Davide Pedersoli 1877 Sharps Long Range Rifle in 45-70 Government: A Masterpiece for Precision and Heritage

For enthusiasts of historical firearms, competitive long-range shooters, and collectors seeking a blend of authentic design and modern manufacturing excellence, the Davide Pedersoli 1877 Sharps Long Range Rifle stands as an unparalleled choice. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail by Davide Pedersoli, renowned for their exceptional reproductions of classic black powder firearms, this rifle answers the call for a precision instrument capable of delivering consistent accuracy, especially in the demanding world of long-range shooting competitions. If you've been searching for a rifle that marries historical significance with contemporary performance capabilities, look no further. This exquisite firearm is specifically designed to address the nuanced requirements of target engagement at extended distances, making it an ideal companion for serious competitors and connoisseurs alike.

The Genesis of Precision: Understanding the 1877 Sharps Evolution

The story of the 1877 Sharps rifle is intrinsically linked to the relentless pursuit of perfection by 19th-century long-range shooters. Early Sharps Rifle Company models, particularly the venerated 1874, while celebrated for their robust design, presented certain challenges when adapted for the burgeoning sport of long-range competitive shooting. Competitors adhering to strict National Rifle Association (NRA) regulations, which often limited rifle weight to a maximum of 10 pounds, found themselves in a predicament. To meet these weight restrictions, lighter, often undersized barrels were fitted to the heavy 1874 frames. This compromise, unfortunately, led to significant issues such as problematic vibrations and unmanageable recoil, severely impacting accuracy and shooter comfort during sustained competitive fire.

Recognizing these critical shortcomings, Charles E. Overbaugh, the insightful sales manager at Sharps Rifle Company, spearheaded a transformative redesign. His innovative approach focused on the 1874 frame itself, seeking to reduce its overall weight while simultaneously enabling the seamless integration of barrels optimally suited for competitive shooting. The culmination of this visionary engineering effort was the birth of the 1877 model. This redesigned rifle effectively mitigated the vibration and recoil issues that plagued its predecessors, ushering in a new era of performance for long-range target enthusiasts. The Davide Pedersoli 1877 Sharps Long Range rifle faithfully reproduces this pivotal design, offering a historically accurate yet functionally superior firearm for today's shooter.

Unpacking the Engineering Excellence: Key Features for Unmatched Performance

The Davide Pedersoli 1877 Sharps Long Range rifle is not merely a reproduction; it is a meticulously engineered instrument built for enduring performance. Every component is selected and crafted to contribute to the rifle's overall precision, durability, and authenticity.

The Heart of the Rifle: The Forged Frame and Broached 30" Barrel

At the core of the 1877 Sharps design lies its meticulously crafted forged frame. Unlike many modern manufacturing processes, forging compresses the metal, eliminating imperfections and aligning the grain structure, resulting in unparalleled strength and durability. This robust foundation provides exceptional rigidity, crucial for maintaining consistency shot after shot. Complementing this strong frame is the impressive 30-inch broached barrel. Broaching is a superior method of rifling, where a cutting tool is pulled through the barrel to precisely cut the grooves. This process ensures a uniform twist rate and consistent bore dimensions, which are absolutely critical for maximizing accuracy, especially with the large .45-70 Government cartridge. A longer barrel also contributes to a higher muzzle velocity and an extended sight radius, both significant advantages for long-range target acquisition and ballistic performance.

The Cartridge of Choice: The Versatile 45-70 Government

Chambered in the venerable .45-70 Government caliber, the Davide Pedersoli 1877 Sharps Long Range rifle is prepared for a variety of demanding applications. Introduced in 1873 by the U.S. Army for its Trapdoor Springfield rifle, the .45-70 Government (often referred to as .45-70 Gov) quickly earned a reputation for its powerful knockdown energy and its surprising accuracy at extended ranges when loaded properly. This cartridge is not only historically significant, having played a role in the American West and military campaigns, but it remains incredibly relevant today. It is widely regarded as an excellent choice for hunting large game, including deer, elk, and even bear, due to its substantial energy transfer. For target shooters, the heavy, slow-moving projectiles of the .45-70 are less susceptible to wind drift at closer ranges and offer a distinctive ballistic trajectory that seasoned long-range competitors learn to master. The availability of diverse modern ammunition types, from traditional black powder to smokeless loads, further enhances its versatility for both historical and contemporary shooting pursuits.

Precision Control: The Double Set Trigger System

One of the defining features for any precision rifle, and a highlight of the Davide Pedersoli 1877 Sharps, is its double set trigger. This sophisticated mechanism offers shooters an unparalleled level of trigger control, which is paramount for achieving tight groups at long distances. The double set trigger operates with two triggers:

• The rear trigger (or "setting" trigger) is pulled first. This action "sets" the front trigger, reducing its pull weight to an incredibly light, crisp break, often measured in mere ounces.
• The front trigger is then squeezed with minimal effort to fire the rifle. This almost weightless pull allows the shooter to concentrate entirely on sight alignment and breath control, eliminating the potential for movement or "pulling" the shot due to trigger resistance.

This system is indispensable for competitive long-range shooting where even a slight tremor can mean the difference between hitting the bullseye and missing the target entirely. The double set trigger on this Pedersoli rifle is finely tuned, providing the discerning shooter with the tactile feedback and control necessary for consistent, match-winning accuracy.

