Greetings Gentlemen.  I've been looking for info (OK, opinions) on Axtell Rifles - I've seen some comments other places, but thought I'd go straight to the experts.  Also, could anyone tell me when they started making them and how many per year are made?  Are the reliable?  Accurate?  Value? etc.  They certainly look nice, but as we used to say in the Army "Looks good, but will it fight?"  Thanx

forestock

It is a beautiful rifle !! 

Sending you a PM ... I think I can add some history on this particular rifle for the owner.

I shoot an Axtell Lower Sporter 45-70 in BPCR and I thinkCarmen and her crew are making the most beautiful Sharps you can buy. Not only that but they will shoot with the best of them. Reccomend without reservation.                   Best Roger

Several years ago at the Maryland Arms collectors show there was an exhibit of original Creedmores, dozen or so rifles.  Carmen Axtell had one of her Sharps Creedmores on display nearby.  Kept going back and forth from original to reproduction. The Axtell rifle was perfect, lines. shape, fit. finish, was as if one of the old rifles was reborn.

With firearms the difference between good and great can be hard to describe. You know it when you see it though.  Single shots, Shotguns Bolt guns all the same when it's right it pop's when you look at it. To my eye the Axtell Sharps is as good as it gets.

Boats

Have been shooting Long Range and Mid Range Black Powder Cartridge Target competitive events for several years.  While the Axtell Sharps is not numerous, the folks that shoot them, like them and shoot them well.  I have seen it in the winners circle more than once in Long Range.

To me how well a rifle shoots is everything.  Yes, it is nice if it is attractive to the eye but where does it land the bullets?  When asked, each Axtell owner comments the same, "and yes, it really shoots well."

To my good fortune, I coincidentally shot next to Carmen Axtell at the National Championship Black Powder Target Matches at Raton, New Mexico in August 2007.  And yes she was shooting her own Axtell in 45-70.  The rifle and the lady can shoot.

While talking to Carmen I also took a good look at her rifle.  In casual conversation it was obvious that the rifle is used more than most folks would use one in competition.  It bears the use well which is another plus for the rifle to my way of thinking.

Carmen is the nicest person you would want to meet and is justifiably proud of her rifle.  She does not mind letting you shoot it.  In fact, she brought extra ammunition with her just for that purpose.  And by the way, have not the really great gun makers in history also been shooters of their own guns, ie, Harry Pope, L.L. Hepburn, etc.

In Spanish there is a saying, Si Compras barato, compras mas hace rato.  Which means, (not literal translation), If you buy cheap, you will buy again shortly.  That is not the case with the Axtell Sharps.  Obviously it is a good value for the price.

And yes I am plotting, along with my son, as to just exactly how do we secure one.  Fear not, we will be successful, the question is simply when.  Why?  First, because it is a shooter and second because it has a feel in your hands that is like no other.  Mine wont be a wall hanger.  It will get used.

Drooool.  So surprise us.  What's the price?  Wait while I check the bank balance.

Jerry Liles

Thats a very nice rifle if the rest of it looks like the action.   

What twist is the barrel, who made the barrel, how long is the barrel, and what does the rifle weigh?