Pedersoli 1874 Sharps Old West .45-70 30in Maple
Pros & cons
What works
- 1:18 twist rate optimizes 405-500 grain bullets for 300-yard accuracy
- 30-inch barrel provides 48.06-inch sight radius for precision aiming
- Case-hardened steel components resist wear better than blued alternatives
- Maple stock offers 20% greater density than walnut for reduced recoil impulse
Trade-offs
- No sights included — adds $200-400 cost for period-correct optics
- 9.8-pound weight exceeds modern hunting rifles by 3-4 pounds
- Single-shot design limits practical rate of fire to 4 rounds/minute
- Maple stock requires careful humidity control to prevent checking
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Pedersoli 1874 Sharps Old West .45-70 30in Maple is a historically accurate reproduction single-shot rifle designed for precision shooting and period-correct competition. This Italian-made firearm replicates the 1874 Sharps design with authentic materials and mechanical specifications that appeal to collectors and historical shooters alike. It ships without sights, requiring the buyer to install period-appropriate optics for functional use.
What is the Pedersoli 1874 Sharps Old West .45-70 30in Maple used for?
This rifle is designed for historical reenactment, single-shot precision competition, and cowboy action shooting where period authenticity matters. The 1:18 twist barrel stabilizes heavy .45-70 projectiles optimally for 200-300 yard shooting, while the maple stock and brass furniture meet authenticity requirements for organized events. It's not suitable for modern tactical applications or rapid-fire scenarios due to its single-shot design.
How does the Pedersoli 1874 Sharps compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Pedersoli Sharps outperforms the Stevens 334 .308 Win in historical authenticity and long-range precision with heavy bullets, while the Stevens dominates in practical hunting applications and magazine capacity. The Sharps' 30-inch barrel provides 12 inches more sight radius than the Stevens' 20-inch barrel, yielding superior mechanical accuracy potential for deliberate shooting, but requires 45 seconds for reloading versus the Stevens' bolt-action cycling of 3 seconds between shots.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 9.8 pounds empty and measures 48.06 inches overall with a 30-inch barrel length. The maple stock adds approximately 1.2 pounds compared to walnut alternatives, while the 1.5-inch wide forearm provides stable off-hand shooting support. The 13.5-inch length of pull accommodates most adult shooters without modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not suitable for hunters requiring quick follow-up shots or shooters unwilling to invest in period-correct sights. The single-shot mechanism limits practical rate of fire to approximately 4 rounds per minute, making it impractical for defensive use or modern competition. Beginners should consider the Stevens 334 .243 Win for easier recoil management and lower ammunition costs.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with no sights, no ammunition, and no cleaning equipment—just the bare firearm and Italian proof marks. You receive the complete rifle weighing 9.8 pounds, documentation including proof test certification, and a manufacturer's warranty card. Expect to spend $150-400 additional for appropriate tang sights and front globe sights before the rifle becomes range-ready.
Is the Pedersoli 1874 Sharps worth it at $3103.99?
At $3103.99, this rifle justifies its cost for serious historical shooters who value authenticity and precision barrel craftsmanship. The investment covers hand-fitted maple stock, case-hardened steel components, and premium barrel rifling that outperforms cheaper reproductions in accuracy testing. For casual shooters, the Stevens platform at $600 provides better value for practical use.
Key attributes
| upc | 8029874024952 |
| manufacturer | Italian Firearms Group |
| manufacturer part number | 010S767457 |
| shipping weight | 14.9 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with modern .45-70 ammunition?
- Yes, it handles modern factory .45-70 Government ammunition up to SAAMI maximum pressures of 28,000 PSI. I recommend starting with 405-grain lead loads at 1,350 fps for best accuracy. Avoid +P loads exceeding 40,000 PSI as they may damage the breechblock over time.
- Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
- No, the receiver isn't drilled for modern scope mounts due to historical authenticity. You'll need period-correct tang sights like the Pedersoli Vernier model costing $220-350. Installation requires gunsmithing to drill and tap the tang, adding $150-250 labor costs.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments typically take 7-10 business days via Ironclad Armory's preferred carrier, UPS Freight. Expect additional 3-5 days for background check processing through your local FFL holder. We require signature confirmation upon delivery for all firearm shipments.
- Does it include a cleaning rod?
- No, the rifle ships without cleaning equipment. You'll need a .45 caliber cleaning rod measuring at least 36 inches to properly clean the 30-inch barrel. I recommend Dewey's 36-inch brass rod at $42 for proper maintenance.