According to "Sharps Firearms" by Frank Sellers, Sharps only manufactured approximately 75 of these No. 3 Long Range rifles between November 1875 to October 1879. These rifles were specifically manufactured for competition shooting, which had become extremely popular in North America and Europe in the late 19th century, but were also highly regarded as long range hunting rifles. This Sharps Model 1874 Long Range rifle has an accompanying factory letter that lists it by serial number as originally invoiced from the Sharps Bridgeport factory on March 19, 1878 to Sharps employee Wallace B. Gunn, and was then, in turn, sent to H.P. King of New Britain, Connecticut. It is listed as a "Model 1874 Long-Range rifle No. 3" in .45 caliber using the 2 4/10 inch case, with a 34 inch barrel, weight not noted, and a list price of $75.00. This example is chambered for the desirable .45 2 4/10 Sharps caliber, also referred to by some sources as .45-90 Sharps, with a dovetail mounted adjustable windgauge globe front sight and an adjustable ladder peep rear sight mounted on the upper tang, with another provision for the peep sight to also mount on top of the buttstock. The top barrel flat is marked with the bordered "Old Reliable" ahead of the Sharps Bridgeport address, with "2 4/10" upside down on the right barrel flat at the breech. The left side of the receiver is marked with the two-line Sharps 1869 patent date, and the serial number "156183" is marked on the upper tang beneath the tang sight with a few of the numbers properly factory offset around the tang sight provisions, with matching "156183" on the bottom of the barrel. It is mounted with a checkered walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a checkered wrist and flat checkered steel buttplate.

Exceptionally fine, retains 80% plus faded original blue finish with some areas of thinning on the barrel, 60% plus vivid original case colors strongest on the sides of the frame with areas turned to smooth brown patina on the balance, some scattered light surface freckling, and sharp markings and edges in the metal. Wood is very fine with distinct edges, a few light nicks and handling marks, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. This exceptional Sharps Model 1874 Long Range No. 3 rifle would make a fine addition to any antique American arms collection.