Mod 1874 or 1875 Sharps in 45-70?

[streak]

Which of these two rifles would you prefer if using omly for silhouette  or hunting?
Pros and cons would also be interesting!!

[Nobade]

Well, I have a '75 but no '74. The '75 is a lot smaller and lighter, (action anyway, barrels will vary) and quite a bit less expensive. For silhouette you could have more barrel because of that, but either would work fine if they are set up right and stocked to fit you. Some folks like the look of the '74 better (myself included, but Quigley might have something to do with that)

The '75 has a lighter hammer and probably faster lock time. The '74 comes with double sets if you like. Choices, choices.... 

[.22-5-40]

Hello, streak.  Nobade just about covered all the bases.  I will say this, the mod. 75' that C. Sharps is making is NOT a historical copy of any original Sharps.  If you look in Frank Sellers Sharps book, you will see the original mod. 75.  This model, if reproduced would cost far more to produce than the 74' model.  The Top tang is radiused & pistol grip stock looks very much like the later Borchardt style...It really is a beautiful rifle.  These were produced in order to reduce action weight to allow heaver 32-34" brl. for long-range match shooting.  I have heard the reason C. Sharps brought it out was reduced labor cost.  There is one thing about this action..hammer must be brought back to first safety notch before opening action, or firing pin can be damaged or broken.  No big deal..just have to remember..like on the Ballard..cannot open with hammer at full cock..you'll snap off the sear.
   Now as far as looks go..for an exposed Sharps..it's hard to beat the Mod. 77'..the so-called English model.  I have a Riflesmith No. 1 long-range in .40-70 2 1/2". I see C. Sharps has one pictured, don't know if in production yet.

[streak]

Thanks for the replies!
Do you use these for both hunting and BPCR silhouette?
 

[Nobade]

No reason you couldn't, though the rather delicate BPCR sight is best replaced with a hunting type tang sight first.

[Ranch13]

I own both models. The 74 is my favorite. The 75 is more like a hiwall winchester with a side hammer.
 You'ld really need to handle both models to see which you like the best. The best thing going for the 75 it's an American built rifle at a better price, with higher quality, and service after the sale than anything they've yet to bring from Italy...

[streak]

Ranch13,
Looks like I need to setup a business trip to Billings, Montana and take a drive over to Big Timber and check out some iof these 74 and 75`s. I hope that is not a real long drive!
You mentioned that you prefer the 74, is that because of looks or handling and shooting aspects?

[Ranch13]

 The 74's just seem to suit me better. The 75 is a great rifle, but it just doesn't fit me like a 74 does. I'm comtemplating selling this 75 to help pay offset the new Shiloh that will be completed sometime in the next month.

[Ranch13]

Here's my 75

[streak]

Ranch13,
Nice looking rifle! And that is in the 45-70 correct?

[Ranch13]

Thanks, it has the upgraded wood, can't ever seem to get a picture that really does the wood any justice. They came out with the single set trigger right after I got this rifle, have debated sending it back in to have that put on, but just haven't got around to it.
 Yes it's a 45-70, that cartridge will do anything needing done with a bpcr, without the cost of some of the other chambers.
 Of course I can't gripe to much about cost , the rifle that's coming is a 44-77.