TriStar 1863 instruction manual Paper Cartridge Loading, Powder and Bullet Loading

This manual includes instructions for the use and care of both percussion and metallic cartridge rifles and carbines. Please refer to the proper section for your rifle or carbine .

Section I: Model 1863 Percussion Rifle and Carbine

Step 1 - Initial Cleaning

Before firing your percussion Sharps for the first time, you should remove any excess factory lubricants applied to protect the gun during shipping. This process will be great ly simplified by field stripping the gun. (Please refer to the “Disassembly and Cleaning” section for field stripping instructions). Once this initial cleaning is completed, the gun should be re-lubric ated with quality gun oil. The initial cleaning process should include s wabbing the bore with several dry cleaning patches to remove all excess oil. The barrel must be clean, dry, and free of obstructions prior to firing.

Step 2 – Loading

The first step in the loading process is to make sure the muzzle of the gun is pointed in a SAFE DIRECTION!

Your Sharps rifle or carbine can be fired using either paper cartridges or bullet and powder. Each method is covered herein.

Before loading either a paper cartridge or powder and bullet, one or two perc ussion caps should be fired to clear any obstructions or excess oil from the nipple and flame channel.

PAPER CARTRIDGE LOADING

Your Sharps rifle or carbine can be fired using paper cartridges. Instructions for making paper cartridges can be found at the end of this section.

To load your gun with a paper cartridge, first plac e the hammer in the SAFE position by pulling it back into the half-c ock notch.

Next the trigger guard/lever should be extended fully downward which will lower the breech block and expose the chamber.

Carefully insert the paper cartridge into the chamber until the bullet seats firmly against the rifling. To insure a complete charge, sufficient pressure should be applied to the cartridge to slightly compact the powder charge in the cham ber.

Return the trigger guard/lever to the clos ed position... When the breech block is returned to the closed position, the back of the paper cartridge will be sheared off, exposing the powder to the flame channel.

Once the breech is closed, the gun should be turned over, allowing any excess powder to fall away from the action. This step is very IMPORTANT to ensure safe operation of the gun.

Your Sharps rifle or carbine is now ready for firing.

POWDER AND BULLET LOADING

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