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This manual includes instructions for the use and care of both percussion and metallic
cartridge rifles and carbines. Please refer to the proper section for your rifle or carbine .
Section I: Model 1863 Percussion Rifle and Carbine
Step 1 - Initial Cleaning
Before firing your percussion Sharps for the first time, you should remove any excess factory
lubricants applied to protect the gun during shipping. This process will be greatly simplified by field
stripping the gun. (Please refer to the “Disassembly and Cleaning” section for field stripping
instructions). Once this initial cleaning is completed, the gun should be re-lubricated with quality gun
oil. The initial cleaning process should include swabbing the bore with several dry cleaning patches to
remove all excess oil. The barrel must be clean, dry, and free of obstructions prior to firing.
Step 2 – Loading
The first step in the loading process is to make sure the muzzle of the gun is
pointed in a SAFE DIRECTION!
Your Sharps rifle or carbine can be fired using either paper cartridges or bullet and powder. Each
method is covered herein.
Before loading either a paper cartridge or powder and bullet, one or two percussion caps should be
fired to clear any obstructions or excess oil from the nipple and flame channel.
PAPER CARTRIDGE LOADING
Your Sharps rifle or carbine can be fired using paper cartridges. Instructions for making paper
cartridges can be found at the end of this section.
To load your gun with a paper cartridge, first place the hammer in the SAFE position by pulling it back
into the half-cock notch.
Next the trigger guard/lever should be extended fully downward which will lower the breech block and
expose the chamber.
Carefully insert the paper cartridge into the chamber until the bullet seats firmly against the rifling. To
insure a complete charge, sufficient pressure should be applied to the cartridge to slightly compact
the powder charge in the chamber.
Return the trigger guard/lever to the closed position... When the breech block is returned to the
closed position, the back of the paper cartridge will be sheared off, exposing the powder to the flame
channel.
Once the breech is closed, the gun should be turned over, allowing any excess powder to fall
away from the action. This step is very IMPORTANT to ensure safe operation of the gun.
Your Sharps rifle or carbine is now ready for firing.
POWDER AND BULLET LOADING