Description
Ever since I first watched Matthew Quigley pace off that shot, I’ve had a thing for the 1874 Sharps. It’s not just a rifle; it’s a statement piece of American history that still rings steel at a thousand yards. When you shoulder the Pedersoli 1874 Sharps “Quigley” Down Under Sporting Rifle .45-70, 34″ Barrel, you’re not just holding a firearm—you’re holding a legend, meticulously recreated for the modern shooter. I’ve put a couple boxes of Black Hills ammo through this one, and here’s what you need to know.
So, what is it? The Pedersoli 1874 Sharps “Quigley” Down Under is a faithful, high-quality reproduction of the iconic single-shot buffalo rifle. Chambered in the powerful .45-70 Government, it features a 34-inch heavy octagonal barrel, double-set triggers, and the classic falling-block action. It’s built for long-range precision and historical authenticity, straight from the film that made it famous.
Let’s talk about what makes this rifle special. The heart of it is that massive 34-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel. It’s not just for looks—that length gives the .45-70 cartridge all the room it needs to stabilize, resulting in astonishing accuracy at distances that would make most modern rifles blush. The double-set triggers are a masterclass in mechanical refinement. Pull the rear trigger to “set” the front one, and you’re left with a hair-trigger break measured in ounces. For target work or those long shots, it’s an incredible feature. The action itself is buttery smooth, a testament to Pedersoli’s fit and finish. This isn’t a wall hanger; it’s a shooter that fits out of the box, ready for the range. With an overall length of nearly 52 inches and a weight pushing 12 pounds, it’s a substantial piece of steel and walnut, but that heft soaks up recoil and steadies your aim.
Now, the “Quigley” specific touches are what set this model apart. You get the distinctive Vernier-style tang peep sight and a windage-adjustable front globe sight—exactly the setup used for those legendary long shots. The stock is a gorgeous, hand-checkered American walnut with a shotgun-style buttplate and the iconic “Quigley” scroll engraving on the patchbox. It’s a complete package that honors the source material without compromise. At $1926.33, you’re paying for museum-grade craftsmanship that you can actually use.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .45-70 Government |
| Barrel | 34″ Heavy Octagon |
| Overall Length | 51.8 inches |
| Weight | Approx. 11.9 lbs |
| Action | Single Shot, Falling Block |
| Sights | Vernier Tang Peep & Globe Front |
The Good & The Not-So-Good
Pros: The historical accuracy is top-tier. The double-set trigger system is sublime for precision. The long barrel delivers outstanding ballistic performance. It’s a conversation starter and a phenomenal piece of functional art. Cons: It’s long and heavy—not a trek-through-the-woods rifle. It’s a single-shot, so rate of fire is, well, contemplative. Ammo for the .45-70 isn’t as cheap or ubiquitous as .223. That said, the trade-offs are part of its charm.
Who is this rifle for? Look, if you’re a history buff, a long-range traditionalist, or a fan of single-shot silhouette shooting, this is your grail gun. It’s for the shooter who values the process—the loading, the sighting, the single, deliberate shot—over high-capacity mag dumps. It’s also a perfect centerpiece for a collector who actually shoots their collection. This rifle is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use modern .45-70 ammunition in this rifle?
A: Absolutely. It’s chambered for standard .45-70 Government. You can safely use factory ammo from brands like Federal, Hornady, or Remington. For the best long-range accuracy, many handloaders tailor their loads to the rifle’s specific twist rate.
Q: Is it difficult to learn to use the double-set triggers?
A: Not at all. It’s intuitive: simply pull the rear trigger until it clicks, then the front trigger will have an extremely light, crisp pull. If you want a standard pull, just ignore the rear trigger and pull the front one normally. You get two trigger modes in one.
Q: What kind of accuracy can I expect?
A: With quality ammunition and a steady rest, sub-MOA groups at 100 yards are achievable. The real magic happens farther out. Competent shooters regularly hit steel targets at 500, 800, even 1000 yards with these rifles and the right sight adjustments.
If the call of history and the challenge of true long-range shooting speaks to you, the Pedersoli Quigley Sharps is waiting. See it on our site.
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