Sharon Barrel

[1shotkempy]

I purchased a Sharon Barrel a little over 20 years old when the company was in Montana. The number 41 is stamped both on the barrel and breech. Where both the barrel and breech meet. Is this the twist of the barrel? I thought, maybe, they only made a 1/66 twist back then.

 

[oldarcher]

I have owned a number of Sharon barrels in the past and currently own two, one is in the process of being made into a Hawken. I have never owned a factory breeched barrel. None of the barrels were marked as you describe. I am reasonably sure that the number on your barrel does not refer to twist.
It may refer to a rifle builders barrel number? Was the barrel ever mounted in a rifle? In any event Sharon was a quality product and will make you a fine shooter. I always look for old barrels from Sharon or GRRW or B. Large and buy them when I can. They are very desirable and I use them whenever I can. Good luck with yours.

 

[Toomuch51]

The number 41 is stamped both on the barrel and breech. Where both the barrel and breech meet.

Is the number stamped on both pieces, or stamped once over the seam where the barrel and the breachplug meet. If the latter is the case I would suspect this would be the mark of the smith who breached the barrel and also serves as an alignment mark should the plug ever have to be removed for any reason.

Toomuch
------------
Shoot Flint

 

[1shotkempy]

Yes it is mounted on a Hawkens. .50 cal. 8 lands and groves. And I have shot before. Iron sights at 100yds drops them bulleyes. I use round ball at 120 grains FF black power.

 

[1shotkempy]

Stamped on BOTH pieces.

 

[BillinOregon]

Kempy, you might ask Joe at Oregon Barrel Works/Muzzleloading Emporium if he has any thoughts. He bought and runs the Sharon machinery.

 

[1shotkempy]

On the barrel it reads, "Sharon Rifle Barrel Co. .50 Cal". Purchased around 1988. Believe it was made when the company was located in Montana.

Had one owner that never fired it. It is 30.25 inches from end of barrel to breech. Breech is a brassy, (copper) color. I do believe it is a 1:72 twist. It shoots really well at 100 yards with iron sights only. I use a ball and place atop a wad. Since going to the wad vs. patch, accuracy has really tighten up on the bull eyes.

Only shot about 20 times. Was curious about the stamped "41" on both barrel and breech.

 

[excess650]

Was curious about the stamped "41" on both barrel and breech.

They are assembly numbers to keep the matched breech plug paired with the barrel.

 

[Birddog6]

That would be my guess as well. I know I have several rifle barrels inletted into stocks waiting on me to get to them. When I do this I mark the barrel & breechplug the same, because each plug is mated to each particular barrel & I want to be Sure they go back where they are intended. I usually put the serial number the rifle will be on the barrel bottom flat & the breechplug, then put the breechplug in a container with the lock & all the other misc. parts for that build.

One time I had 6 stocks shaped & barrels inlet, but forgot to mark the plugs & barrels. So I had to take them all back out of the stocks, fit each plug to Be Sure it was right, etc. From then on I mark the barrel & plug when I take the breechplug out.

Keith Lisle

 

[zrifleman]

Bill--I don't think Oregon Gun Works has the Sharon Rifle Barrel machinery. If memory serves correctly it was sold to Chuck Myers in southern Oregon who in turn sold it to Dan Young in Roseburg where it remains.

 

[1shotkempy]

Called Joe at Oregon Gun Works. He returned call. Nice guy. Talked quiet a bit. Gun Works did buy the equipment from Sharon Barrels when Sharon barrels was out of California. He is very certain barrel twist from Sharon during that period was 1:72. Specially from ball and wad.