User's Guide

SHARPS – USER’S MANUAL
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 Close the breech block.
 Closing the breech block will cut the end of the paper cartridge, thus allowing the black powder to flow
into the cartridge chamber.
 Clean the rifle from any residues of black powder.
 Your Sharps is now ready to be used.
 Now direct the gun in the shooting direction and place the cap over the nipple.
 Fully cock the hammer and shoot.
 Nitre paper has the characteristic to burn completely once black powder burns, so you will not have
residues in the chamber.
 IT IS FUNDAMENTAL TO wipe cartridge chamber between one shot and the other. Eventual sparks could
cause next shot explosion while you are still loading.
The third system is using brass shells (item ref. 970.012-970.119). Shells work in the same way as paper
cartridges, but with the advantage they can be re-used.
 Fill in the brass shell with black powder.
 We suggest a quantity of black powder of 47÷50 grs for .45 caliber and 52÷55 grs for .54 caliber. Such
loads are referred to Swiss powder no.2; the quantity may vary according to the grain of black or
equivalent powder (Pyrodex) used and to the style of the bullet..
 In order to avoid powder leaking from the injection hole, place on the bottom of the shell a little piece of
thin paper.
 Insert a lubricated bullet and make sure it is correctly seated on the black powder.
 Powder must be slightly pressed for about 1÷2 mm; excessive pressure could cause a loss of power.
 It’s fundamental not to leave any gap between black powder and bullet.
 Together with the shells you will find a brass base, which must be inserted inside the breechblock to obtain
a tight closing and a lower gas escape.
 Place the hammer in half cock.
 Open the block.
 Insert the cartridge into the chamber.
 Pierce the paper placed on the bottom of the shell to allow the sparks to light the powder.
 Close the breech block.
 Remove any powder residues from the rifle.
 Your Sharps is now ready to shoot.
 Now direct your rifle in shooting direction and place cap on the nipple.
 Fully cock the hammer and shoot.