johnefelts,
What probably happened was loose powder accumulated into the space between the forearm and barrel right in front of the breech when the breechblock cuts the cartridge to expose the powder charge when loading, and some loose powder drops in that space. Then at that point when you fired there was leakage of hot gases and fire from between the breechblock pressure plate and chamber igniting the powder accumulated. In essance, a small bomb. I was told the Sharps is prone to this when loading it holding the gun straight up and down and to be aware of this situation by older Sharp's shooters. I shoot an original 1863 Sharps Carbine and have not experienced it at all, and don't want to. When I load a cartridge and close the breech, I hold the gun on it's side so no powder will go down there, and also wipe any residue off the top of the breechblock before applying the cap.
It's the only thing I can think that happened. The only other thing that I can think of that would split the forearm would be the barrel bursting in that area, but that did not happen because you shot it afterward with no incident. Hope this helps.
Francis J. Miller Jr. (Herb)
Lancaster Fencibles / 79th PVI
Middle Atlantic Region
153-MA - 2601V
Middle Atlantic Region Provost Marshal
N-SSA National Provost Guard
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