Data Quality88%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the bolt-action rifles category.
01 / Overview
Sharps rifle
Category
Country
Production
1850–1881
Quantity
120,000
Unit Price (current)
$1.1K↗ 3477% inflation · 1861→2025
Original Price
$30 (1861)
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
BOLT-ACTION RIFLES · PRE-WWI / INDUSTRIAL AGE
22
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
92
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
$1.1K
Original: $30 (1861)
Inflation: +%3477
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the bolt-action rifles category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General4MOD.4
- Service Entry Year1850
- DesignerChristian Sharps
- Weight (Empty)4.3 kg
- Notable UsersUnited States, Confederate States, China, France, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Japan, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Mexico
◈Cartridge & Calibre5MOD.5
- Cartridge.52-caliber, .50-70 Government, .45-70, .45-110, .45-120
- Calibre13.2 mm
- Bullet Weight30.8 g
- RimfireNo
- Caseless AmmunitionNo
▣Operation6MOD.6
- Action TypeFalling Block
- Select FireNo
- Feed SystemSingle Shot
- Magazine Capacity1
- Cyclic Rate of Fire8
- Practical Rate of Fire8
◇Ballistics3MOD.3
- Muzzle Velocity366 m/s
- Effective Range (point)914 m
- Maximum Range2,743 m
◆Barrel & Sights5MOD.5
- Barrel Length762 mm
- Sight TypeOpen ladder type
- Optic RailNo
- Iron SightsYes
- Threaded BarrelNo
▤Construction3MOD.3
⬢Features5MOD.5
▲Production & Cost3MOD.3
- Total Production120,000
- Production End1881
- Unit Cost30 USD
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANRetired
- 1850Production started
- 1851First deployment: Taiping Rebellion
- 1853Entered service
- 1881Production ended
176
years in service
31
years in production
120,000
units produced
0
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country no longer actively operates it. 4 countries retired it.
04 / Operators
Operator Countries4country
Sharps rifleSALES2records
| Year | Buyer | Quantity | Amount | Present Value (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1851 |  United States | 10,000 | — | — |
| 1851 | United States | 15,000 | — | — |
ⓘ "Present Value" is an estimated amount adjusted for inflation.
05 / MASS Score
BOLT-ACTION RIFLES RANKING Bolt-Action Rifles · Pre-WWI / Industrial Age
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
149BOLT-ACTION RIFLES22PRE-WWI / INDUSTRIAL AGE · BOLT-ACTION RIFLES1015UNITED STATES · ALL WEAPONS10PRICE · BOLT-ACTION RIFLES955PRICE · ALL WEAPONS52PERFORMANCE/PRICE · BOLT-ACTION RIFLES
ⓘ Rankings are within theBolt-Action Riflescategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE3terms
A breech mechanism in artillery where the breechblock slides vertically downward to open or close the breech.
Adjustable metal aiming devices on firearms, consisting of a front post and rear notch, used without magnification.
A firearm feed system where only one round is chambered and fired per cycle, requiring manual reloading.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources