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Since the Sharps company went bankrupt in the early 1880’s, and they were already in Conn., why didn’t Winchester buy them out instead of obtaining the Browning patent? One would have to assume that Browning’s falling block action was superior? Was it a modified Sharps? Or maybe their were other factors?
I’m sure Bert has a more detailed answer. The 1885’s were developed in the 1870’s with patents up to and including 1879. Really no need to buy Sharps. I am not sure if one action is really any stronger than the other?
As Chuck alluded to, the Browning Single Shot was introduced in 1878, and Winchester bought the patent from Browning in late 1883. I am not sure when the Sharps Rifle company finally went under (bankrupt), but it is my understanding that Oliver Winchester did purchase what was left of it.
In regards to the strength comparison, the Browning designed high-wall action is considerably stronger than the Sharps action, and it was a far superior design for being chambered for almost any cartridge of choice during that era. The centrally hung hammer was another big improvement over the Sharps.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Per Wiki Sharps went under in 1881.
Thanks for the input guys. It is an interesting subject to me.
November 7, 2015
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In reading Browning’s biography I got the impression that his design was influenced by the Sharps. It’s a good read if you haven’t already.
Mike
10-4 I’m sure it is very interesting. He was truly a genius.
I started wondering about influence from Sharps when I saw the famous photo of the Browning Bros. standing in front of their shop and all holding a Browning Single Shot. There is also a Sharps in the photo, and it is propping up the window.
Entire story fascinating.
November 7, 2015
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John Browning and his father were gunsmiths, as were his brothers. I have little doubt they worked on the Sharps rifles and other single shot rifles of the day so they were familiar with the designs extant. Campbell’s first volume on the Single Shot goes into the design of the 1885 much deeper than the Browning biography but the biography is much more entertaining.
You’re right, JMB was a rare genius whose designs are still current today, 130+ years later.
Mike
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