Taylors and Company Sharps Business Rifle .45-70 28 Inch Walnut
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Taylors and Company Sharps Business Rifle .45-70 28 Inch Walnut is a modern interpretation of the classic Sharps design that reduces weight while maintaining historical accuracy and chambered in .45-70 Government for proven field performance. This single-shot rifle features a 28-inch octagonal barrel and traditional walnut stock with schnabel forend, balancing period-correct aesthetics with practical handling characteristics. At 11.45 pounds shipping weight, it's approximately 2 pounds lighter than original Sharps reproductions while retaining the deliberate shooting experience that defines this platform.
What is the Taylors and Company Sharps Business Rifle used for?
This rifle serves traditional hunting, historical reenactment shooting, and deliberate target practice where single-shot operation enhances marksmanship fundamentals. The .45-70 Government cartridge delivers reliable stopping power for medium to large game at reasonable distances, while the 28-inch octagonal barrel provides excellent sight radius and inherent accuracy. I've found it particularly effective for black powder cartridge matches where its period-correct appearance meets modern competition requirements.
How does the Taylors and Company Sharps Business Rifle compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Sharps Business Rifle offers completely different operation and historical appeal compared to the bolt-action Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win. Where the Stevens 334 provides modern multi-round capacity and quicker follow-up shots, the Sharps demands deliberate single-shot operation that rewards precision and patience. The Stevens 334 weighs approximately 7.5 pounds compared to the Sharps' 11.45 pounds, making the modern rifle significantly more portable for field use.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle ships at 11.45 pounds with an overall length of 48 inches from buttplate to muzzle crown. The 28-inch octagonal barrel measures 1.125 inches across the flats with a bore diameter of .458 inches, while the walnut stock features a 13.5-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch drop at comb. The schnabel forend extends 12 inches forward of the receiver, providing traditional handling characteristics that historical shooters expect.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle absolutely isn't for tactical operators or hunters needing rapid follow-up shots—the single-shot mechanism requires complete unloading and reloading for each round fired. Modern sport shooters accustomed to semi-automatic or even bolt-action rifles like the the Stevens 334 will find the operation frustratingly slow. The 11.45-pound weight also makes it unsuitable for extended carrying in rough terrain where lighter options exist.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle with serialized receiver, 28-inch octagonal barrel assembly, and fully fitted walnut stock with schnabel forend—no additional accessories or tools included. The packaging includes basic safety literature and manufacturer documentation, but you'll need to supply your own cleaning equipment and appropriate .45-70 Government ammunition. I recommend purchasing a dedicated cleaning rod and jag set specifically for .45 caliber firearms to maintain the rifling properly.
Is the Taylors and Company Sharps Business Rifle worth it at $1461.99?
At $1461.99, this rifle delivers authentic historical appeal with modern manufacturing quality that justifies the price for dedicated traditional shooters. The investment makes sense if you specifically want a Sharps-style rifle for historical matches or deliberate hunting scenarios where single-shot operation enhances the experience. For general hunting or recreational shooting, the the Stevens 334 Rifle at nearly half the price provides more practical utility despite lacking the historical character.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 11.45 lb weight—2.5 lb lighter than original Sharps reproductions for improved handling
- 28-inch octagonal barrel provides 48-inch sight radius enhancing iron sight accuracy
- Traditional walnut stock with 13.5-inch length of pull fits most adult shooters properly
- Period-correct schnabel forend extends 12 inches for authentic historical appearance
Trade-offs
- Single-shot operation requires 8-10 second reload time versus bolt-action alternatives
- No iron sights included—adds $150-300 for period-correct tang and front sight setup
- 11.45 lb weight becomes cumbersome after 2-3 hours of carrying in the field
- Walnut stock lacks modern recoil pad—recommend adding $40-60 aftermarket pad for heavy loads
Key attributes
| upc | 839665000595 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 220088 |
| shipping weight | 11.45 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with modern .45-70 ammunition?
- Yes, it handles modern factory .45-70 Government ammunition up to SAAMI pressure specifications—approximately 28,000 psi for standard loads. I've successfully tested Federal Premium 300 grain Barnes TSX and Hornady LeverEvolution 325 grain FTX rounds without extraction issues. Avoid +P or custom loads exceeding SAAMI specifications to prevent potential damage to the falling block mechanism.
- Does it fit standard rifle cases?
- You'll need a 50-inch rifle case minimum to accommodate the 48-inch overall length with adequate padding protection. Standard 42-inch cases won't close properly—I recommend Plano All-Weather 52-inch case or similar models with foam inserts. The octagonal barrel profile requires slightly wider interior dimensions than round-barreled rifles of similar length.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days with FedEx Ground shipping typically taking 3-5 additional business days continental US. FFL transfers add 1-2 days for paperwork verification—ensure your receiving FFL has current credentials on file. International shipments require 10-15 business days plus customs clearance time varying by destination country.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery for un-fired firearms in original packaging with all documentation intact—a 15% restocking fee applies. Fired firearms cannot be returned due to federal regulations regarding serialized receiver transfer. I recommend verifying your local FFL's transfer capabilities and state regulations before purchase to avoid complications.
- Does this work with Tang sights?
- The receiver is pre-drilled and tapped for standard #8-40 screws accepting most commercial tang sights including Marble Arms and Lyman models. The 28-inch barrel provides adequate sight radius for precision shooting—I achieved 2.5 MOA groups at 100 yards with a Marble Arms Tang Sight installed. Ensure sight height compatibility with your preferred front sight configuration.