I have a few original(5) sharps rifles and this particular one has an interesting but very different stock. It appears that it has several lead weights inserted under the butt plate. The rifle is an original New Model 1869 sporter. This is one of only 50 made in 1869 thru about 1872. It is a transition model between the percussion models and the 1874 cartridge models. Its in caliber 44-77. This particular rifle is in exceptional condition, so I'm assuming that the lead weights in the butt are factory original since nothing else on the rifle has been modified. Take a look at the picture and tell me if you have seen anything similar or what you think.
Thanks in advance!

Oleblacksmith wrote on Feb 6^th, 2026 at 9:11pm:

Would you mind posting a picture of the top of your receiver and the right side of your receiver so we could take a look at it. I had an 1869 once and shot a deer with it but my lock plate was a ground down percussion plate and I was wondering what the original looks like as they are very rare rifle. Thanks

I don't remember reading anything in the Seller's book about stock weights. Back then if the original cast wanted to cut down the recoil they ordered the rifle with a heavy barrel ie the 12,14,16, & 25 pound rifles. If your rifle is a standard weight barrel I'd say that the original owner was ahead of his time by drilling the stock and adding the lead weight.

marlinguy wrote on Feb 7^th, 2026 at 10:37am:

Mine is all original shipped in 1871 to H.E. Adams according to RL Moore's letter. Its in fantastic condition except for the weights in the stock which are fairly easily remedied. There is a faint crack on one side of the stock which caused me to pull the butt plate. I'm glad I did since shrinkage around the lead is probably causing the crack. One of these days I'll post some pictures of the rifle.