Good day, folks

I am interested to hear as many opinions as can be found about the choices for Sharps reproductions out there. I am possibly able to soon afford one, but have heard so many stories about the good, bad, and ugly of the reproductions that have been made over the many years since I first felt an interest in the old single shots.

Originals I have seen were too bloody expensive to consider.

I have looked also at the Winchester 1885, but as with the Sharps, originals are too costly for me.

It's not possible to have too many replies, so ...... fire away!

Thanks

DJ

It's WAAYYY to spendy for me at this time but the Dakota 'Little Sharps' is the only one I'm interested in

http://www.dakotaarms.com/INVENTORY/inventory.htm

Wes

I had one of the C. Sharps Arms Company's New Model 1875's in .32/40 caliber. A beautifully made and finished arm, and extremely accurate with old-time, Pope-type cast-bullet Scheutzen target loads. It also shot well with 150-0grain Hornady 8mm bullets loaded to over 1800 FPS as a deer load. I really like this particular 1875 model. The action is much reduced in size and weight from the 1874's, and is just as strong if not stronger. It is not too heavy, and has a great trigger.

[ 08-12-2003, 18:04: Message edited by: eldeguello ]

I have a Pedersoli 1874 Sharps sporter with the pistol grip buttstock. I think this is a fine gun. A friend of mine has a Pedersoli and 2 Shiloh Sharps They are super looking guns.But even he would tell you the Pedersoli shoot better. These are all in 45-70. If you have any more questions email me at Thomcat@fnbnet.net

I have 2 Pedersoli Sharps, one in 45/70 and a Shilouette model in 40/65 as well as a rolling block "target model" in 45/70.

The 40/65, I purchased new and the others were "as new" from shooters that couldn't get them to shoot.

All three are very accurate but as with all things "shooting" they need to be tuned. The very basics are use good quality components, use projectiles as cast, good lube and be consistant with your loading methods.

I weigh all charges, projectiles to +/- 0.1gn and have shot 10 shot groups over a bench with the 45/70 at 100yds as small as 1.2".

The recoil of the 40/65 is only about 70% of the larger 45/70 which is a real bonus in a full 40 shot BP silhouette match.

C. Sharps and Shiloh make great repros. Just a bit down the line in terms of fit and finish are the Pedersolis.

On a "good" day I can get cloverleaf groups with my Pedersoli Silhouette 45-70 ; can't imagine I would shoot better with the more expensive C. Sharps or Shiloh, although I would look better doing it.

If looking for a Pedersoli be sure to get one from Cabelas, Dixie Gun works, or Navy Arms, as they import the better quality ones. Pedersoli will also make lower-grade rifles for Traditions, etc., where the fit isn't as good.

Stay away from the other Italian repros as the workmanship is inferior to the Pedersoli.