1874 Sharps replica strength/quality

[Geezer]

Gentlemens:  For reasons that escape me, I feel the need to return to the thrilling days of yesteryear (no, I don't have a teenage girlfriend).  I'm in the market for a 1874 sharps replica and I do not wish to mortgage the cave for one.  That puts me in Pedersoli or Uberti range.  A local sporting outlet has a very nice Uberti target/long range model with the rear tang/front globe sight combo (my declining vision requires this combo).  Also, the BIG  sporting outlet on Hi 80 East (Cabela's) has a nice assortment of Pedersoli arms.  This gun will be a 45-70 used primaryily for informal target work and maybe hunting if I can talk a youngin' into luggin' it around for me.
      I've been browsin' and readin' and readin' and browsin' for awhile and haven't found anything that screams out 'I'm your huckleberry".  So, my questions to the Graybeard group (sounds like an AARP encounter meeting) are, in no particular order:
- Any first hand knowledge of the two?
- Are they as strong as our home grown replicas?
- Which came first, the  Pedersoli or the Uberti?
-  Is Sadaam's ass in a sling or what?

Thanks all!!!

[Bridger]

I have been doing a  fair amount of reading on this topic as I also am in the market for an 1874 Sharps. A few years ago I owned a C Sharps and it was a nicely made rifle but too light for much shooting at the target range so we parted company. A lesson learned for me, my next one will have a heavy barrel and as close to 12 pounds as I can get. I was not even aware that Uberti made these but the Pedersoli seem to be well regarded. I've followed the BPCR board on the Shooters web site for a while and have never read any bad comments about the Pedersoli products. Doubt anyone has ever wore one out.  The competition shooters seem to like the Silhoulette model offered through Dixie Gun Works. That model comes with open sights but you can add whatever you wish. I might go for a Montana rifle again if I could find what I want but don't really want to wait months for one and refuse to pay a scalper a premium over list price. There are used rifles around too through Gun List or the Guns America web site. And yes I think Sadaam is going to pee his pants before this is over.

[Geezer]

Bridger - Thanx for the response.  I'm not sure Uberti makes a 1874 either.  I was going on what the 'kid behind the counter' told me about a model he had that fit my requirements.  I've since perused thew Uberti web site and, to  no particular amazement, no 1874s.  I have found  a few 'Montana' based rifles (they do seem to have the local market cornered) for less that 2 grand that would work.  Nothing fancy but definetly functional.  Will have to think this out a bit more.  Again, thanx.

[107ch]

Check out the shilo sharps website. the guns are beautiful.
www.starhost01.interservers.com/~shiloh/

[TopGun]

I have three Sharps replicas--1 IAB, 1 Navy Arms (Uberti), and 1 Pedersoli. I shoot all three and love all three. No they're not quite as nice as a C Sharps, or others, but they cost less than half as much. I don't think you can get a better one for the price. I shoot the Sharps a lot. It loves the factory 405's, lead or jacketed. I also have a Uberti 45-70 Rolling Block in 45-70. They all get shot very frequently. I upgraded the tangs sites to higher quality ones, but other than that, they work fine.
I vote to go for it.

[Geezer]

And go for it I did!  It's a Pedersoli 1874 Sharps Creedmore #2.  Pretty thing.  Stainless receiver; matte black 30" round barrel and an oil rubbed reddish brown stock with decent grain.  It came with enough sights for 2 guns!   Tang rear; ladder in 'traditional' spot; globe w/12 diff inserts in front, plus another tear drop shaped front sight (for use with the ladder rear, I think).  I think the original intent of the design was for an off hand shooter.  It does balance nicely in the off hand position.  I might try to get out tomorrow and run a few break in rounds thru it.  Thanks all for the input.