I've owned a Pedersoli 1874 Sharps for just over a year now and can only say good things about it. Mine is the less expensive model sold by Cabela's and is in 45-70 with a 30" barrel. I mounted a globe front sight and the Dr. Goodwin-style Creedmore rear sight. Both are Pedersoli. Although an unusual design, the Goodwin sight has a true vernier scale for both windage and elevation, making adjustments very easy. It also locks solidly in position.
On Saturday, 8 January, our local club opened a new 350 yard range and we held our inaugural Buffalo Match. I shot against three competitors who were using Shiloh Sharps and others using Hi-Walls, Rolling Blocks etc. I won by a single target but would have scored better had I not shot the wrong turkey at 200 yards. That cost me two targets!
A couple of fellows found that the load they used at 200 meters in the past was inadequate for the big rams at 350 yards.
The quality of my Pedersoli seems to be excellent in all respects. It's not a Shiloh but then I didn't pay but 1/3 the cost of a Shiloh. I predict that you're going to love your Christmas present!