Description
If you’re after a rifle that looks like it just stepped out of a buffalo camp on the Kansas plains in 1874, the Pedersoli 1874 Sharps Old West “Maple” .45-70 30″ BBL is the real deal. This Italian-made reproduction is based on a Henry Slotterbeck original—a gunsmith who learned his trade in Philadelphia and later founded Slotter & Co. The maple stock is warm and rich, with brass furniture and a case-hardened pistol grip cap. Chambered in .45-70 with a 30-inch barrel and a 1:18 twist, it handles heavy lead loads like a champ. This is a rifle for the hunter who respects history and demands accuracy.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Pedersoli |
| Model | 1874 Sharps Old West “Maple” |
| Material | Select maple stock, case-hardened steel receiver |
| Compatibility | .45-70 Government ammunition (lead or jacketed) |
| Finish | Case-hardened receiver, brass buttplate and forend caps |
| Weight | Approx. 11.2 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Historic Slotterbeck Design – This rifle is faithful to the original made by Henry Slotterbeck, a gunsmith who emigrated from Germany and worked for Henry Deringer. That heritage means you get a piece of American firearms history that’s also a capable hunting tool.
- Maple Stock with Brass Furniture – The maple stock is not just pretty—it’s dense and stable, holding up to heavy .45-70 recoil. The brass buttplate and forend wedges add period-correct style and durability.
- Case-Hardened Pistol Grip Cap – That small piece of case-hardened steel on the grip cap isn’t just for looks—it protects the stock from splits under heavy loads and gives you a secure hold.
- Personalizable Side Plate – A brass plate on the right side of the buttstock is ready for your initials or a custom engraving. It’s a small touch that makes this rifle yours.
- 30-Inch Barrel with 1:18 Twist – The 30-inch barrel gives you full powder burn and velocity. The 1:18 twist rate is ideal for heavy .45-70 bullets (405 grains and up), which is what you’ll use on elk, bear, or long-range steel.
Who It’s For
This rifle is built for the traditional hunter who appreciates the romance of the Old West. If you’re shooting black-powder or smokeless .45-70 loads at game, this is your rig. It also suits the collector who wants a historically accurate Sharps that can still deliver sub-2 MOA groups at 200 yards. If you’re a cowboy-action shooter or a long-range silhouette competitor, the 30-inch barrel and 1:18 twist give you the edge you need.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Authentic 1870s styling, premium maple wood, case-hardened steel, personalizable side plate, handles heavy .45-70 loads with authority.
- Cons: Creedmoor and tunnel sights are not included—you’ll need to add a tang sight or globe front sight for precision work. That’s an extra $100–$250 depending on your choice.
How It Stacks Up
| Feature | Pedersoli 1874 Sharps Old West “Maple” | Shiloh Sharps 1874 Long Range Express | Uberti 1874 Sharps Sporting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Material | Select maple | American walnut | European walnut |
| Barrel Length | 30 inches | 30 inches | 30 inches |
| Twist Rate | 1:18 | 1:18 | 1:18 |
| Weight | ~11.2 lbs | ~11.5 lbs | ~10.8 lbs |
| Price | $3,450.32 | $3,900+ | $2,800+ |
| Unique Feature | Personalizable side plate, brass furniture | Hand-fitted parts, tighter tolerances | Lighter weight, lower cost |
Frequently Asked Questions
What sights does the Pedersoli 1874 Sharps Old West “Maple” come with?
It comes with a standard buckhorn rear sight and a blade front sight. The Creedmoor tang sight and tunnel front sight are not included—you’ll need to purchase those separately if you want precision target shooting.
Can I shoot modern .45-70 ammunition in this rifle?
Yes, but stick to standard-pressure loads. The action is strong enough for factory .45-70 ammo, but avoid +P or heavy buffalo loads unless you’ve confirmed with Pedersoli. Per manufacturer specs, it’s designed for lead or jacketed bullets up to 500 grains.
Is the maple stock as durable as walnut?
Maple is actually denser and harder than most walnut, making it more resistant to dents and splitting under recoil. It’s a good choice for a heavy-recoiling rifle like this .45-70.
Can I engrave the side plate myself?
Yes, the brass plate is designed for personal engraving. You can take it to a local engraver or use a hand stamping kit. Just remove the plate first to avoid damaging the stock.
Why Buy From Us
- ✔ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✔ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✔ 30-day returns
- ✔ Secure checkout
Last updated: April 2026
Looking for more? Check our Rifles or Black Powder Rifles categories.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.