BLACK POWDER: AN ORIGINAL, RIGHT DOWN TO ITS TWICEREPAIRED STOCK

BLACK POWDER

That rawhide wrap over a stock repair is a recent addition to author Mike Nesbitt’s most treasured Sharps, a Semi Custom Classic Hartford Sporting Rifle from C. Sharps Arms.

ORIGINAL, RIGHT DOWN TO ITS TWICE-REPAIRED STOCK

A black powder cartridge shooter's well-used Sharps has its own identity, making it all the more authentic.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MIKE NESBITT

Whenever I’m asked what my favorite Sharps rifle is, my reply is always the same: the Semi Custom Classic Hartford Sporting Rifle by C. Sharps Arms. This rifle has been my favorite for several years and I’ve done many things with it. It’s in .44-77 caliber with a 28-inch No. 1 Heavy barrel, complete with Hartford collar. Along with using this rifle in matches, I also enjoy surrounding it with some almost period-correct items that might be reflective of the buffalo hunting era.

Authenticity played a big part in helping me choose between the steel or the brass crescent butt plates. Both are good, certainly, as well as being equally attractive, but most of the original Sharps rifles fitted with the “rifle” butt plates received brass. Often those brass butt plates were nickelplated. And along with the brass butt plate, I requested brass escutcheons

The author’s .44-77 has a 28-inch No. 1 Heavy barrel, a pack-hardened receiver and some rather handsome lines on the wrist of the stock that “were to play a big part in the life of this rifle.”

underneath the three screws that enter through the wood; the two screws in the bottom of the forearm and the rear lock screw that enters on the left side of the wrist.

At C. Sharps Arms, those brass escutcheons are available at no extra cost, but they must be requested. (Another Sharps maker charges $30 extra for those three small escutcheons.) The brass escutcheons also add to the authenticity of this rifle. In the pictures of the rifle, notice the outstanding lines in the figure of the stock at the back of the wrist. Those lines were to play a big part in the life of this rifle.

One might get the idea that I’m trying to promote the .44-77 cartridge. Not really. Buying a rifle in .44-77 caliber was much more practical when I got mine than it is now because of the Jamison brass available for that caliber (and the .44-90 Sharps), which, of course, is not available anymore. Other brass makers, such as Roberson Cartridge Company, will make cases for the .44-77 and Buffalo Arms will form .44-77s out of other cases. Reloading dies for the .44-77 (and for some others) must be special ordered and they require a special price.

I’m not saying you can’t get goods for a .44-77 today, but I must point out that components and tools for this old Sharps caliber are not as available as they used to be. Bullet molds, of course, are just as available now as they were when I got the .44 Sharps itch. And I would certainly like to see someone pick up where Jamison left off and make more brass for the .44-77, but in this present time, when ammunition and component producers are having trouble keeping up with existing demand, it isn’t the best time to be introducing something new, especially to a possibly narrow market.

THE FRONT SIGHT on this rifle is a standard blade and that has never been changed. No rear sight was ever on the barrel and the barrel was not dovetailed for a rear sight. My intention for this rifle was to use it as a hunting arm more than a target rifle and while my hunting dreams have not come true with this gun, it still wears its “hunting sights.”

Even so, this is the rifle that I used when entering a silhouette match for the first time. That was grand and I even got one “chicken.” My score for that first try, using this rifle with rather full .44-77 loads and with the blade front sight, was 11 knock-downs and three of those were the rams at 500 meters. Shortly after that, I also used this rifle for my first try at Quigley. My score there was the same, 11 hits, but none of them were hits on the “bucket.” (It took me three years to get an offhand hit on that bucket!) I can brag that I got three hits on the buffalo at 805 yards. Those experiences taught me that I needed a different front sight for such target work.

The shooting with my .44-77 went on, and while I tend to show paperpatched bullets in my pictures, because

The author shoots over cross sticks back when his .44-77 was new.

they are perhaps more reflective of the buffalo hunting era, the bullets I shot the most were actually “greasers.” Bullets from an Accurate Molds No. 44-400B were used a lot. Later one of Steve Brooks’ molds, for the previously mentioned Original Postell style, was ordered and that became a favorite.

