Author Topic: Sharps Replicas (Read 2191 times)

James B · « **on:** February 09, 2005, 11:40:20 AM »

This might not be the right forum for this but does anyone know who makes a good Sharps replica without going into the really big bucks? I had an EMF years ago but sold it. It was a good gun but it did require a little gunsmithing.

Buffalogun · « **Reply #1 on:** February 09, 2005, 01:19:03 PM »

James B,

The reproductions by C. Sharps and Shiloh (of the USA) are a bit pricey but a lot of owners of reproduction 1874's would probably say they are among the best.

In the reading I have done on the current crop of 1874 reproductions, the rifles made by Pedersoli(Italy) would probably be the best buys, with regards to accuracy and price.

Buffalogun

Lawdog · « **Reply #2 on:** February 09, 2005, 01:59:36 PM »

I have the 1874 Sharps Shiloh reproduction rifle. Yeah its "The Quigley" rifle like the one used in the movie and because I loved the movie so much the wife got the rifle for an anniversary present. It is strictly a fun gun as I have never used it for hunting just black powder silhouette shoots at the range. Lawdog

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 09, 2005, 04:21:08 PM »

I also have a 1874 Sharps Shiloh reproduction rifle form Shiloh Sharps in Montana. I looked at the several of the less expensive brands but decided the Shiloh Sharps was the way to go. I have the Montana Rough Rider in 45-70. I shot a lot with it, and I only load black powder cartridges for it. I have taken it hunting several times but have not taken an animal with it YET.

I will try again this year. I always seem to have the deer come out when I have my shotgun loaded with slugs. Some of my friends ask me why I would take a $2400 gun hunting, I just tell them I use my guns. The little dings add memories. :eek:

sureshot2040 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 10, 2005, 12:02:41 AM »

i dont know what you would call pricey, but to me the shilo and the c sharps are just that, pricey. i dont want to ruffle any feathers but from what i have seen the pedersoli's look just as good as the other two costing abt twice the price. personally i bought a used iab 1874 repro from a friend for 400 bucks, and it shoots right along side my cousin's 1500 dollar bpcr. i guess it's just a matter of what you are willing to be satisfied with
sureshot

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 10, 2005, 02:48:44 AM »

Quote from: sureshot2040

i dont know what you would call pricey, but to me the shilo and the c sharps are just that, pricey. i dont want to ruffle any feathers but from what i have seen the pedersoli's look just as good as the other two costing abt twice the price. personally i bought a used iab 1874 repro from a friend for 400 bucks, and it shoots right along side my cousin's 1500 dollar bpcr. i guess it's just a matter of what you are willing to be satisfied with
sureshot

One thing about the Shiloh Sharps and C Sharps compared to the pedersoli's is the Shiloh Sharps and the C Sharps hold there value. I think the workmanship of the Shiloh Sharps is a lot better also. I am sure the iab 1874 repro shoots well, but it is all personal preference. Get what makes you happy.

marlinman93 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 12, 2005, 03:26:50 PM »

I would guess what james is refering to as "pricey" is exactly what most of the replies have overlooked. The Shiloh and C Sharps are not exactly economical repros. No doubt they are top of the line, but they don't answer his question about alternatives.
James,
The Pedersoli is not a Shiloh or a C Sharps, but it is about half as much money, and a number of folks compete and win with them in BPCR matches. The IAB is not as well known, nor do they sell as many as either of the higher priced repros, or the Pedersoli, but it is a decent gun, that is a bit less than the Pedersoli.
If it's economical you're looking for, I'd lean towards the Pedersoli.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 13, 2005, 02:43:42 AM »

Also look into Dixie Gun Works. http://www.dixiegun.com/

longhornrph · « **Reply #8 on:** February 14, 2005, 05:08:55 PM »

New Pedersoli's cost well more than "half the price" of a Shiloh base model without all those tempting upgrades-continuing weakness of the U.S. dollar. Handle (and if possible, shoot) an example of each in the same session-try a local BPCR match. If you can't ascertain a difference, buy the Pedersoli. They're good guns-but they ain't a Shiloh!

