Cimarron Pride of the Plains Sharps Rifle .45-70 Govt 1rd Capacity 30″ Octagon Barrel

If you’re chasing sub-MOA groups at 500 yards with iron sights, the Cimarron Pride of the Plains Sharps Rifle .45-70 Govt 1rd Capacity 30″ Octagon Barrel is the rifle that delivers. This replica of the classic buffalo gun combines a coin nickel receiver with a high-polish blued 30-inch octagon barrel, hand-checkered pistol grip stock, and a Bridgeport-type Schnabel forearm. It’s built for the shooter who demands accuracy, reliability, and old-school craftsmanship—without compromise.

Manufacturer	Cimarron
Model	Pride of the Plains
Material	Steel receiver and barrel, walnut stock
Compatibility	.45-70 Government ammunition
Finish	Coin nickel receiver, high-polish blued barrel
Weight	~9.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• 30-inch Octagon Barrel – Why it matters: The extra mass and length stabilize heavy .45-70 rounds, reducing muzzle flip and tightening groups at distance.
• Creedmoor Rear Sight with Tunnel Front – Why it matters: Precision aperture and interchangeable front inserts let you dial in elevation and windage for consistent hits on steel or paper.
• Coin Nickel Receiver – Why it matters: Corrosion-resistant finish protects the action from sweat and humidity during long range sessions, while the polished look turns heads at the line.
• Hand-Checkered Pistol Grip Stock – Why it matters: The checkering provides a secure purchase even with sweaty hands, and the pistol grip improves trigger control for repeatable shots.
• Bridgeport-Type Schnabel Forearm – Why it matters: The slim, contoured shape allows a natural cradling grip, reducing fatigue during extended shooting strings.

Who It’s For

This rifle is for the competition shooter who runs single-shot matches, silhouette events, or long-range precision steel. It’s also for the collector who appreciates authentic 1870s design with modern manufacturing tolerances. If you’re reloading .45-70 for consistent velocity and seating depth, this platform rewards that effort.

Pros and Cons

• Pro: The 30-inch barrel generates higher muzzle velocity for flatter trajectories at 300–500 yards.
• Con: Weight of 9.5 lbs makes it less ideal for hunting in thick brush where you need to carry all day.
• Pro: The Creedmoor sight setup is one of the most adjustable iron sight systems available for long-range precision.

Comparison

Feature	Cimarron Pride of the Plains	Shiloh Sharps 1874 Long Range	Pedersoli 1874 Sharps Creedmoor
Barrel Length	30″ octagon	30″ octagon	32″ octagon
Receiver Finish	Coin nickel	Case-hardened	Blued
Stock	Hand-checkered pistol grip	Straight grip	Pistol grip
Price	$2,747.39	$3,200+	$2,500–$2,800

Compared to Shiloh’s custom builds, the Cimarron offers a more accessible price point while retaining a classic look. Against Pedersoli, the Cimarron’s coin nickel finish is more corrosion-resistant than standard bluing.

FAQ

What is the barrel twist rate on the Cimarron Pride of the Plains?

The barrel is rifled with a 1:20 twist rate, optimized for 405–500 grain .45-70 bullets used in long-range competition.

Does this rifle come with a tang sight?

No, it ships with a Creedmoor rear sight and tunnel front sight with inserts. You can add a tang sight if you prefer, but the Creedmoor setup is highly accurate out of the box.

Is the receiver drilled and tapped for a scope?

No, the receiver is not pre-drilled. This is a dedicated iron-sight rifle, though a competent gunsmith can add a scope mount if you’re willing to modify the classic design.

What ammunition is recommended for best accuracy?

Handloaded 405-grain cast bullets with a moderate charge of IMR 4198 or similar powder typically produce the tightest groups. For factory ammo, try Black Hills 405-grain or Hornady 325-grain FTX.

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Last updated: April 2026

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