Hello Mike,

The Sharps Rifle Co. made the Borchardt model in several calibres. The military rifle variant (as per your picture) was made in 40/70, 44/77 and 45/70 only. The military carbine only in 45/70. 

Other versions of the rifle were factory chambered in 40/45, 40/65, 40/70BN, 40/90, 44/77, 45/70, 45/90 and 45/100. The Sharps Factory used to stamp the cartridge case length on the barrels of their rifles rather than use a calibre and powder charge weight. e.g. 45 2.4", 45 2.6" and occasionally 45 2.7/8". If yours has an original Sharps barrel the calibre stampings should be visible.

I can find no record in my files on the Borchardt for any 50 calibre chambering or any shotgun calibre. It is not impossible that the rifle was rebarrelled or bored out by a custom gunsmith of the period. I see no reason why the Borchardt couldn't be be chambered for the 50/70 or 50/90, it was certainly one of the strongest of all the Black Powder actions ever made and many were rechambered for smaller high intensity modern rounds. I've never heard of a factory made rifle blowing up with standard Sharps loadings, although I'm sure that somewhere, some dipstick 'experimenter' has managed to do just that.  

Harry

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Hello zrifleman,

Now that is interesting. I know sharps dropped all the 50 Cal rifles from standard production with the Borchardt and even included that info in their Catalogues. However thay did say that other calibres would be available to Special Order. So, it is possible that they were Factory built. Does either rifle look like it was made as a 50 cal. in the Sharps Factory or are there indications that it could have been converted by a gunsmith after being sold. I'd be very interested in your opinion.

Harry.

Skalkaho
While you have it with Argus have him install his double set triggers. I have A Barker Borchardt and the Schoyen style Double sets he built for it are some of the best triggers I have ever used.
40 Rod

40Rod. Argus set A DDT on the workbench, WOW! The guy really has it down and yes we have talked about it maybe down the way but $$$. It would be my main Schuetzen if I go that route down the way. I only own a few guns, but there shooters not safe queens.I'll have to lay it all out and take a pic once we rough out the stock. Pete

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Thanks for that info zrifleman, 

Hmm a .577 BP Express would kick at both ends. No doubt it would have the support of the Dental Profession who could make a fortune straightening your teeth after you had been firing it. lol.

Harry