Takedown Instructions for a Sharps Rifle
The Sharps Model 1874 is a single-shot, lever-action, breech loader rifle and one of the classic firearms of the American Old West. Used by frontiersmen, buffalo hunters and the military, this weapon was considered one of the most reliable and powerful guns of its day. Today, several manufacturers produce replicas faithful to the original design. Proper cleaning is essential to owning a Sharps rifle, and every owner should know how to take it down or disassemble it for cleaning.
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Instructions
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Close the action on the rifle. Draw the hammer back to the half-cock "Safe" position.
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2
Turn the rifle upside down. Depress the small plunger pin near the lever hinge pin on the right side of the receiver, a short distance from the forearm of the rifle. This will allow the hinge pin arm to rotate and release it from the lever.
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3
Rotate the hinge pin arm one quarter turn away from the rifle's frame. Pull the hinge pin out while rotating it back and forth to loosen it from the receiver. Continue to pull the hinge pin until it comes completely out of the receiver.
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4
Turn the rifle over so that the top of the rifle faces upward. Tap the top of the breech block with a wooden dowel to remove the breech block from the frame of the rifle.
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5
Remove the screw on the side of the breech block to remove the lever from the block. Pry the gas check plate from the breech block with the point of a knife.
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6
Remove the sealing sleeve from the breech, if the weapon has one. The rifle is now ready for cleaning.
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Tips & Warnings
To avoid an accidental firing, remove any cartridge from the breech and verify the breech is clear and the rifle is unloaded before taking down the weapon.