Ergonomics Meets Aesthetics: The Walnut Pistol Grip Stock

The rifle is outfitted with a classic walnut pistol grip stock, a choice that speaks volumes about both its functionality and aesthetic appeal. Walnut, a traditional material for fine firearms, is celebrated for its strength, durability, and beautiful grain patterns. The pistol grip design offers a more ergonomic hold compared to a straight stock, allowing for a firmer and more comfortable grip that enhances control and reduces shooter fatigue during extended shooting sessions. The rich, dark finish of the walnut stock perfectly complements the black metal finish of the barrel and receiver, creating a visually stunning firearm that feels as good in the hands as it looks.

Sighting for Success: Blade Front and Rear Sights, Creedmoor Ready

The Davide Pedersoli 1877 Sharps Long Range rifle comes equipped with robust blade front and rear sights, providing a reliable and traditional aiming solution right out of the box. These sights are perfect for general target practice, hunting, and close-to-medium range shooting. However, understanding the needs of dedicated long-range competitors, the rifle is also thoughtfully drilled and tapped to facilitate the effortless mounting of a Creedmoor tang sight. A Creedmoor sight, mounted on the tang behind the action, offers significantly greater elevation adjustment and a much longer sight radius than barrel-mounted sights, making it indispensable for engaging targets at extreme distances where precise elevation compensation is critical. This readiness for advanced sighting systems underscores the rifle's commitment to high-performance shooting.

Who Benefits from the Davide Pedersoli 1877 Sharps Long Range Rifle?

The unique attributes and historical significance of the Davide Pedersoli 1877 Sharps make it an exceptional choice for several distinct groups of firearm enthusiasts:

• Competitive Long-Range Shooters: This rifle is purpose-built to meet the stringent demands of black powder cartridge rifle competitions. Its optimized weight, precise trigger, and long barrel chambered in .45-70 Gov provide a significant competitive edge, allowing shooters to adhere to class rules while maximizing accuracy.
• Historical Firearm Enthusiasts and Reenactors: For those passionate about the American West and 19th-century firearms, this Pedersoli reproduction offers an authentic experience. Its faithful adherence to the original 1877 design, combined with Pedersoli's renowned craftsmanship, makes it a valuable addition to any collection or for use in historical shooting events.
• Hunters Seeking Traditional Craftsmanship: The robust .45-70 Government caliber makes this rifle a potent tool for ethical hunting of medium to large game. Hunters who appreciate the challenge and tradition of single-shot rifles will find this a rewarding choice for their expeditions.
• Firearm Collectors and Investors: Davide Pedersoli rifles are not just tools; they are works of art and reliable investments. The 1877 Sharps, with its specific historical context and high-quality construction, is a desirable piece that holds its value and can be proudly displayed.

The Davide Pedersoli Legacy: A Commitment to Excellence

When considering a historical reproduction firearm, the manufacturer's reputation is paramount. Davide Pedersoli is globally recognized as a leader in the creation of historically accurate and functionally superior black powder firearms. Their dedication to preserving the legacy of iconic rifles, combined with modern precision manufacturing techniques, sets them apart. Each Pedersoli rifle, including the 1877 Sharps Long Range, is a testament to their commitment to quality. They utilize traditional methods where appropriate, such as the forged frame, alongside contemporary advancements like precise broached rifling, ensuring that their reproductions not only look authentic but also perform to the highest modern standards. Choosing a Davide Pedersoli rifle means investing in a piece of history that is built to last and to perform.

Why the Davide Pedersoli 1877 Sharps Long Range is the Ideal Choice

If you are pondering which rifle best suits your long-range shooting aspirations or your passion for historical firearms, the Davide Pedersoli 1877 Sharps Long Range rifle offers compelling reasons to be your top pick:

• Optimized Performance: Directly addresses and resolves the historical challenges of weight and recoil faced by early long-range shooters, leading to superior accuracy.
• Historical Authenticity: A faithful reproduction of a pivotal Sharps model, perfect for reenactments, historical shooting, and collectors.
• Unrivaled Precision: Features like the 30-inch broached barrel and the crisp double set trigger empower shooters to achieve exceptional groups.
• Versatile Caliber: The .45-70 Government cartridge is powerful enough for hunting and offers a rich history for target shooting.
• Davide Pedersoli Quality: Backed by a brand synonymous with top-tier craftsmanship and durable, reliable firearms.

This exceptional rifle is available for those ready to experience a piece of history and elevate their shooting performance. For serious collectors and competitive shooters seeking the very best in historical rifle reproductions, the Davide Pedersoli 1877 Sharps Long Range rifle in 45-70 Government is a definitive choice, combining heritage with uncompromising precision. This masterpiece of firearm engineering is available at reputable retailers such as DEGuns, where you can explore its full potential and add it to your collection.

Detailed Specifications: Davide Pedersoli 1877 Sharps Long Range Rifle

Feature	Description
Brand	Davide Pedersoli
Model	1877 Sharps
Caliber	45-70 Gov
Capacity	1 Round
Barrel Length	30 inches
Overall Length	52.88 inches
Weight	10 lbs
Stock	Walnut Pistol Grip
Barrel Finish	Black
Receiver Finish	Black
Sights	Blade Front & Rear
Trigger	Double Set
Action	Lever
Hand	Right Hand
Application	Field, Competition
UPC	8029874033237