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 14, 2005, 06:35:47 PM »

There is just something special about a Shiloh...

dozer · « **Reply #10 on:** February 15, 2005, 07:06:11 AM »

I would rather buy a used Shiloh than a new Pedersoli! My used Shiloh cost $1400.00 last year. A new Ped is over $1250.00 now.

When you drive it out the door, the Ped is worth $900. and the Shiloh is still near what you paid for it. Several years down the road, the Shiloh will still have it's value.

I would stay away from any import other than Ped. From the stories I hear, the other brands need regular care. Read that, it'll be at the gunsmiths regularly. You can pay for it now and have what you want or pay a little at a time and still not have it.

I sold some safe queens to come up with the extra cash for the Shiloh and I'm not regretting it. I can get all my money back and then some any time I want.
Doz

marlinman93 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 15, 2005, 10:30:24 AM »

Quote from: longhornrph

New Pedersoli's cost well more than "half the price" of a Shiloh base model without all those tempting upgrades-continuing weakness of the U.S. dollar. Handle (and if possible, shoot) an example of each in the same session-try a local BPCR match. If you can't ascertain a difference, buy the Pedersoli. They're good guns-but they ain't a Shiloh!

Obviously, if you're talking base model Shilohs, and midrange or upper end Pedersolis, the "half the price" doesn't apply. As I said, the question isn't whether a Pedersoli is even in the same class as a Shiloh, (we all know they aren't) but rather what lesser priced guns are his option. Likewise for used Shilohs, vs. new Pedersolis.

Lawdog · « **Reply #12 on:** February 15, 2005, 01:45:54 PM »

Quote from: Redhawk1

There is just something special about a Shiloh...

Exactly right. Compare a Pedersoli to a Shiloh, side by side, and the difference is quite easily seen. Workmanship and attention to detail is just better on the Shiloh. In this case you get what you pay for. Lawdog

Buffalogun · « **Reply #13 on:** February 15, 2005, 02:11:39 PM »

Guys,

I don't see how any Shiloh could look any better than my C. Sharps 1875 Sporting.

But, then again, James didn't ask about any of the upper end rifles. A lot of people like the Pedersoli's and think they are great rifles!

Buffalogun

longhornrph · « **Reply #14 on:** February 15, 2005, 05:00:08 PM »

Navy Arms (Pedersoli) Sharps Plains Rifle-$1125 (Gun Digest, 2005) versus Shiloh 1874 Sporter #3-$1547 (Shiloh catalog, 2005). Both base models. I make that out to 73% as much for the Pedersoli. That's $422 difference, just a dollar a day during the 14 months you get to wait for a Shiloh, or selling just one more Remchesterug out of the safe. I will add that in the past year I have looked at Pedersolis in gun shops in Austin, Houston, and Dallas-every one was tagged at more than Gun Digest prices-maybe it's a Texas thing?

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #15 on:** February 16, 2005, 03:29:43 AM »

Quote from: longhornrph

Navy Arms (Pedersoli) Sharps Plains Rifle-$1125 (Gun Digest, 2005) versus Shiloh 1874 Sporter #3-$1547 (Shiloh catalog, 2005). Both base models. I make that out to 73% as much for the Pedersoli. That's $422 difference, just a dollar a day during the 14 months you get to wait for a Shiloh, or selling just one more Remchesterug out of the safe. I will add that in the past year I have looked at Pedersolis in gun shops in Austin, Houston, and Dallas-every one was tagged at more than Gun Digest prices-maybe it's a Texas thing?

