Gentlemen...

I just acquired an 1885 High Wall manufactured by Single Shot Inc. located in Big Timber, Montana. Research done indicates that they were in business for three years, and manufactured approximately 150 rifles before selling the business to C. Sharps, who continued making the rifles. I am quite satisfied with the deal, as it was owned by a meticulous craftsman who re-stocked it with exquisite English walnut. The action is like buttered glass, putting my other (Browning) High Walls to shame. The metal craftsmanship and metal to wood fit is also top drawer. With the rifle I also received the original stock, 500+ brass, bullet molds, dies...basically everything, soup to nuts. It was a pretty good day.

The bore slugs .376, in contrast to even the new .38-55s from Winchester and Marlin, which run from .378 to .381, according to posts on other forums. This makes the proper bullet-to-bore fit a little more accessible with conventional bullet molds and sizers.

My question is this...Does anyone else have experience with, or information regarding, rifles from this company?

Cordially,

Smith

Since it has been restocked with cheap imported wood and that the company isn't in business anymore, I might be persuaded to buy it from you....providing the total cost doesn't excede 150 bucks.

Just kidding. My wifes best friend,s husband had one built by C Sharps years ago and if that is anything comparable to yours WOW....truly artwork.

Tom's is unfired; action never opened. He died before the rifle was finished. His oldest daughter has ownership of it. I would like to step up someday to a 1885 Browning or Sharps. They kind of put my Ruger #3 to shame.

Bullethead...

I've never met a falling block I didn't like...Including the Rugers. I have been gradually building a collection of Ruger #1s in calibers from .357 mag to .416 Rigby, and there are no flies on the Ruger. I really enjoy shooting them, and the aesthetics are, well, sexy...for lack of a better description. My brother-in-law and a good friend both have "serial obsessions" with Sharps rifles, and they are indeed fine guns. I picked up a High Wall in .45-70 a few years back and I was hooked. Since then, I have traded off several "vanilla" rifles to get a little "rocky road" in my diet. I am more satisfied after 20 rounds through a nice single shot than I ever was after 200 rounds through a semi-auto. Call me crazy, but that's how I stay sane.

Enjoy!

Smith

This past year the wife (War dept) ok'd my plea to buy another gun. I wanted a Browning 40-65 that I spied over at Scheels all sports. When the day came to plop some money down it was gone and they told me that Browning stopped building the 1885 model. I settled(?) for a Lew Horton 3" 629. Satisfied my urge for awhile. The problem is that revolvers all look the same to her...but, she can count rifles well so they are hard to get into the house. I still want (need) another single shot. The #3 is ok, kicks like a mule!!! The 1st #3 I bought was rechambered to 45-120, and shot 455gr hard cast with 82 gr of 3031. It took along time to get over the flinches! It was fun at the range, especially when I could powder a cement block. Love the 1 shooters...... later

Bullethead...

Ow. That's alot of cartridge for a little gun.

Regarding "domestic tranquility", there are advantages to having "serial obsessions" with certain types of rifles...For example, a common conversation in my home goes like this:

Her: Good morning, honey...I see you're going to the range...what are you shooting today?

Me: Oh, just the Ruger #1 (substitute: the High Wall, the .45, etc.)

Her: Oh...OK. Have fun.

She obviously either doesn't realize or doesn't care that those are categories, not individual firearms. Nor does she realize that I grew out of my gun safes some time ago, and some of those empty rifle cases in the closet are unusually heavy. Also, I never discuss actual cost. As long as I "got a great deal" (which she can relate to) and I don't cut into the family budget, she seems to be fine with my "hobby". (Never use exclusive terms like "obsession"). Moreover, she likes to shoot. I guess if she despised it would bring more scrutiny. A little diplomacy goes a long way, as long as she remains the real #1.

Cordially,

Smith

Hey Mr. Moderator...

I accidently posted this thread under "Bullet Casting" with another thread, when I should have switched to "Single Shot Rifles" prior to submitting it. Please move it to the proper category.

Thanks,

Smith

This past year the wife (War dept) ok'd my plea to buy another gun. I wanted a Browning 40-65 that I spied over at Scheels all sports. When the day came to plop some money down it was gone and they told me that Browning stopped building the 1885 model. I settled(?) for a Lew Horton 3" 629. Satisfied my urge for awhile. The problem is that revolvers all look the same to her...but, she can count rifles well so they are hard to get into the house. I still want (need) another single shot. The #3 is ok, kicks like a mule!!! The 1st #3 I bought was rechambered to 45-120, and shot 455gr hard cast with 82 gr of 3031. It took along time to get over the flinches! It was fun at the range, especially when I could powder a cement block. Love the 1 shooters...... later

a 45-120 kicking like a mule? nnooooo. really? laugh just kidding man. You are pretty brave. I still have trouble keeping myself from flinching from my "little" 45-70 buffalo classic.