The Chiappa 1863 Sharps is a single-shot break-action rifle in .45-70 Govt., built to replicate the Sharps design that cavalry units carried during the Civil War era. It's a clean, no-frills rifle with solid construction and straightforward operation.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Chiappa Firearms
- Model: 1863 Sharps
- Caliber: .45-70 Govt.
- Barrel Length: 28 inches
- Total Length: 39 inches
- Weight: 8 lbs (128 oz)
- Capacity: 1 round
- Action Type: Break action
- Barrel Finish: Blued
- Receiver Finish: Color case
- Stock Material & Finish: Walnut with hand-oiled finish
- Sights Front: Fixed Blade
- Sights Rear: Ladder Adjustable Windage & Elevation
Detailed Features
The break-action design opens quickly for loading and unloading, keeping the manual of arms simple. The 28-inch blued barrel gives .45-70 rounds room to build velocity, which helps accuracy at distance. The color case receiver and hand-oiled walnut stock are consistent with the original production aesthetic.
The ladder adjustable rear sight paired with a fixed blade front lets shooters dial in elevation and windage for different ranges. At 8 lbs the rifle balances well for a single-shot, and .45-70 Govt. handles large game effectively.
Target Audience
This rifle is aimed at collectors interested in Civil War-era firearms, target shooters who enjoy traditional single-shot disciplines, and hunters who want a hard-hitting cartridge in a historically styled package.
Usage Scenarios
In competitive single-shot events or silhouette matches, the 28-inch barrel and adjustable sights give the accuracy needed to connect at range. For large game hunting, the .45-70 is a capable round. The rifle also works well as a display piece given its authentic styling.