1874 Sharps Overbaugh
Davide Pedersoli & Co. S.r.l. · Rifle · In Production
Also known as: 1877 Sharps Overbaugh Long Range, Sharps Overbaugh Long Range, Pedersoli Overbaugh
Overview
The Pedersoli 1874 Sharps Overbaugh is a single-shot, falling-block breech-loading rifle chambered in .45-70 Government, reproducing the lightened long-range Sharps competition rifle designed by Charles E. Overbaugh, the traveling salesman and exhibition shooter of the Sharps Rifle Company. Overbaugh reworked the heavy 1874 frame to shed weight so shooters could mount a longer, heavier barrel while staying under the NRA's 10-pound competition limit, taming recoil and vibration on the firing line. Pedersoli's modern version pairs a forged frame and a 30-inch broach-rifled PMG-quality barrel with an American walnut stock, double-set triggers and color case-hardened furniture, and remains popular for long-range black-powder cartridge target matches and cowboy action shooting.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4000 g (141.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1190 mm (46.85") |
| Barrel Length | 760 mm (29.92") |
| Action Type | Falling Block |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Set |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 411 m/s (1348 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2215 J (1634 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 457 mm (17.99") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Color Case Hardened |
Calibers
- .45-70 Government · primary — also known as .45-70, .45-70 Govt, 11.6x53mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot Breech Loading
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Broach Rifled Barrel, Forged Frame, Double Set Triggers, Lightweight Competition Action, Creedmoor Sight Compatible, Pistol Grip Stock
Service history
Operators
- Long-range and Creedmoor target shooters
- Cowboy action shooters
Production
Production years: original design 1877-1881; Pedersoli reproduction in current production
The original Overbaugh long-range Sharps rifles were built by the Sharps Rifle Company in small numbers before the firm closed in 1881; Pedersoli produces the modern reproduction in Italy.
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Charles E. Overbaugh
Notes
Sold by Pedersoli under the 1877/Overbaugh Long Range designation; the Overbaugh action is a lightened evolution of the classic 1874 Sharps sporting frame. Twist rate is 1:18 in (approx. 457 mm).
Background
Charles E. Overbaugh was the Sharps Rifle Company's chief traveling salesman and a skilled exhibition shooter and gunsmith. When Creedmoor-era long-range competitors complained that the NRA's 10-pound weight cap forced them to use short, whippy barrels, Overbaugh redesigned the massive Sharps action to be lighter, letting a heavier long barrel fit within the limit for steadier, softer-recoiling fire.