IT WAS DURING informal matches that I noticed a weakness, so to speak, in my use of the blade front sight. That silver-colored sight is fine, actually the best, when hunting in the woods because it can be seen. On the target range, however, the silver blade is not the best because sunlight from the side will push your groups to the right or left. My experience with the silver blade front sight led me to want aperture target sights for the front of my target rifles, inside a short tube so sunlight won’t affect them. I got those target sights too, but they came on other rifles. This .44-77 was to remain a hunting gun. Even so, I enjoyed shooting it in some matches a great deal and its standing as my favorite never faltered.

It was about that time when I got another rifle for long-range target work, my Hartford in .44-90 with the 32-inch No. 1½ Heavy barrel and target sights. (I do like the Sharps .44s.) That was the rifle I began to use at Quigley and at other matches, but my favorite .44-77 still went along, even if it only stayed in the tent.

Then the beautiful stock got broken, just at the back of the wrist. The break was right along that most attractive line in the grain. As luck would have it, there were no splinters. A note was sent to C. Sharps Arms and they told me to wrap the pieces carefully and send them to the shop as soon as possible. C. Sharps Arms rifles have a lifetime guarantee, which basically covers everything except normal wear and abuse. So the butt stock was sent back to Big Timber. Rather quickly, about three weeks later, the re-assembled stock was sent back to me. The seam or glue line in the wood could be seen but you really had to look to find it. I was very pleased with the way the stock had been rejoined and that included some steel pins lengthwise in the wood to make the new bond much stronger than it was before. My favorite .44-77 was home again and I continued to use it as before.

ONE OF MY reasons for wanting to keep the gun’s original stock, rather than replacing it, was to keep the identity of the gun original too. This .44-77 is my most photographed rifle. The figure in the butt stock fit right in with the packhardened receiver. Those are the things that made me want to keep the rifle just the way it was, without obvious change, and my rifle had its own identity.

One year at Quigley, when I was doing my shooting with the heavier .44-90, a fellow in our camp area announced that he’d decided on which version of a new C. Sharps Arms ‘74 he was going to order. “What’s that?” we asked. “I’ll get the Semi Custom Classic Hartford Sporting Rifle,” he said. I replied, “Good choice, that’s what I have.” I stepped into the tent and brought out my .44-77. That other shooter’s eyes did light up a bit. Then I told him to take my rifle down to the C. Sharps Arms tent, located on Traders’ Row, and use it to show Pat Dulin (the man to talk to at C. Sharps Arms) what he wanted on his own Semi Custom rifle. While that fellow was walking down to the tent, he passed another group of shooters. One of those shooters commented, “That’s Mike Nesbitt’s rifle.” So my .44-77 certainly has recognition. I’ll keep it the way it is as long as possible.

Because the stock did start to crack a second time, the stock was mended again and now wears a rawhide wrap that not only covers the mended crack but also gives the stock strength. That authentic type of mend, in my opinion, simply adds to the identity of this rifle. I’ll be using this Sharps a long time yet and I’m pretty sure it will remain my favorite. 

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COMPANY SPOTLIGHT

STORE AND DISPLAY YOUR GUNS

InvictaSafe’s cases are a great way to secure firearms while showing them off like art at the same time.

PHOTOS BY INVICTASAFE

Picture it: You just plunked down a good chunk of change for the antique Springfield Model 1888 Ramrod Trapdoor Rifle you’ve been eyeing. It’s truly stunning; a work of art. So you polish it to a shine, show it off to all your friends, take 100 pictures and then … you carefully lock it up in your safe, not to be seen again until its next cleaning.

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InvictaSafe products are a mix of brawn and beauty, securing your firearm behind 14-gauge steel and showing it off through ½-inch polycarbonate ballistic glass. their firearms.

“Many people own beautiful workof-art firearms or very meaningful (emotional, historical or family heirloom) firearms, and these firearms are usually put in traditional black box safes, never to see the light of day unless one of their friends stops by, or they are cleaned, etc.,” Galler explains. “Now they can be displayed like the works of art that they are and done so safely so that children and unauthorized people cannot gain access to these valuable firearms. An owner can now look at their prized possessions and appreciate them within their home or office.”

He adds, “Our customers like the fact they can appreciate their firearms on a daily basis and see them displayed in a manner befitting such a beautiful design or meaningful item. Also they make the perfect gift for the person that has everything.”

