The Taylor's & Co. 1874 Sharps Sporting Rifle is a single-shot, sliding-breechblock rifle chambered in .45-70 Government. It carries a walnut stock, a case-hardened steel receiver, and a 32-inch octagonal barrel. The double-set trigger lets you pre-set the sear for a lighter release when precision matters. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: 1874 Sharps 
• Caliber: .45-70 Government 
• Action: Sliding Breechblock 
• Barrel Length: 32" 
• Capacity: 1 Round 
• Trigger Type: Double Set 
• Overall Length: 49" 
• Weight: 10.60 lbs (169.6 oz) 
• Stock Material: Walnut 
• Receiver Material: Case Hardened Steel 
• Sights: Blade Front & Adjustable Rear 
• Twist Rate: 1 turn in 18 inches 
   

Detailed Features 

The sliding breechblock action opens and closes cleanly and extracts spent cases without fuss. The double-set trigger is the standout mechanical feature. You can fire normally on the first trigger, or set it for a lighter, crisper pull on precision shots. The 32-inch octagonal barrel contributes to a stable shooting platform and gives the rifle its characteristic profile. Case-hardened finish on the receiver is both a protective treatment and a nod to original 19th-century production methods. The adjustable rear sight handles distance corrections in the field. 
 

Target Audience 

Hunters who want a heavy single-shot .45-70 for big game, and competitive shooters in single-shot or black-powder silhouette events. Also a draw for collectors who prefer a functional rifle to a wall-hanger. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

• Hunting: The .45-70 cartridge and 32-inch barrel combination is suited for large game at typical rifle ranges. 
• Competitive Shooting: The double-set trigger and adjustable sights benefit shooters aiming for consistent groups in precision or silhouette competitions.

Discussion around the Taylor's 1874 Sharps Old Reliable in .45-70 Govt tends to be substantive. This is a rifle that attracts shooters who already know what they want.

The craftsmanship draws consistent praise. The wood-to-metal fit and case-hardened finish are generally well-executed, and the attention to period-correct detail is something owners mention frequently. The .45-70 chambering is appreciated for its real stopping power on large game, and accuracy reports are positive across multiple distance ranges.

Weight and recoil come up regularly. At 10.60 lbs this is a heavy rifle, which some find an asset for steadiness off a rest but a liability on a long walk-in hunt. The .45-70 recoil is substantial; most owners find it acceptable as part of the platform, but it does limit comfortable round counts in extended range sessions.

Customization discussions are active in community forums, covering barrel-length variants, aftermarket sight options, and reloading practices for the .45-70 cartridge. There is an active community around Sharps-pattern rifles generally, and Taylor's owners participate in it alongside owners of other makers' reproductions.

Sentiment overall is positive, anchored in respect for the design and satisfaction with field performance. Most criticisms are practical observations rather than complaints about quality.