Italian Pedersoli Sharps Model 1874 Billy Dixon 45-90 Sharps 32” Rifle 2001

SOLD FOR: $2,050.00

WOA#: WY240415EH015

Make: Davide Pedersoli, CIMARRON

Model: Sharps Model 1874 Billy Dixon

Serial Number: SH18039

Year of Manufacture: 2001 BP Date code

Caliber: 45-90 Sharps Black Powder Cartridges Only

Action Type: Single Shot Breech Loading, Falling Block, with set triggers.

Markings: The tang is marked “SH18039”.The bottom of the barrel is marked “SH18039S  DP PEDERSOLI CAL. 45-90 / MADE IN ITALY CAT. 8127 / BLACK POWDER CARTRIDGE ONLY / CIMARRON / FREDERICKSBURG TX” The receiver is stamped with several proofs including the date code.

Barrel Length: 32” “Light” Octagon Barrel.

Sights / Optics: This rifle is mounted with a Globe front sight with a circle post insert. The rear sight is a flip-up ladder marked from 2-8 with a small notch sight when the ladder is folded down. Both front and rear sights are dovetailed into the barrel. This rifle also includes a tang mounted, non windage adjustable, mid range staff, Vernier style micrometer rear sight with small eye disc.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece checkered walnut. The buttstock is a checkered straight grip, straight comb and has a case colored smooth buttplate. The handguard is a checkered, tapered forend with a German silver cap. The forend shows no wear. The stock has a small rub mark on the left side even with the front trigger with no other notable wear. The color case hardened buttplate has no wear. The LOP measures 14? from the front trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: The barrel is blued and the receiver, lever, buttplate and hammer are color case hardened.

Finish Originality: All Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion. There is a small patch of stubborn fouling in the grooves in the last third of the bore which should be easily removed with a proper cleaning. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is no really notable wear or marks on the metal, with the exception of a small nick on the very muzzle of the barrel. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: This rifle has double set triggers, which function correctly. The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes its original serialized box and a bag with assorted discs for the globe sight.

Our Assessment: The Pedersoli Sharps 1874 Billy Dixon in .45-90 Sharps is a meticulously crafted reproduction of the legendary rifle associated with one of the most famous marksmen of the American West, Billy Dixon. This rifle is designed for black powder cartridges only, honoring the traditions of 19th-century long-range shooting. The .45-90 Sharps cartridge, an extended version of the .45-70, was developed to provide increased powder capacity and, consequently, more power and range. This makes the rifle suitable for long-range shooting and hunting, particularly for large game. The cartridge is loaded with black powder, which is consistent with the historical use of the Sharps rifles during the late 1800s. The rifle itself features a “Light” profile octagonal barrel,  measuring 32 inches in length. This substantial barrel length enhances accuracy and stability, crucial for the long-range precision for which the Sharps rifle is renowned. The barrel is finished in a deep blue or browned steel, giving it an authentic period look. The rifle is equipped with high-quality sights that are essential for long-range shooting. The front sight is a globe sight, which can be outfitted with interchangeable inserts to suit different lighting conditions and target types. The rear sight is a Vernier tang sight, renowned for its precise adjustments and ability to facilitate accurate shots at extended distances. The action of the Pedersoli Sharps 1874 Billy Dixon is a falling block mechanism, known for its strength and reliability. This type of action allows for a very strong lock-up, which is important when dealing with the powerful .45-90 cartridge. Overall, the Pedersoli Sharps 1874 Billy Dixon in .45-90 Sharps black powder cartridges only rifle is a tribute to the legendary marksmanship and rugged frontier spirit of the Old West. The Story goes that Billy Dixon shot a Kiowa warrior at 1538 yards with a Sharps rifle like this one on June 27 1874 at Adobe Walls Texas. This historic shot was made 150 years ago almost to the day. Here is your chance to own the rifle and challenge yourself to see if you could hit a target at 1538 yards.  Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.