Made of 14-gauge steel with ½-inch polycarbonate ballistic glass, InvictaSafe is secure and displays your firearm like the piece of art it is. Choose from the Pistol safe or the newly introduced Rifle/Shotgun safe, and then customize it to your taste. Customers can select background color, texture, or even send in an image of their choice to serve as the background of the safe. The bigger Rifle/Shotgun safe also has room to add mementos, pictures and more.

“We want our customers to be happy and we are flexible to meet their wishes and requirements. Just call us!” says Galler. “Most importantly, our safes are built strong with more steel than many other safes and cabinets. If you want to display your firearm, do so safely and treat your firearm like the work of art that it is.”  Editor’s note: For more information, visit invictasafes.com.

BLACK HILLS AMMUNITION

The Black Hills .300 Blackout 115-grain dual performance projectile is monolithic copper, precision machined to provide effective performance. The bullet’s frontal portion is designed to easily expand to form an effective wound cavity. The expanding petals then fracture, creating additional penetrating projectile fragments that pierce the stressed tissue, cutting separate wound tracks from the projectile’s remaining solid shank. The main shank of the projectile, once free of the petals, continues on, ensuring adequate penetration even at varied velocities.

My memory of my dad:

“Can’t never could do nothin’.”

I once told my dad that I couldn’t do something. He told me, “Can’t never could do nothin’.” What he meant was that if you limit yourself, saying you “can’t,” then you are probably right. To this day he is the toughest man I ever met. He rolled a firetruck on the way to a fire. It landed on him and broke his pelvis. I never saw him so much as wince while working at being able to walk again. I watched him working with frigid tools barehanded in a raging blizzard because there wasn’t room for gloves. He jumped into an open sewer to try to save a drowning boy. He built businesses and ranches when bankers refused to back him and tried to cancel his loans. He worked incredible hours to make sure we had a roof over us and food on the table. He and Mom had me, lost two daughters, then went on with hope and love to have three more boys. They raised us with faith in God, love of our country, respect for the flag, a sense of duty and respect for others. I was lucky to have a dad who is a man in every sense of the word. –Jeff Hoffman, Owner

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TIMBER CREEK OUTDOORS

Treat your dad or yourself this Father’s Day with an Enforcer Kit from Timber Creek Outdoors.

Available in nine colors, this kit features high-end performance parts and jaw-dropping looks that improve usability, ergonomics and dependability of any small-framed MSR. It’s perfect for sportsmen, competitors, firearms enthusiasts and people who trust their lives to their equipment.

Timber Creek products are made in the USA and come with a lifetime warranty. MSRP: $749.99.

Our message to dads:

Dads make the best hunting partners and range buddies. Happy Father’s Day to all of those dads out there!

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FATHER’S DAY

GIFT GUIDE

HIDING HILDA

These wallets are made of top-grain vegetable-tanned cowhide and are meticulously designed to be free of any points of deterioration or wear (like plastic windows or dainty designer wallet pockets). The entire outside panel of the wallet is lined with an anti-radio frequency identification material to keep information-thieving RFID scanners out. Finally, the solid brass and solid steel medallions add that touch of Smith & Wesson class that reaches above and beyond just quality and workmanship. Our wallets are handmade by craftsmen in India utilizing centuries-old traditions of quality and workmanship.

Our message to dads:

Fathers, thank you for being who you are. Your role is so important in kids’ lives and today we celebrate you for all of your hard work! Thank you to all the dads out there!

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Dara Holsters’ Custom IWB Holster features a patented curved clip, designed to mimic the curve of the waistband. This keeps the gun tight to the body and secured to the belt. Proudly made in the USA, and backed by a lifetime warranty.

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When you are looking for something special in a revolver, semiauto or singleshot handgun, look no further than Gary Reeder Custom Guns. Reeder Custom Guns has been building full custom guns for 40 years with 70 different series of full custom guns, like the El Diablo 2 shown here. Full custom and built the way you want and in the cartridge of your choosing. For the finest in custom guns it is always Gary Reeder Custom Guns. Check our website or call 928-527-4100.

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BARNAUL

Every dad needs more ammo for Father’s Day.

Barnaul Ammunition offers a wide variety of steel-cased cartridges in the major calibers your dad needs. Handgun calibers: .380 Auto, 9-Mak, 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 Auto. Rifle calibers: 5.45x39, .223 Rem. (5.56), .300 BLK, 7.62x39, .308 Win, 7.62x54R and .30-06 Spring. Pick some up from your local store today and enjoy the range time with Dad! Premium Russian ammunition that delivers.

