Questions on the '74 Sharps Cavalry Carbine 45-70 (Taylor's & Co., reproduction)

[Thomas (Tom) Horn aka James Hicks]

New to this forum-  Does anybody shoot this rifle?  I have the chance to buy one from a friend who wants to sell his.  I took it out and test fired. I did not use the holy black. My loads were 13 grains of Trail Boss sitting under a 405 grain RNFP bullet. I test fired at 25 yards / 50 yards / 100 yards and at 200 yards.  At 25 yards the rifle (with the factory sights) fires to the right and low (from POA about 12" right and 12" low.  Naturally as I progressed to the longer ranges this factor increased. I know this can be corrected with a Soule Sight.  The barrel is a 22" barrel.  Has anyone had this same problem with this rifle?  It is made by Armi Sport (Chiappa). The price is right but I am not happy with the way it shoots as is.  But maybe that is the nature of the beast.  The owner said he had never fired it at long range, and had only used it in CAS frontier category as I recall.  The rifle has not been abused and looks just like it came ROB. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Thomas (Tom) Horn aka James Hicks]

I found that this '74 Sharps Carbine 45-70 seems to shoot better with the holy black.  I loaded some cartridges with 65 gr of Goex under a 405 gr RNFP bullet.  Works great at the 200 yards. I did not use any wads, seated the bullet on top of the powder. The factory Ladder Sight is a cheap and leaves much to be desired.  I will install a Kelley Soule Sight and I think it will do much better.

[cpt dan blodgett]

Kelley is a fine sight and IMHO is the most beautiful out there.  Just too spendy for me to put on my Armi Sports.  The front and rear sight combined with inserts would have cost more than my rifle, pretty much stole it but is what the guy was asking

[LT Col Long]

I have the same rifle as you and the opposite problem which you encountered.  You had too much trigger pull and I have not enough.  As Paladin said about his revolver; "You can blow on the trigger and it will fire!"  Also had some problems with the hammer staying back on full cock.  Not a good thing when you are doing skirmish type GAF matches.

Maj SH Long

[wildman1]

Sounds like there might be a problem with the sear. wM1

[LT Col Long]

Sounds like there might be a problem with the sear. wM1

Thanks for your responses, Wildman.  We are getting started today.  My 'smith is letting me hold the lantern!

Maj SH Long