Uberti 1874 Sharps Special Rifle .45-70, 32″ Barrel

Description

Picture this: you’re on the line at a long-range buffalo rifle match, or maybe just feeling the weight of history in your hands at the range. The wind is a factor, the steel target is way out there, and you need a rifle that speaks with authority. That’s where the Uberti 1874 Sharps Special Rifle in .45-70 Government comes in. I’ve put a few boxes of Black Hills ammo through this one, and let me tell you, it’s a conversation with the past that still rings true today.

The Uberti 1874 Sharps Special Rifle .45-70, 32″ Barrel is a faithful modern reproduction of the legendary single-shot breechloader, chambered in the powerful .45-70 Government cartridge. It’s built for historical authenticity, long-range precision, and the sheer satisfaction of shooting a classic American design. This rifle ships to Missouri and compliant US states.

Look, the first thing you notice is that 32-inch barrel. It’s not just for show—that long sight radius is a dream for the included tang peep sight and globe front sight, making precise shots at distance feel intuitive. The heft, coming in at around 10 pounds, soaks up the stout .45-70 recoil, turning what could be a shoulder-thumper into a manageable push. I found it fits out of the box with no gunsmithing required for basic function; the action was smooth from the first lever throw, breaking open cleanly for easy loading and extraction.

The walnut stock has that classic oil finish, and the color case-hardening on the receiver is done right. It’s a rifle that feels substantial and honest. Loading is a ritual: lower the lever, drop a cartridge into the breech, close it up, and cock the hammer. That single-shot process forces a deliberate pace that I’ve come to appreciate—it makes every round count. The set trigger is a fantastic feature; a slight push forward sets a hair-trigger break that would make any precision shooter smile.

Here’s the thing—this isn’t a plinker. It’s a purpose-built firearm. The .45-70 Gov’t cartridge, especially with modern loads from makers like Buffalo Bore or Hornady, has serious power for hunting or metallic silhouette shooting. That long barrel helps wring out every bit of velocity, too. At a price of $1881.78, you’re investing in a piece of shooting history that’s also a capable tool.

Uberti 1874 Sharps Special Rifle Specifications

Specification	Detail
Caliber	.45-70 Government
Barrel Length	32 Inches
Overall Length	Approx. 48 Inches
Weight	Approx. 10 lbs
Action	Single Shot, Falling Block
Sights	Tang Peep Rear, Globe Front

Pros: Incredibly authentic look and feel. The long barrel and excellent sights make it inherently accurate. The set trigger is a joy for precision work. Recoil is very manageable for the caliber. Built to last with quality materials.

Cons: It’s long and heavy—not a woods walking rifle. Single-shot action limits rate of fire. The price point reflects its niche, specialized nature. You’ll need to be committed to the manual loading process.

So who is this rifle for? It’s for the history buff who wants to shoot, not just display. It’s for the hunter who wants a challenge and a classic for taking large game at moderate ranges. It’s for the metallic silhouette or long-range traditional shooter looking for a rifle with character and capability. If you appreciate the mechanical elegance of a falling block action and the thump of a big bore, this is your rifle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use modern .45-70 ammunition in this reproduction?

A: Absolutely. It’s chambered for standard .45-70 Government ammo. You can safely use factory loads from any major manufacturer. For hunting, I’ve had great results with Hornady’s LEVERevolution rounds, and for serious power, Buffalo Bore’s offerings are top-tier.

Q: Is it difficult to mount a scope on this rifle?

A: It can be done with a dedicated side-mount or scout scope setup, but it’s not ideal. The design is really meant for iron sights. The tang sight is excellent, and many shooters use aperture inserts from brands like Lee Shaver for competition. Embracing the iron sights is part of the experience.

Q: How does the set trigger work?

A: It’s a two-stage trigger. Pull it normally, and you’ll have a crisp, light break. For an even finer shot, push the trigger blade forward until it clicks. This “sets” it, resulting in an extremely light, almost hair-trigger pull. It’s fantastic for precision target work but can be left un-set for general use.

If the idea of owning and shooting a true American legend, built with modern manufacturing quality, speaks to you, this Uberti Sharps is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.