Ive been looking at the none centerfire ones and have a question for you all. How did christian sharps manage to seal the chamber? Ive seen notations for an expanding metal part in the chamber, but cant find it on diagrams of the sharps rifle.
He never managed a really perfect seal. Theres a platinum ring which prevented gas erosion from escaping gases.
Sharps paper cartridge rifles weren't all that efficient, there was no way to compress the charge.
The very similar looking Star carbine wedged the breechblock closed against a seal of some sort. It was very effective in preventing loss of pressure, and slighty compressed the charge for better efficiency.
I shoot an 1863 Sharps (Pedersoli) in .45 caliber. The Lawrence plate on the front of the breech block moves forward from gas pressure and sort of seals the breech. It's not perfect by any means but works well enough.
Other than the slight gas leakage mine shoots just fine.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.