Chiappa 1874 Sharps Down Under 34″ .45-70 Single Shot
About this product
The Chiappa 1874 Sharps Down Under 34″ .45-70 Single Shot is a modern CNC-machined reproduction of the classic black-powder Sharps falling-block rifle, built with a Hartford-profile octagonal barrel and hand-fitted walnut stock. It translates 19th-century mechanical principles into a precise, production-grade firearm suitable for target shooting and regulated hunting. This interpretation from Chiappa represents a specific niche within the single-shot market, distinct from modern lever-actions or bolt-guns.
What is the Chiappa 1874 Sharps used for?
This rifle is engineered for precision target shooting at long ranges and for hunting large game in jurisdictions where single-shot configurations are required. I recommend it specifically for silhouette shooting, long-range black-powder cartridge matches, or hunting elk and bear where shots are carefully placed. Its 12.3-pound weight, 34-inch heavy barrel, and double set trigger system prioritize a stable, deliberate shot over rapid follow-up capability.
How does the Chiappa 1874 Sharps compare to the Stevens 334?
The Chiappa Sharps is fundamentally a different weapon system than a bolt-action like the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win. The Sharps is a historical, single-shot falling-block action designed for precision and deliberate shooting, weighing 12.3 lbs and holding one round. The Stevens 334 is a modern, repeating bolt-action hunting rifle that weighs just over 7 lbs and holds 4+1 rounds, making it better for dynamic hunting scenarios requiring quick follow-up shots.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle’s operational weight is 12.3 pounds (197 ounces), with an overall length of 51 inches from buttplate to muzzle. The octagonal barrel itself is 34 inches long with a heavy Hartford contour that measures approximately 1.1 inches across the flats at the breech. For transport and storage, you’ll need a hard case at least 54 inches in interior length.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for a new shooter seeking a low-cost, high-capacity plinker or for a hunter in dense brush where a 51-inch rifle is unmanageable. The single-shot action eliminates rapid-fire capability, and the .45-70 Government cartridge generates significant recoil energy, averaging 28 foot-pounds of force with standard factory loads. If you need a fast-handling shotgun for clays, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle, a factory test-fired casing, owner's manual, and a basic trigger adjustment tool. The box lacks any optic mounts, sling swivels, or a bore snake. Chiappa ships these in a standard cardboard carton with minimal internal padding, so I advise inspecting for cosmetic damage within 48 hours of receipt, as the color case-hardened finish can show transit marks.
Is the Chiappa 1874 Sharps worth it at $2095.99?
At just over two thousand dollars, its value is tied directly to your need for a historically-accurate, precision single-shot with modern manufacturing quality. For a casual shooter, this is a significant investment in a specialized tool. For a competitive long-range black-powder cartridge shooter or a hunter who values the Sharps action's legendary mechanical lockup, the price reflects the hand-fitted walnut, CNC-machined steel components, and the tuned double-set trigger system.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Precision double-set trigger is adjustable down to an 8-ounce pull weight for match shooting
- 34-inch heavy octagonal barrel (Hartford profile) provides exceptional stability for offhand shooting
- Hand-fitted walnut stock with 20 LPI checkering offers a period-correct, secure grip
- CNC-machined 4140 steel action ensures consistent lockup and headspace compared to cast reproductions
Trade-offs
- Weighs 12.3 lbs (197 oz) — significantly heavier than a modern hunting rifle like the 7.2 lb Stevens 334
- Receiver is not drilled and tapped for optics — requires a separate base and gunsmith installation
- Single-shot action mandates reloading after every round — impractical for any rapid-fire scenario
- 51-inch overall length makes it cumbersome in standard gun safes and dense hunting terrain
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 8053670710641 |
| manufacturer | Chiappa Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | 920.028 |
| action | Single Shot |
| barrel length | 34" |
| caliber/gauge | .45-70 Government |
| capacity | Single Shot |
| color | Color Case Hardened |
| model | 1874 Sharps |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a modern rifle scope?
- Yes, but it requires specific mounts. The color-case-hardened receiver is not drilled and tapped from the factory. You must purchase a separate ‘scope mount base for Sharps rifles,’ typically from vendors like DZ Arms or Montana Vintage Arms, and have it installed by a gunsmith. Plan for an additional $75-$150 for the base and installation labor.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle safe?
- Likely not without diagonal placement. At 51 inches overall, it exceeds the typical 48-inch interior height of many popular safes like the Liberty Centurion 24. Measure your safe's interior height diagonally; you'll need at least 52 inches of clear diagonal space to accommodate the rifle without straining the barrel or action.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days from order verification, not including transit. Once shipped via common carriers like FedEx or UPS, ground transit adds another 2-7 business days depending on your FFL's location relative to our warehouse. You will receive tracking information once the package is scanned.
- Can I return it if I don't like the trigger pull?
- No, firearm returns for operational preference are not accepted once the transfer is completed at your FFL. The double adjustable set trigger is a tunable mechanical system, and its pull weight can be adjusted from a light 'set' pull of approximately 8 ounces down to a standard pull around 4.5 pounds. Consult the manual or a competent gunsmith for adjustment.