Shiloh Sharps 1863 rifle

**spadegrip** · 08-06-2015

Is it necessary to have a patch box on your Sharps rifle to qualify in competition. I have an 1863 Shiloh rifle that does not have a patch box and was wondering if it's N-SSA legal. Thanks

**John Holland** · 08-06-2015

All Sharps Rifles used in the N-SSA's competitive matches are required to have a patch box. Why, you may ask? Because ALL original Sharps Rifles used in the American Civil War had patch boxes. Now, why doesn't your Sharps Rifle have a patch box? Because whom ever ordered it originally didn't want to pay the extra cost to have one installed at the time of the order.

This topic has been a sore point for a few of our competitors who have felt they shouldn't have to add a patch box to the order because of the excessive cost, which quite frankly is price gouging in my opinion. The original N-SSA Production Approval for the Shiloh Sharps Rifle included the patch box so, if for nothing else, you must have a patch box on your Shiloh Sharps Rifle.

John Holland
Chairman, Small Arms Committee

**Eggman** · 08-07-2015

The patch box on the Sharps originated during the pre Civil War period during the ongoing wars with the plains Comanches. Despite the Sharps habitually failing to fire, the plains soldiers found that by polishing the patch box lid super bright they could blind rampaging Comanches by reflecting sunlight from the dazzling box lid into their choke-cherry eyes whereupon the Indians would become disoriented, most then loosing the reins which in turn upset their balance whereupon most subsequently fell off their horses -- becoming unhorsed as they say. The soldiers could then kill the dazed warriors with rocks
Of course later on a coffee mill replaced the patch box on some of the guns for obvious reasons.

**kowdok** · 08-07-2015

Eggman, the way your brain works (or doesn't work) is down right scary!!!!!!!! By the way, I would really like to come to Eva this year, can you get me some info on the skirmish, directions, schedule, accommodations, etc.?

**Jim Wimbish, 10395** · 08-07-2015

The Sharps rifle with the patch box was used by infantry units. The Model 1863 (and later) Sharps carbines, which lacked patch boxes, were used by cavalry during the Civil War and in the Indian Wars in a 50/70 centerfire version.

**Lou Lou Lou** · 08-07-2015

John
Clearly the gun doesn't meet production approval. Is it possible to have an individual approval? Just increasing my knowledge.

**Eggman** · 08-07-2015

Originally Posted by kowdok

I would really like to come to Eva this year, can you get me some info on the skirmish, directions, schedule, accommodations, etc.?

Kowdok --- the Eva skirmish is held at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park. That's close by the Tennessee River on the west side in central Tennessee. You'll want to make a stop at the new Johnsonville CW museum on your way up (the huge Union depot there utterly destroyed by Forrest's artillery from across the river). It begins Nov. 6. They have a large barracks and meeting hall there most of the guys stay in. I believe they have some cabins available also. Forrest Escort POC would be Jim Koch whom you know well. His email address is jfkoch1950@gmail.com.
I'm glad I was able to provide you with some historical backgound on the Sharps patch box as I continue to hone my writing skills. Say Hi to Marty!!

**John Holland** · 08-07-2015

LouLouLou - All Sharps Rifles used in the N-SSA are required to have a patch box.

**Eggman** · 08-11-2015

Thinking about carbines again, rechecked the zero on the Maynard on the 50 yd target. Four out of five shots inside the ten ring. The only down side - you can't grind coffee beans with this gun.