One thing you need to know about Shiloh Sharps is they also have some guns on the rack. I called them when I got mine and they had exactly what I wanted on the rack and I get it in less than a week. My final cost was $2450.00. I had an opportunity to get a used Pedersloi at the same time for $900.00 but I decided I wanted the Shiloh Sharps more. :grin:

Buffalogun, C. Sharps 1875 Sporting are some fine guns also. I don't think anyone here will disagree with you.

marlinman93 · « **Reply #16 on:** February 16, 2005, 02:18:42 PM »

Yes, the C Sharps 1875 is a great gun./ I had one that I bought used locally for $850, and it was a .32-40. The only thing I didn't care for on it was the case colors. They are just too blue for my taste. Sure was an accurate gun though!
Pedersolis sure aren't getting Gun Digest prices around here! I see them quite often under $1000 new, and I have one sitting here in my gun room that I bought a couple months ago at a local show, with 36" half octagon barrel, chambered for .45-100, with long range sights, and I paid $375 for it. It's in like new condition. That wasn't a negotiated price either, it was what the seller was asking.
I had another with 30" full octagon, .45-70 barrel a couple years ago, and sold it for $425. They just don't seem to get much. The Shiloh is truly a much better resale value, although as good as they are resale shouldn't be a concern, because it sounds like nobody is letting them go. As I said before, I'm not arguing that they are better guns, just think if James is looking for affordable, then these are a good buy in my neck of the woods.

sharps4590 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 17, 2005, 11:24:45 AM »

I've been hunting with and shooting Shiloh's for....goodness.....since about 1987, 18 years now. I have two, a Montana Rough Rider in 45-90 and a # 1 Sporter in 40-70. I had 3 but sold my Long Range Express in 45-70 for 3 times what I paid for it. Admittedly it was my first Shiloh and I hit the peak of the market. The money was nice but I'd rather have the rifle back. I'm still kicking my butt!!!

Everyone is correct, Pedersoli's aren't Shilohs, for obvious reasons. one poster said he wouldn't consider any imports other than Pedersoli and I agree with him completely. Check around and don't get in a hurry and you should be able to find a Pedersoli for a reasonable price. One place you should check is gunsamerica.com. It is a good web site and easy to navigate. There is usually quite a few Sharps of all makes available there. There are alos quite a few other styles of single shots available. I've bought three firearms off that site and can say nothing but good about it.

For the fella who hunts with his but hasn't killed anything yet, wait til you do! I've taken, I believe, 13 deer with my 45-90 and 3 or 4 hogs. Anything well hit doesn't go far. I've had two deer make a turn away from me and collapse. Everything else has gone down on the spot. One hog ran about 20 yards before piling up and the others went down where they were hit. I've taken one deer with my 40-70, ( I use it mostly for long range shooting and have MVA sights on it ), and it was facing me at about 60 yards. I hit just to the right of the brisket and penetration was complete, lengthways, thru the deer. The load was 60 grs. of GOEX Ctg. and Lymans 410 grn., 40 cal. bullet cast 25-1. My 45-90 load is 80 grs of GOEX Ctg. and an NEI 480 gr. bullet which looks almost like an elongated Keith Type semi-wadcutter. They're both potent!

Vic

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #18 on:** February 17, 2005, 01:21:31 PM »

How many of you just shoot black powder cartridges in you Shiloh's or Pedersoli's? I "only" shoot black powder cartridges in mine.

sharps4590 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 17, 2005, 02:45:15 PM »

Neither of my current Sharps have ever tasted smokeless powder. The Long Range Express I owned did until I discovered the superiority of black powder about 15 years ago.

Vic

marlinman93 · « **Reply #20 on:** February 18, 2005, 04:20:22 PM »

Nothing but the Black in my .45-100, and most of it with paper patched bullets. I also shoot original Ballards in a #4 Perfection, and #5 Pacific, both in .45-70. Nothing but black powder in them too!

sharps4590 · « **Reply #21 on:** February 19, 2005, 12:39:12 AM »

Ok marlinman.....question for you. I have a Cody Rifle Works Ballard, # 1 I believe, in cal. 45-2.6. I have yet to successfully work up a load for it. My best to date has been a very lightly duplexed load of SR 4759 and GOEX Ctg. under a Lyman 457125 cast 25-1 with a Walters Wonder Wad beneath the bullet. It isn't a bad load but I'm convinced the rifle is capable of better. What's your recipe? Oh...I don't shoot paper patch bullets....yet anyway. I may have to start as my E. M. Riley double in 500 BPE has Henry rifling and that style of rifling is suppsed to prefer paper patched bullets.

