Pedersoli Cabela’s Sharps 1874 .50-70 Gov’t Falling Block Rifle, MFD 2002
SOLD FOR: $1320
LSB#: 210920SS07
Make: Cabela’s; Mfg by Pedersoli, Italy
Model: Sharps 1874
Serial Number: SH18881
Year of Manufacture: 2002 (BS Date Code)
Caliber: .50-70 Government
Action Type: Lever Operated Falling Block Single Shot Centerfire Conversion Rifle w/ Double Set Triggers
Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “CABELA’S / SIDNEY, NE”, “SH18881”, “dp” in an oval, “PEDERSOLI CAL.50-70 / MADE IN ITALY CAT. 11789”, and “BLACK POWDER / CARTRIDGE ONLY”. The rear left side of the barrel is marked with two Italian proof marks. The front face of the receiver is marked “CAT. 11789”. The left side of the receiver is marked with three Italian proofs and the “BS” date code. The upper tang is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 34” Half Octagonal, Half Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a globe sight with an interchangeable sight leaf (no additional leafs included). The rear sight is a folding ladder sight which presents a “V”-notch when down. When folded up, the ladder sight has a slider with a “V”-notch and the right side is marked from “1” to “8” with another notch on the top of the ladder. The tang sight is a fully adjustable peep aperture sight. The left side of the elevator graduates from 0 to 250 in increments of 25.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth wood with a schnabel-tipped forearm, pistol grip, straight comb, cheekpiece on the left, and a steel buttplate. There is a small compression on the belly and a minor nick at the front of the pistol grip. There are no chips and cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/8” & 14 1/4” from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the steel buttplate, which shows little to no wear. The stocks rate in about Fine-Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some stubborn fouling in the grooves, there is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light thinning on the case-colored components. There are some scattered light scratches and a few minor spots of oxidation on the sides of the receiver. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Sharps rifles are a series of large-bore, single-shot, falling-block, breech-loading rifles, beginning with a design by Christian Sharps in 1848, and ceasing production in 1881. They were renowned for long-range accuracy. By 1874 the rifle was available in a variety of calibers, and it was one of the few designs successfully to be adapted to metallic cartridge use. The Sharps rifles became icons of the American Old West due to their appearances in many Western-genre films and books. Perhaps as a result, several rifle companies offer reproductions of the Sharps rifle. This is a centerfire Model 1874 from Cabela’s, manufactured in Italy by Pedersoli. This rifle is in Fine-Excellent condition with 98% original finish remaining. Please see our photos and good luck!