Description
You know that feeling when you shoulder a rifle and it just feels like history? That’s the Uberti 1874 Sharps Quigley Down Under Rifle in .45-70 Government. I’ve put a few boxes of Black Hills ammo through one, and let me tell you—it’s not just a replica; it’s a conversation with the 19th century, chambered in one of the most authoritative cartridges ever made. This is the rifle made famous by the film, a single-shot breechloader built for the kind of precision that turns a 500-yard gong into a satisfying clang. It’s a dedicated long-range instrument for the traditionalist who values craftsmanship over capacity.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a plinker. The Uberti 1874 Sharps Quigley Down Under Rifle, .45-70, 34″ Barrel is a faithful, shootable reproduction of the legendary sporting rifle. It features a color case-hardened receiver, a stunning walnut stock, and that iconic 34-inch octagonal barrel that gives the .45-70 round all the room it needs to stretch its legs. The fit and finish are what you’d expect from Uberti’s high-end Historical line, meaning it’s a showpiece that’s also built to be used. At just over $2400, it sits in a niche for the serious collector or long-range metallic silhouette shooter.
Key Features & Handling
Lifting this rifle from the box, the first thing you notice is the heft—it’s a solid 12 pounds. That weight, combined with the long barrel, makes it incredibly steady offhand or from the bench. The falling-block action is smooth and robust, locking up tight with a satisfying clack. The double-set triggers are a revelation: a light pull on the rear set trigger crisply engages the front, resulting in a break so clean and light it feels like a modern target rifle. I found it fits out of the box with standard .45-70 Government ammunition, though handloaders will have a field day tuning for distance.
The walnut stock has a classic pistol grip and a cheek piece that naturally aligns your eye with the long-range vernier tang sight. Speaking of sights, the included ladder-style rear and globe front sight are period-correct and highly functional for target work. The 34-inch barrel isn’t just for looks; it provides a long sight radius and allows that big .45-70 case to achieve impressive velocities with less perceived recoil. It’s a system designed for one accurate shot, not a fusillade.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .45-70 Government |
| Barrel Length | 34″ Octagonal |
| Overall Length | Approx. 52″ |
| Weight | 12 lbs |
| Action | Single-Shot Falling Block |
| Sights | Vernier Tang Rear, Globe Front |
Pros & Cons
On the plus side, you get undeniable historical authenticity, superb craftsmanship, and a trigger system that’s arguably better than the originals. The long barrel tames the .45-70’s kick and makes it a dream for long-range paper-punching or metallic silhouette. The downside? It’s a specialist’s tool. The $2436.38 price tag is significant, it’s heavy and long (not a woods walker), and as a single-shot, it demands a deliberate, measured shooting pace. You won’t be running drills with it.
Who This Rifle Is For
This is for the shooter who appreciates mechanical artistry and ballistic history. It’s for the long-range enthusiast who wants to master the fundamentals with iron sights, the cowboy action shooter looking for that ultimate side-match rifle, or the collector who wants a centerpiece firearm that can actually be taken to the range. If your idea of a good time is methodically ringing steel at distances that make your buddies’ scoped rifles work for it, this is your rifle. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide to qualified buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use modern, high-pressure .45-70 loads in this rifle?
A: I would strongly advise against it. This replica is built to the metallurgical standards of the original design, which is best suited for standard-pressure .45-70 loads (often labeled “Trapdoor Safe” or “Cowboy”). Always consult load data and stick to pressures appropriate for a falling-block action of this era.
Q: Is it difficult to mount a scope on this Sharps?
A: It can be done with specific long-eye-relief scopes and mounts that attach to the barrel, but it’s somewhat antithetical to the rifle’s design. The vernier tang sight is its soul—mastering it is a big part of the Sharps experience. For a more modern-scoped single-shot, you might look at a Browning BPCR or a Pedersoli.
Q: What’s the effective range with the iron sights?
A: With practice and the right load, skilled shooters consistently hit man-sized targets at 800-1000 yards. The vernier sight is incredibly precise, allowing for minute adjustments. The real limit is often the shooter’s ability to read wind and mirage, not the rifle’s inherent accuracy.
If the call of long-range history and precision craftsmanship speaks to you, this Uberti Sharps is waiting. See the full details on our site.
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