Vic

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 19, 2005, 01:59:35 AM »

I get a lot better accuracy with grease grove bullets. Here in Delaware we can hunt with our Sharps but we have to use paper patch bullets only. :roll: We are a shotgun only State but like I said they are allowing us to use or Sharps with PP bullets and black powder only. I have tried 6 different bullet weight with paper patch bullets but I cannot come close to the accuracy of a go old grease grove. I have a 45-70.

44mag · « **Reply #23 on:** February 20, 2005, 05:53:38 AM »

read this post with interest because my neighbor tried to sell his original 1863 carbine, but couple of buyers did not like receiver in the white and blued barrel. bore fine and clean. no pitts or rust. fine wood (no cartouched). all dates and letters sharp. nothing buffed out. this is NOT converted, still paper bullet shooter with primer intact. he dropped his price to $1900 but did not sell it. now hangs on his wall. I only shoot 45/70 is the reason I did not buy it. yet people paying close to same price for a re-pro.........does that make sense?

? just my 2 cents with no change wanted. thanks all

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #24 on:** February 20, 2005, 12:17:10 PM »

Quote from: 44mag

read this post with interest because my neighbor tried to sell his original 1863 carbine, but couple of buyers did not like receiver in the white and blued barrel. bore fine and clean. no pitts or rust. fine wood (no cartouched). all dates and letters sharp. nothing buffed out. this is NOT converted, still paper bullet shooter with primer intact. he dropped his price to $1900 but did not sell it. now hangs on his wall. I only shoot 45/70 is the reason I did not buy it. yet people paying close to same price for a re-pro.........does that make sense?? just my 2 cents with no change wanted. thanks all

I think more people prefer the metallic cartridge guns to the paper cartridge ones.

marlinman93 · « **Reply #25 on:** February 20, 2005, 03:57:02 PM »

44 Mag,
Redhawk1 is right. Most people pay premium prices for an original Sharps, even those originals that were factory converted to cartridge guns get big prices. Unfortunately, there's not nearly the interest in an original paper cased breechloader.
Sharps 45-90,
I haven't been able to get good accuracy with paper patch bulelts, but I keep trying, until I run out of bullets or patience!
Accuracy with a 420 grain cast pure lead bullet, lubed with SPG, and using my own notepad wad, with a 1/16" thick wax plug over the wad, and Goex Ctg, (no priming powder) has produced groups of under 1.5" at 100 yds. That's about as good as I can get out of my Pedersoli in .45-2 6/10 cartridge.

Borealis Bob · « **Reply #26 on:** February 24, 2005, 03:33:04 AM »

Pedersoli has the best reputation of any of the imports. When I got mine it was before the dollar lost value, and the Pedersoli was the best value for my needs, versus going with a Shiloh or C. Sharps at that time.

One thing I discovered during my searching and browsing in gunshops was that Pedersoli does make rifles for other brands and manufactures them to a certain ( lower ) price point. "Pedersoli" is stamped on the barrel, but metal and wood fit is below what one would get if ordering a Pedersoli from Dixie, Cabelas, or Navy Arms.

There are better finished and truly beautiful repros out there, but I've not regretted getting my Pedersoli.[/i]

RPbump · « **Reply #27 on:** March 22, 2005, 02:52:53 PM »

JamesB, For the price Pedersoli Sharps are very accurate and a good value. Axtel, Wells, C. Sharps, and Shiloh cost more as they are extensively hand fitted and have more options available to the buyer. Wells Sharps are no longer produced and might be the finest modern copies of the Sharps rifle, Axtel, C. Sharps and Shiloh all have a loyal following and hold value like few other guns. RPbump