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MEMORIES THAT LAST A LIFETIME

Spending time in the woods as Father and Child is priceless. Join us on a hunting trip that will add to those memories. 10% FATHERS DAY DISCOUNT Oregon and Washington Big Game Hunting — ELK • DEER • BEAR • TURKEY 360-560-7620 • upfrontoutfitters.com

INVICTASAFE

InvictaSafe offers all of the benefits of a traditional firearm safe while allowing you to display your firearm “safely” like a work of art.

Fourteen-gauge steel with ½-inch-thick ballistic glass protects your valuable firearm from unauthorized access or theft, protecting you and your family.

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SOUTH HILL RV

Our No. 1 selling camera is the Furrion with the 7-inch monitor (we also offer them with 5- and 4.3-inch monitors for a few bucks less). Over the years we have tried just about every backup camera brand out there, but none have compared to the Furrion systems.

They provide crystal-clear images to avoid any blind spots and are amazing for backing up and parking. The other options are adding side cameras and a security camera by the entry door so you can keep an eye on your unit if you step away for an adventure! This is an option that any dad would love on their RV!

Seven-inch backup camera and monitor: $650; add the side camera with backup camera and monitor for $950.

About my dad:

I lost my dad to pancreatic cancer in 2004; it was the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with. Not only was he my dad, but my best friend, my mentor, my trainer and so much more! I cannot thank him enough for everything he has taught me, from always putting family first to working the hardest for anything you want in life, and just all the time we spent together, even all the hard lessons learned. He is who made me the man I am today and if I can be even half the man he was, I am happy! He was/is the best father, family man and person I have ever met and ever will meet! I would give any and everything in the world to just get another five minutes with him, and suggest to anyone who does have their father here on Earth, do not take it for granted. It has been many years now, but I still talk to him daily, ask his advice and always ask myself what would Dad do in just about every situation I deal with! Happy Father’s Day, Dad! –Ted Tatum, Sales Manager

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VELOCITY PRECISION

Like all Velocity Precision products, their Recoil-less Bolt Carrier is designed with accuracy and performance in mind. Their unique patent-pending design is stronger than other lowmass bolt carriers and is one of the lightest bolt carriers on the market.

The Recoil-less Bolt Carrier significantly reduces your rifle’s recoil impulse for faster follow-up shots and its Nano Diamond Nickel coating makes it extremely wearresistant, easy to clean and uncompromisingly durable. This unique coating creates a very slick surface that reduces the probability of failures due to a lack of lubrication, reduces typical wear and tear on expensive parts, and truly makes shooting your AR-15 much more fun. The real value when it comes to lightweight bolt carriers comes when it’s paired with an adjustable gas block, which is why Velocity Precision offers both in a bundled product package. Reducing the rifle’s returning gas, together with the reduced weight of the bolt carrier, is what reduces the recoil and muzzle rise to nearly zero. Without both you’re really only going halfway!

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Give Dad the gift of simplicity this Father’s Day. The PMA Die Adjuster makes adjusting your full-length sizing die the easiest part of your handloading. No more guessing or using die shims to adjust your shoulder bump to optimize accuracy and brass life; simply dial it in with micrometer accuracy. The PMA Tool Micro Die Adjuster, simply the best.

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PEET DRYER, INC.

Protect Dad’s guns from rust yearround with one of Peet Dryer’s dehumidifiers for his gun safe or gun cabinet. Effectively removes humidity from 120 cubic feet up to 600 cubic feet. For information on more of our products, please visit our website.

Our message to dads:

Happy Father’s Day from all of us at Peet Dryer.

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THE SOUTHERN TRAPPER

Make Father’s Day extra special this year by personalizing our genuine leather rifle slings with his initials. Our comfortable slings are backed by our unbeatable 100-year warranty. Order today while supplies last.

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Another one Bites the rust.

A Dehumidifier for every size safe or space.

Prevent your valuables from mold, rust, and corrosion by controlling the humidity within your safe/space.

Visit Peetdryer.com for more info.

V-LINE

Remember, some superheroes don’t have capes ... they are called Dad! Give your superhero some “security” this Father’s Day!

