I got a really nice Sharps Borchardt from an estate.  The current barrel is a in 45-70, it shoots well but I am really not liking the recoil.  A second barrel came with it, a Marquard? I believe very good condition.  The problem is that it is in 30-30 chambered for breech seating and also has a 12" twist.  I've been watching Schuetzen match results and not ever seen this 30 cal. combination ever being listed.  Could it be said that this combination would not be competitive with the majority of 32 cal. chamberings already out there?

In a quality bolt action or a good single shot, the .30-30 is a very accurate cartridge.  Track down a Remington Model 788 in that chambering and do some accuracy testing with one.  You'll be surprised (and pleased).

I'm sure a Stevens 44-1/2, Winchester High Wall, your Sharps or another appropriate action would do as well.

The rifle is not a collector's item since it has already been re-barreled.

The rifle would make an excellent Schuetzen rifle if the trigger has a fine pull weight of less than one pound.

The existing barrel could have a liner installed or the action could be re-barreled.

Your approach is dependent on how much you are willing to spend to convert it forthe shooting discipline you wish to become involved in.

The caliber and barrel twist is dependent on whether you wish to shoot smokeless powder in ASSRA or ISSA events or if you wish to shoot Black Powder Schuetzen, or BPCR Silhouette or long range Black Powder Target shooting. 

You could try the Schuetzen game with what you have and from your endeavours be exposed to shooters and equipment that may influence you to what you wish to convert the rifle to.

If your barrel, is in deed a Atkinson & Marquert Rifle Co. this is what my A&M barrel will do, at 200 yards, BSed. It's 30/40 Imp but, I shot this target with a reduced capacity case.

I've shot 30 cal in competition for at least 12 years, in 3 different chambering's (32/35, 30/40 Wesson & my 30/40 Imp). I've only done a little with the 30/30 and haven't shot it in competition but, it will work as well as a 32/40 if you do your home work.

A good BSer, mold and then work up a load, is all you'll need, if there are no issues with the rifle, it's self, such as trigger, forearm & butt stock bedding.

Frank

I'd really give the 30-30 barrel a good shot ( pun intended). I had a Winchester 54 action that had a badly pitted barrel and even with the factory sights would shoot great groups. Always seem to have missed out on the Rem 788 in 30-30. Did have one in 222 that shot like a house afire. Frank

What a great place. Where else can one proudly proclaim to be a BSer and be praised for it by so many others?

Maybe you're a BSer too. Think about it......

I recall having a high wall in 30/30 at one time .  It shot very nicely, but mama needed a new van and it and a Ballard left my house.  I think you will find it both pleasant to shoot, and quite accurate.