The Shoots Far Gun

Some modern firearms “experts” argue that the Sharps Big Fifty rifle couldn’t have made Billy Dixon’s famous nearly-mile-long shot. Wanna bet?

- Phil Spangenberger

American Indians called the Sharps buffalo rifle the “Shoots Far Gun,” or the gun that “shoots today and kills tomorrow,” and for good reason. In the hide-hunting years of the 1870s, the heavy Sharps rifle was the “buffalo gun” of choice with many hide men. While they made most of their shots at around 200 yards or less, the savvy buffalo hunters realized that when hunting in Indian country, they should keep about 10 cartridges set aside for selfdefense. With these few rounds, they were able to keep hostile tribesmen at a safe distance from their bows and arrows and many of their firearms, until they made it back to camp.