The Model 1878 is an internal hammer, breech loading single shot rifle produced from 1878 to 1881 with a total production of approximately 8,700. The top of the barrel is marked "OLD RELIABLE", "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT. CONN." ahead of the rear sight, "CALIBRE 40" behind the rear sight and a small "1 1/16" on the right side at the breech. The left side of the receiver is marked "BORCHARDT PATENT / SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT CONN. / U.S.A.". It is equipped with a folding ladder rear sight graduated to 800 yards , standing front sight and a sliding trigger safety. Smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a checkered iron buttplate. Sharps manufactured about 62 of these Hunters rifles.

Very fine. The barrel has a smooth plum patina with strong original blue in protected areas. The receiver retains approximately 60-70% of the original thinning blue mixed with smooth brown patina. The buttplate has a smooth gray patina. The lever shows strong faded original case colors on the upper front sides while the balance has a smooth mottled gray patina. The wood is very fine with almost all of the original varnish on the stock and about 50% on the forearm. The underside of the forearm where it is handled the most has a hand rubbed patina. All of the markings are crisp and clear. The bore is excellent with some light pitting and good rifling. The action is excellent.