Sharps 1874

[TomADC]

Picked up my new Pedersoli 1874 Sharps today 45-70 its the silhouette model, if the weather holds off to range in the morning. This one has the ladder type rear sight but hope to add the creedmore tang sight later.
Pictures to follow.

 

[BHP FAN]

Congrats! I have the IAB 1863 Sporting Rifle [paper cutter .54] and really like the Sharps.

 

[TomADC]

This one came with a box of Winchester 300 gr JHP ammo they are a tad warmer at 1880 fps then I'd want but I need empty cases and so I'll run these thru the gun tomorrow at the range.

 

[TomADC]

This what I was supposed to shoot today

 

[George757]

Congratulations on your new acquisition. I got to shoot an 1874 (in 45-70) for the first time last summer and really enjoyed it. Now, I'm saving my pennies. If it weren't for a 'good deal' on a Swiss K-31 that came my way, I'd own a Sharps by now. I hope to join the club soon. Nice gun!

 

[sundance44s]

Nice wood on your new Sharps ..
Ya might want to get a shoulder pad for bench shooting ....Old shoulder wounds will appear with the first shot .
But then again if your a young fellow , you may still enjoy guns that kill on both ends ..ha ha
Those smokeless Winchester rounds will wake ya up .....I shoot only B/P rounds in mine , it tames the recoil somewhat .

 

[fineredmist]

Tom,
May I give you my impressions of the .45-70 cartridge? It is a real powerhouse even at BP velocities. I shoot an Uberti 1885 HighWall in .45-70 and find it to be fairly tame with the right loads. I load 28.gr of 5477 with a hardcast 405gr lead bullet and get 1300 fps which is about the original loading. The load is very accurate and the recoil is mild. I have loaded the same 405 gr bullet with 65 gr FF and 54 gr of Shockley's Gold and I can tell you it becomes a different animal. The velocities are about the same but the recoil becomes abusive. More powder, more recoil no doubt about it. I have used 300 gr, hard cast lead and have had good results and the recoil is a bit milder. If you intend to kill paper targets there is no need to beat yourself up with heavy loads and if you are planning a hunt with the Sharps then your BP velocities will get the job done.
Pedersoli sells a variety of tang sights and depending on money and intended usage you have a good selection. I would recommend the "HadleyCup" eye piece as the openings are adjustable which is very helpful.
Enjoy the Sharps.

 

[TomADC]

Thanks all been out of town the last 4 days & no internet.
Lots of good info here.
BTW I'm a young 68 year old and don't find recoil all that much.. I shoot BP thru my trapdoor and maybe thry the sharps.
I have a pound each of IMR 3031 & Varget I liked the pressures being well under 29,000 c.u.p.

 

[TomADC]

Tomorrow I get to test drive the Sharps going to shoot both the Winchester factory rounds and some BP just because a Sharps deserves BP...