Experience with quality of ArmiSport (Taylor's) Sharps 1874 repros?

[iamkris]

I've had a hankerin' for a Sharps 1874 for quite a while. I enjoy the curious looks I get at the range when in the same session I pull out an AR, FN-FAL, Winchester 92, Colt SAA and a CZ75. A Sharps would certainly add to the confusion of what kind of guns I like (Answer: ALL of them) plus there's a lot of history and romance associated with a Sharps.

I certainly know that C Sharp or Shiloh (both US manf) are the best...and come with a commensurate price. That's a price that I can't afford right now (need to stay under $1000-1200).

When looking at the Italian repros, I've heard nothing but good things about the Pedersoli's as imported by Cabelas, NavyArms, Dixie and Cimmaron. I've also heard warnings about some of the other manufacturers (IAB, Pedretti) that their quality can be hit or miss.

I have leads on a couple of good looking Taylor's Sharps made by Armi Sport (I think they also go by ASM?). Both meet the physical criteria of what I want (45-70, 32" octagonal barrels, pewter foreend cap, double set tirggers, tang rear/globe front sights).

Does anyone have direct knowledge or the quality, accuracy, reliability, fit and finish of the Armi Sport's?

Thanks.

 

[Pappy John]

I've never handled an Armi Sport, but I've had this Cimmaron 'Billy Dixon' model since '95. I've shot a little bit better groups with it before, but this is my most recent outing on an unusually warm day for January. 480 gr postels over around 62 grs of FFG and a magmun primer.

Yes, the Sharps always attracts attention at the range. Even if it doesn't get noticed right away, the low boom and cloud of smoke usually gets a few raised heads.