Davide Pedersoli Rolling Block Creedmoor #2 .45-70 30-inch
Pros & cons
What works
- Mechanical lock time of approximately 2.5 milliseconds—faster than most modern hammer-fired actions for reduced shooter-induced error.
- Double-set trigger adjusts from a 3.5-lb standard pull down to a crisp 8-ounce match pull for ultimate precision control.
- Burnished 30-inch round steel barrel with a 1:18 twist stabilizes heavy lead projectiles up to 550 grains within 1.5 MOA at 200 yards with proper loads.
- Full-weight walnut stock with 22 LPI checkering provides positive grip, even with gloved hands in cold conditions.
Trade-offs
- No included sights—requires separate purchase of period-correct tang or globe front sights, adding $200-$500 minimum to the operational cost.
- Barrel length exceeds standard rifle case interiors by 4-6 inches, necessitating a custom 48-inch hard case for safe transport.
- Blued finish, while historically accurate, shows wear and handling marks more readily than modern Cerakote or nitride treatments, requiring regular oiling in humid environments.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Davide Pedersoli Rolling Block Creedmoor #2 .45-70 30-inch is a meticulously crafted, single-shot black powder rifle reproduction built for competitive long-range target shooting and collectors of authentic 19th-century firearms. It precisely replicates the 1870s-era actions favored by military marksmen and Creedmoor competitors, with a 30-inch round steel barrel providing optimal sight radius and muzzle velocity for heavy .45-70 Government cartridges. This is not a modern tactical rifle; it's a dedicated tool for deliberate, precision-focused shooting disciplines where every mechanical nuance influences down-range performance.
What is the Davide Pedersoli Rolling Block Creedmoor #2 used for?
This rifle is used exclusively for competitive long-range black powder target shooting and formal historical reenactment matches. It dominates in events like BPCR Silhouette, where its 30-inch barrel and 1:18 twist rate optimize stability for cast lead bullets up to 550 grains, and in NRA-sanctioned Creedmoor shoots that mimic original 1,000-yard conditions. The rifle's 9.25 lb weight demands shooting from supported positions like benchersts or cross-sticks, and its single-shot operation enforces the slow, methodical pace central to these historical disciplines. Expect to commit at least 90 seconds per shot for proper loading, positioning, and follow-through.
How does the Davide Pedersoli Rolling Block compare to a Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Pedersoli Rolling Block is fundamentally incomparable to a modern bolt-action like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win; they serve entirely different purposes. The Stevens 334 is better for practical hunting and modern recreational shooting, offering detachable 4-round magazines, synthetic stock durability, and a 20-inch barrel for maneuverability in dense cover. The Pedersoli excels at historical authenticity and long-range precision with black powder cartridges, offering superior lock time and a cleaner break from its double-set trigger, but requires specialized knowledge of single-shot loading procedures and period-correct optics mounting. Choose the Stevens for efficiency; choose the Pedersoli for an exacting, traditional shooting experience.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 9.25 lbs with an overall length of 46.06 inches from buttplate to muzzle crown. The 30-inch barrel is a specific round, burnished steel profile measuring 0.850 inches at the muzzle and 1.125 inches at the breech, providing a rigid bedding surface and significant forward weight bias (approximately 60/40) that aids off-hand stability. The walnut stock has a 13.5-inch length of pull and a pistol grip circumference of 5.25 inches, accommodating most adult shooters, though the full dimensions make it unsuitable for compact storage in standard 42-inch rifle cases.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for hunters needing quick follow-up shots, new shooters seeking a simple plinker, or anyone unwilling to hand-load .45-70 cartridges to black powder specifications. Its 1-round capacity, deliberate break-open action, and lack of modern accessory rails eliminate it for defensive, tactical, or high-volume recreational use. Avoid this if you primarily shoot factory-loaded ammunition or expect the modularity of a platform like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U shotgun. This is a specialist's tool requiring approximately 20-30 minutes of dedicated maintenance post-shooting to properly clean fouling from the barrel and rolling-block mechanism.
What's in the box?
Included is the rifle, a factory test-fired casing, and basic owner's documentation covering assembly and safety in English and Italian. Ironclad Armory ships it in a heavy-duty, foam-lined cardboard crate with external length markings of 48 inches to meet common carrier requirements. Notably absent are any cleaning tools, spare parts, or mounting hardware for period tang sights, which must be sourced separately and typically cost an additional $150-$400 for quality reproductions from manufacturers like MVA or Lee Shaver.
Is the Davide Pedersoli Rolling Block Creedmoor #2 worth it at $2754.99?
At $2,754.99, this rifle is worth the investment only for serious competitive shooters and advanced collectors who value mechanical authenticity over modern convenience. It delivers unmatched historical accuracy in its action and barrel dimensions compared to other reproductions, justifying a premium of roughly $800 over more basic Rolling Block variants. However, the total cost of ownership quickly approaches $4,000 when adding a suitable period-correct scope, mounts, and custom reloading equipment. For casual historical interest, a used H&R or Uberti replica chambered in .45-70 at half the price offers similar function with less exquisite fit and finish.
Key attributes
| upc | 8029874018012 |
| manufacturer | Davide Pedersoli |
| manufacturer part number | 010S822457 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 30" |
| caliber/gauge | .45-70 Government |
| capacity | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with modern .45-70 factory ammunition?
- Yes, but with severe limitations—it's designed for black powder or equivalent pressure loads. Most modern smokeless .45-70 factory ammunition produces pressures (up to 28,000 CUP) that exceed the rifle's historical design limits. For safe operation, use only ammunition labeled for Trapdoor Springfield or black powder loads, typically limited to 1,300 fps with a 405-grain bullet. Consult the Pedersoli manual or verify with a SAAMI pressure chart before firing.
- Is it compatible with a modern Picatinny rail?
- No. The receiver is drilled and tapped specifically for traditional long-range tang sights, requiring #8-40 screws with a 0.625-inch spacing. Attaching any modern Picatinny or Weaver-style rail requires custom machining and may void the warranty. For period-correct optics, you'll need mounts from manufacturers like MVA (Mountain Valley Arms) or Baldwin, which interface directly with the receiver's pre-drilled holes.
- How long does shipping take?
- Direct shipments from Ironclad Armory typically process within 3-5 business days and transit via FedEx Ground, averaging 7-10 days to continental US destinations. Due to the 46-inch length and 9.25 lb weight, the parcel requires adult signature confirmation upon delivery. Expedited shipping is available for an additional $75-120, reducing transit time to 2-3 business days via FedEx Express Saver.
- Can I return it if I'm not satisfied?
- Yes, under strict conditions. Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 14 days of delivery for un-fired, unfitted rifles in original packaging with all documentation, subject to a 15% restocking fee and return shipping costs. Once the rifle has been fired, fitted with a sight, or the factory seal on the action is broken, it is considered a final sale and ineligible for return unless a verifiable manufacturing defect is present.