The Davide Pedersoli Sharps 1874 Sporting .45-70 32in Octagon Walnut is a single-shot falling-block rifle built for traditional sporting use and precision shooting from a stable, iron-sighted platform. It pairs a 32-inch blued octagonal barrel with a color case hardened steel receiver and an oiled satin walnut checkered stock. Chambered for .45-70 Government, this rifle is equipped with double set triggers and adjustable sights, with the action drilled and tapped to accept a Creedmoor-style diopter. Forged components and broached lining ensure period-accurate detail and reliable performance.
Specs
| Manufacturer | Davide Pedersoli |
|---|---|
| Model | Sharps 1874 Sporting |
| Material | Blued steel receiver and barrel, oiled satin walnut stock |
| Compatibility | .45-70 Government ammunition |
| Finish | Color case hardened receiver, blued barrel |
| Weight | Approximately 10.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 32-inch Octagonal Barrel — The extra length and mass stabilize the .45-70 round for tighter groups at long range, while the octagonal shape adds classic Sharps looks and reduces barrel whip.
- Double Set Triggers — Allows you to dial in a crisp, light trigger pull by setting the front trigger first, giving you precise control for target work without the creep of standard triggers.
- Color Case Hardened Receiver — This traditional finishing process creates a durable, wear-resistant surface with a unique mottled pattern that stands out on the range and resists corrosion.
- Oiled Satin Walnut Stock with Checkering — The hand-rubbed oil finish brings out the grain while the checkering provides a secure grip, even with sweaty hands during extended shooting sessions.
- Drilled and Tapped for Creedmoor Diopter — You can easily mount a period-correct peep sight for precision target shooting without gunsmithing, matching original Sharps competition rifles.
Who It’s For
This rifle is built for recreational shooters who love the history and challenge of single-shot black-powder cartridge guns, and for first-time buyers stepping into traditional long-range shooting. It’s also ideal for cowboy action shooters and hunters who want a reliable, accurate platform for .45-70 loads in the field or at the bench.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Authentic 1874 design with modern manufacturing tolerances; double set triggers give you match-grade trigger control; 32-inch barrel maximizes velocity and accuracy with .45-70; drilled and tapped for easy sight upgrades; forged steel action is built to last generations.
Cons: The 10.5-pound weight makes it a bit heavy for all-day carry in the field, and the single-shot action means slower follow-up shots compared to lever guns or bolt actions.
Comparison
| Feature | Davide Pedersoli Sharps 1874 Sporting | Zev Technologies OZ9 | Geissele Super Duty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action | Falling-block single shot | Striker-fired semi-auto | Gas-operated semi-auto |
| Caliber | .45-70 Government | 9mm | 5.56 NATO |
| Barrel Length | 32 inches | 4.5 inches | 16 inches |
| Weight | ~10.5 lbs | ~24 oz | ~6.5 lbs |
| Intended Use | Traditional target/hunting | Competition/defense | Duty/tactical |
| Price Range | $2,145 | $1,800–$2,200 | $1,900–$2,400 |
FAQ
What type of ammunition works best with this rifle?
This rifle is chambered for .45-70 Government. For best accuracy, use standard-pressure lead or jacketed loads (not hot +P loads) to match the original black-powder ballistics. Many shooters prefer 405-grain or 500-grain cast bullets for target work.
Can I mount a scope on the Davide Pedersoli Sharps 1874 Sporting?
Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped to accept a Creedmoor-style diopter sight, and you can also install a scope mount using the existing holes. However, the rifle’s design is optimized for iron sights, so a low-profile scope works best to maintain the classic look.
How do the double set triggers work?
To use them, first cock the hammer, then push the rear trigger forward until it clicks. This sets the front trigger to a very light pull weight (often 1–2 lbs). Then you can fire by lightly squeezing the front trigger. You can also fire without setting by pulling the front trigger directly, but the pull will be heavier.
Is this rifle suitable for hunting?
Absolutely. The .45-70 Government is a proven hunting round for medium to large game like deer, elk, and boar. The 32-inch barrel provides good velocity, and the single-shot action forces you to make each shot count. Just be aware of the weight if you’re hiking long distances.
Trust & Delivery
- ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✅ 30-day returns
- ✅ Secure checkout
Last updated: April 2026
Browse more single shot rifles in our Single Shot Rifles category, or check out our .45-70 Ammunition and Traditional Firearms sections.
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