whole breech block was replaced. It could be proper depending on the screw's purpose and location. Can you post a photo or two?

 

[johnp606]

The new model 1863 has the early patent dates on it as well as the 1859. Does your gun have a patch box on the butt stock? The firing pin can be repaired. Not sure of what screw you are referring to. In the conversion process after the war, the whole breech block was replaced. It could be proper depending on the screw's purpose and location. Can you post a photo or two?

The carbine does not have a 1863 date on it. There is no patch box.

The screw I am talking about is on the top. I guess it is the tang. There are two screws that go though the stock to the trigger assembly. They are not wood screws, I would call them machine screws. The one near the block is the one that is flat. Every. Other screw is rounded.

I looked at the barrel and the only mark were the numbers 4 and 5. They are close but do not look like the number 45, they look like 4 5,

 

[Bob Owen]

The carbine does not have a 1863 date on it. There is no patch box.

The screw I am talking about is on the top. I guess it is the tang. There are two screws that go though the stock to the trigger assembly. They are not wood screws, I would call them machine screws. The one near the block is the one that is flat. Every. Other screw is rounded.

I looked at the barrel and the only mark were the numbers 4 and 5. They are close but do not look like the number 45, they look like 4 5,

It should not have a patch box as during the conversions they put on a new stock without it. The model 1859 and the model 1863 and model 1865 are all the same gun with minor improvements such as sights. All the parts are interchangeable so that all models could be upgraded as needed. The tang screws should be rounded on top. These are not difficult parts to obtain. I'll continue to search. Your carbine was chambered to fire the .50-70 Government cartridge.

 

[Bob Owen]

Call Taylor & Co. at 540-722-2017. They have repro parts that should fit the originals. You can age the new screw top to match the other one.

 

[Bob Owen]

The new model 1863 is usually stamped on the top of the barrel just forward of the receiver. During conversion the light stamping on the barrel was sometimes polished off.

 

[johnp606]

I did not find the 1863 stamp on the barrel. All I see is the alignment mark. When they finished these conversions, did they blue them, or leave them in the white?

I did find a letter F or a letter E with the bottom missing on the left side of the receiver. It is on the flat spot where the saddle ring bar is attached.

You mentioned that the firing pin could be repaired. Who does that work?

 

[Southron]

IF you are referring to the Front Tang Screw (that goes from the Tang on top of the stock to the Trigger Plate on the bottom of the stock, then S & S Firearms have both an original and replica for sale:

http://www.ssfirearms.com/products.asp?cat=149&pg=7

S & S also sells a firing pin for the 50-70 conversion of the Sharps:

http://www.ssfirearms.com/products.asp?cat=149&pg=13

I have known the people from S & S and they are good people to deal with.