The Taylor's & Co. 1874 Sharps Down Under is a single-shot rifle chambered in .45-70 Government with a 32-inch octagonal barrel, color case-hardened receiver, and blued barrel finish. At 49 inches overall and 10.60 lbs., it's a substantial rifle. The long barrel and heavy weight help manage the .45-70's recoil while contributing to the period-correct look. The double set trigger is a practical feature for precision work at distance, letting you reduce effective trigger pull when the front trigger is set. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: 1874 Sharps Down Under 
• Caliber: .45-70 Government 
• Action: Break Open 
• Barrel Length: 32 inches 
• Capacity: 1 round 
• Weight: 10.60 lbs 
• Overall Length: 49 inches 
• Trigger Type: Double Set 
• Safety Mechanism: Tang Safety 
• Stock: Standard Walnut 
• Sights: Fixed Front & Ladder Rear 
• Finish: Color Case Hardened Receiver with Blued Barrel 
   

Detailed Features 

• 32-inch octagonal barrel for stability and period aesthetics 
• Double set trigger for precise shot placement at long range 
• Tang safety 
• Color case-hardened receiver and blued barrel 
• Walnut stock 
• Fixed front sight and adjustable ladder rear sight 
   

Target Audience 

Long-range silhouette shooters, Quigley Match competitors, big game hunters who want period-caliber performance, and collectors interested in faithful 1874 Sharps reproductions. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

• Long-range target shooting and silhouette competition where the .45-70 and double set trigger combination is an advantage 
• Big game hunting for elk and similar animals at moderate to longer ranges 
• Collecting and display for those interested in post-Civil War and buffalo-era American firearms history

Owners of the Taylor's 1874 Sharps in .45-70 with the 32-inch octagon barrel tend to focus on a few consistent themes.

Craftsmanship is well-regarded. The color case hardening on the receiver, the fit of the walnut stock, and the overall quality of the octagonal barrel get positive marks. Long-range accuracy comes up frequently as a strength, with owners reporting good results at extended distances when running the double set trigger.

Recoil from the .45-70 is mentioned often. Some shooters find it part of the experience; others find extended sessions tiring. The 10.60 lb. weight helps absorb it but makes the rifle heavy to carry over distance. The single-shot mechanism is seen as appropriate by owners who specifically chose this type of rifle, and the simplicity is seen as a feature rather than a limitation.

Historical connection to the Sharps platform is a real draw for many buyers. Discussions regularly touch on the rifle's role in 19th-century American history and competitive events like Quigley matches. Price is discussed, with most finding it reasonable given the quality of the build.