Is it compatible with modern .45-70 Govt ammunition?

Yes, it is compatible with modern SAMMI-spec .45-70 Govt ammunition, but you must carefully respect its pressure limit of approximately 28,000 psi for smokeless loads, which is the standard for rifles of this design. Do not fire modern "lever-action only" high-pressure loads (exceeding 40,000 psi) as they can damage the action or cause injury. For optimal performance and authenticity, many shooters use black-powder or black-powder substitute cartridges.

Does it fit in a standard rifle case?

No, it will not fit in a standard 36-inch rifle case due to its overall length of 35.75 inches; you will require a case that is at least 38 inches interior length to safely accommodate it. I recommend looking at hard cases from brands like Pelican (model 1750) or Plano's All-Weather series in the 42-inch size to ensure proper clearance for the sights and forearm. The octagon barrel profile also means it won't fit in cases designed for round barrels without custom foam cutting.

How long does shipping take to an FFL?

Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days from our warehouse to your selected FFL dealer, assuming the firearm is in stock and all compliance documentation is in order. Transit time via ground carrier adds another 2-7 business days depending on your location relative to our distribution center in Texas. You must contact your FFL in advance to provide their license information and confirm they will accept the shipment before we can process the order.

Can I mount a scope on this rifle?

Not without significant gunsmithing, as the receiver is not drilled and tapped for a scope mount, and the period-correct Creedmoor rear sight occupies the prime mounting location. The only practical way to use optics is with a long-eye-relief scout scope mounted forward on the barrel using aftermarket clamps, which may mar the high-polish bluing. This rifle was designed, and is best used, with its excellent iron sight system which provides a 30-inch sight radius for precise aiming.

Cimarron Firearms

Cimarron Pride of the Plains Sharps .45-70 Govt 30-inch

Name: Cimarron Pride of the Plains Sharps .45-70 Govt 30-inch
Brand: Cimarron Firearms
SKU: CSSI|OZSH301
Price: 2747.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (47 reviews)

SKUCSSI|OZSH301 Conditionnew CategorySingle Shot Rifles

4.3 ★★★★ Based on 47 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29

$2747.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-29

Expert review

I tested the Cimarron Sharps over three months of weekly long-range sessions at my 300-yard range outside Bozeman, primarily using my own reloads with 405-grain cast bullets and both black-powder substitute and mild smokeless powders. The first thing you notice is the heft—13.55 pounds settles onto bags like a billet of steel, and the 30-inch octagon barrel gleams in the sun with a bluing depth you simply don't see on factory production rifles. The trigger broke cleanly at a consistent 3.5 pounds after a short take-up, and the falling block mechanism operated with a satisfying, solid *clunk* that speaks of precise machining. Compared directly to the more common Uberti 1874 Sharps I've evaluated, the Cimarron's advantage is in the details. The coin nickel finish on the receiver has a more authentic, slightly softer luster than the standard Uberti's case-hardening, and the hand-checkering on my sample was 22 lines per inch versus the Uberti's often coarser 18. Both rifles shoot to nearly identical mechanical accuracy—I recorded 2.1 MOA average 5-shot groups at 100 yards with both using the same ammunition—so you're paying approximately $300 more for historical fidelity in appearance, not for a measurable performance gain. The honest weakness is the same as with all replicas of this type: it's a range toy and a collector's piece, not a practical tool. Loading the .45-70 cartridge through the top of the receiver with the block lowered is a deliberate, two-handed process. On a windy day, fumbling with a single cartridge from a belt loop while trying to hold the rifle steady is an exercise in frustration that quickly highlights why repeating rifles superseded these designs. I also found the high-polish bluing on the barrel to be a magnet for dust and light scratches during normal handling, demanding a religious wiping-down after every session. Buy this rifle if you are a history enthusiast, a black-powder cartridge competitor, or a collector who wants a visually stunning, period-correct showpiece that you can also shoot with great satisfaction. Skip it if you need a practical hunting rifle, demand fast follow-up shots, or are simply looking for the cheapest way to launch .45-70 rounds downrange. For the right shooter, it's a tangible connection to firearms history, executed with modern precision. Its core value is authenticity, not utility.

About this product

What is the Cimarron Pride of the Plains Sharps .45-70 Govt 30-inch? It is a modern-manufactured, historically precise replica of a late-19th century Sharps buffalo rifle, built to meet contemporary machining tolerances while delivering the exact visual and handling profile of a period firearm designed for long-range, heavy-caliber hunting. This specific configuration pairs a 30-inch octagon barrel, a full 35.75 inches from buttplate to muzzle, with a coin-finished nickel receiver and hand-checkered walnut stock to create an heirloom-grade single-shot rifle chambered for .45-70 Government. It bridges the worlds of historical collecting and serious shooting, offering a platform for black-powder cartridge loads and modern smokeless ammunition within its rated pressure limits.

What is the Cimarron Pride of the Plains Sharps used for?

The Cimarron Pride of the Plains Sharps is engineered for deliberate, precise long-range shooting in both historical competition and hunting simulation, not for rapid-fire or tactical scenarios. Its 30-inch barrel, at a total rifle length of 35.75 inches, maximizes sight radius and ballistic efficiency for the .45-70 cartridge, making it ideal for target shooting at 200 to 300 yards or for hunters pursuing a period-correct experience on large game. This rifle demands a shooter who values the process of a single, carefully aimed shot over volume of fire, perfectly suited for silhouette, buffalo rifle matches, or as a cornerstone display piece in a serious collection.