Our Top Draw quick-access handgun case is a top-opening case and features a Simplex easily programmable, five-push-button mechanical lock that does not require batteries. The Top Draw handgun case can accommodate up to two pistols depending on their sizes. It is finished in a textured gloss black powder coating and accented with a gloss silver V-Line logo. The lock has a stainless steel faceplate. The heavy foam interior protects your firearms and valuables.

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RANGESTORE.NET

Steel Target Paint is formulated for steel targets, covers quickly, and has a high paint-resin content with a pound of paint in the can. The colors allow match directors to color-code scenarios during competition stages. For long-distance shooting, these colors can be combined for optimum visibility. Range Box Sampler MSRP: $49.29.

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Custom Guns

“El Diablo 2”

When you are looking for something special in a revolver, semi auto or single shot handgun, look no further than GARY REEDER CUSTOM GUNS. Reeder Custom Guns has been building full custom guns for 40 year with 70 different series of full custom guns, like the El Diablo 2 shown here. Full custom and built the way you want and in the cartridge of your choosing. For the finest in custom guns it is always Gary Reeder Custom Guns. Check our web site or call 928-527-4100.

10 to 12 month delivery in most cases.

Proven reputation. Eight world championships and 22 national titles, all won by competitors using Nowlin. Today, you can elevate your own 1911 to this level of performance with Nowlin’s ECM Match Grade barrels. Made from 416 rifle-quality bar stock, with ultrasmooth ECM rifling, 40 RC hardness, and an 8 RMS bore finish, Nowlin 1911 barrels deliver maximum accuracy. Nowlin’s unique precut barrel locking lug design ensures precise engagement, while centering the firing pin on the primer. Under 1 inch at 25 yards and under 1½ inches at 50 yards in the company’s barrel testing fixture.

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ULTIMAK, INC.

UltiMAK, Inc. in Moscow, Idaho, is the designer and manufacturer of a unique, solid and very practical series of forward optic mounts for rifles and carbines. Supported platforms include a variety of Kalashnikovs (AKs), the M1 Garand, M-14/M1A, Ruger’s Mini-14 and Mini-30, and GI-spec M1 .30 Carbines. UltiMAK mounts are easy to install by the average user, and seldom require any modification to the rifle. Call 208-883-4734 or visit the website for more information.

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FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE PRESENT ARMS, INC. The AR Hook is another “third hand” from Present Arms. It is an AR cleaning rod guide and upper receiver strut. Simply hook the upper receiver and pin to the lower with the takedown pin. Use it with Present Arms’ patented Sentinel Plate and AR magazine post, sold separately, for the perfect user-friendly AR cleaning station.

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SAUVIE ISLAND DUCK CLUB

Duck club members have access to several acres of private hunting area. Blinds are located in three main areas (and three smaller areas) within the property to help maximize hunting potential and minimize member contact.

Sauvie Island Duck Club is located on a great flyway and is a mallard haven! The following memberships are available: Day, Week and Season at a cost of $200, $750 and $2,000, respectively. Sauvie Island Duck Club is a private waterfowl hunting club located approximately 10 miles northwest of Portland, Oregon, along US Route 30. Call Ron at 503-539-5396 or check out the website for more information.

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VERLE’S

Verle’s has the Big Chief front load package for you. Smoking is made simple with the Big Chief, as all you have to do is plug it in to a standard household outlet. Just place your food (after brining or preparation) on one of the five racks that sit over the top of the drip pan. The smoker’s capacity is a whopping 50 pounds of meat or fish!

Includes: smoker, five easy-slide chrome-plated grills, electric cord, drip pan, wood flavor pan, recipe booklet, plus four free bags of Smokehouse Chips & Chunks.

Father’s Day special: $135.99 until June 20, 2021.

verles.com POCKET OX

Remember when we could throw a buck on the tailgate or yard our dirt bikes out of the brush without waiting on a buddy? Bikes got heavier, tailgates taller and, frankly, those buddies are showing some wear. Idaho’s Pocket Ox builds the smallest, most powerful “in your pack, not in the truck” manual hoists. Save your back for scoopin’ up grandkids. They come sooner than you think.

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TEACHING YOU THE SKILLS TO SUCCESSFULLY HUNT AND/OR SURVIVE IN THE WILD.

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WILDERNESS SURVIVAL School for Hunters and Guides Contact us today: Mike Jenkins – 360-560-7620 nwschoolforhunters.com