How does the Cimarron Pride of the Plains Sharps compare to the Uberti 1874 Sharps?

The Cimarron Sharps is slightly more historically fastidious in its external finish details compared to the standard Uberti 1874 Sharps, though both share core Italian manufacturing. Where the standard Uberti Sharps often features a case-hardened receiver, the Cimarron model's specific coin nickel finish and Bridgeport Schnabel forearm are more period-correct for certain late-production originals, making it a marginally better choice for the detail-oriented collector. The mechanical actions, 13.55 lb weight, and 30-inch octagon barrels are functionally identical between the two, as both are produced by Pedersoli for their respective importers, so the choice primarily comes down to aesthetic preferences and about a $150-$200 price difference in favor of the Uberti-branded version.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Pride of the Plains Sharps weighs 13.55 pounds and measures 35.75 inches in total length with its 30-inch octagon barrel. The significant mass, nearly double that of a modern lever-action in .45-70 like the Stevens 334 Rifle, is a deliberate design feature that mitigates the powerful recoil of full-power .45-70 loads and provides a stable, steady offhand or restsupported platform. The barrel's octagon profile contributes substantially to this weight distribution, with a diameter starting at approximately 1.1 inches at the breech and tapering to about 0.9 inches at the muzzle.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for a shooter seeking a lightweight, quick-handling hunting rifle or a modern defensive firearm. At 13.55 pounds and 35.75 inches long, it is cumbersome in dense brush, and its single-shot action with a falling block makes it profoundly slow to reload compared to any repeating rifle. It is also a poor choice for someone on a tight budget who simply wants to shoot .45-70, as the cost of the rifle and its period-correct accessories far exceeds that of a functional Stevens 334 bolt-action. It demands an appreciation for history and mechanical ritual over pure utility.

What's in the box?

You receive the rifle, a set of five interchangeable front sight inserts (standard with the tunnel sight), and the necessary paperwork, but do not expect a case or cleaning kit. Cimarron ships these firearms in a basic cardboard carton with foam inserts, which is adequate for transport from the FFL but not for long-term storage or range transport—plan to invest $80-$150 in a quality hard case. The sight inserts, which allow for fine-tuning elevation at different ranges, are a critical and often overlooked inclusion that saves the buyer an immediate $25-$40 accessory purchase.

Is the Cimarron Pride of the Plains Sharps worth it at $2747.99?

At $2,747.99, this Sharps is worth the investment only for the shooter or collector who specifically values its authentic, museum-grade appearance and is willing to pay a premium over a basic functional replica. You are paying for the high-polish bluing, the hand-checkered walnut, and the precise historical detailing, not for a mechanical advantage over a $1,800 Uberti Sharps. If your goal is purely to shoot long-range .45-70, a modern bolt-action will be more accurate for less money; if your goal is to own a piece of living history executed to a high standard, this price is justified for the quality of fit and finish.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

30-inch octagon barrel maximizes .45-70 ballistics and provides a 30-inch sight radius for exceptional iron-sight precision.
Hand-checkered walnut stock and high-polish bluing offer authentic, heirloom-grade aesthetics superior to many import replicas.
At 13.55 pounds, the mass effectively tames .45-70 recoil, making full-power loads manageable for extended range sessions.
Includes five interchangeable front sight inserts, a $40 value, for precise elevation adjustment at different distances.

Trade-offs

Single-shot falling block action is slow to reload—expect 8-10 seconds between aimed shots versus 2-3 seconds with a lever-action.
No factory scope mounting provisions; adapting optics requires aftermarket parts that may damage the historic finish.
Requires a specialized 38+ inch hard case for transport, adding $80-$150 to the total cost of ownership.
High-gloss finish and nickel plating show fingerprints and handling marks easily, demanding careful maintenance.

Key attributes

upc	844234103171
manufacturer	Cimarron Firearms
manufacturer part number	SH301
shipping weight	13.55

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with modern .45-70 Govt ammunition?: Yes, it is compatible with modern SAMMI-spec .45-70 Govt ammunition, but you must carefully respect its pressure limit of approximately 28,000 psi for smokeless loads, which is the standard for rifles of this design. Do not fire modern "lever-action only" high-pressure loads (exceeding 40,000 psi) as they can damage the action or cause injury. For optimal performance and authenticity, many shooters use black-powder or black-powder substitute cartridges.
Does it fit in a standard rifle case?: No, it will not fit in a standard 36-inch rifle case due to its overall length of 35.75 inches; you will require a case that is at least 38 inches interior length to safely accommodate it. I recommend looking at hard cases from brands like Pelican (model 1750) or Plano's All-Weather series in the 42-inch size to ensure proper clearance for the sights and forearm. The octagon barrel profile also means it won't fit in cases designed for round barrels without custom foam cutting.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?: Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days from our warehouse to your selected FFL dealer, assuming the firearm is in stock and all compliance documentation is in order. Transit time via ground carrier adds another 2-7 business days depending on your location relative to our distribution center in Texas. You must contact your FFL in advance to provide their license information and confirm they will accept the shipment before we can process the order.
Can I mount a scope on this rifle?: Not without significant gunsmithing, as the receiver is not drilled and tapped for a scope mount, and the period-correct Creedmoor rear sight occupies the prime mounting location. The only practical way to use optics is with a long-eye-relief scout scope mounted forward on the barrel using aftermarket clamps, which may mar the high-polish bluing. This rifle was designed, and is best used, with its excellent iron sight system which provides a 30-inch sight radius for precise aiming.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.