Chiappa 1874 Sharps Down Under 34″ .45-70 Single Shot
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Chiappa 1874 Sharps Down Under 34″ .45-70 single shot is a modern take on the classic falling-block rifle, built for shooters who want old-school looks with today’s accuracy. It’s got a heavy 34-inch octagonal barrel, a hand-fitted checkered walnut stock, and a double-set trigger that lets you dial in your shot. Chambered in .45-70 Government, this rifle is ready for long-range target work or hunting big game. Per Chiappa’s specs, it’s CNC-machined from solid steel and assembled with the kind of attention you’d expect from a custom shop.
| Manufacturer | Chiappa Firearms |
|---|---|
| Model | 1874 Sharps Down Under |
| Material | CNC-machined steel receiver, checkered walnut stock with patchbox (per manufacturer specs) |
| Compatibility | .45-70 Government ammunition |
| Finish | Blued barrel and receiver, oil-finished walnut stock |
| Weight | Approximately 11.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 34″ Octagonal Hartford-Profile Barrel — Why it matters: That extra length and weight soak up recoil and give you a stable sight plane, so you can hold on target longer and squeeze off consistent shots at 300 yards or more.
- Double Adjustable Set Trigger — Why it matters: You can set the front trigger for a crisp, light pull—down to a few ounces—which takes the guesswork out of your break and helps you shoot tighter groups.
- Adjustable Rear Sight for Elevation and Windage — Why it matters: You don’t need a scope to dial in your zero. This rear sight lets you compensate for bullet drop and crosswinds, making it a practical choice for iron-sight matches or hunting.
- Hand-Fitted Walnut Stock with Patchbox — Why it matters: The checkering gives you a solid grip in wet or cold weather, and the patchbox is a nod to the original Sharps—handy for storing a cleaning patch or spare parts.
- Falling-Block Single-Shot Action — Why it matters: It’s simple, strong, and locks up like a bank vault. No extraction issues, no feeding problems—just one round, one shot, one chance to make it count.
Who It’s For
This rifle is for the shooter who appreciates history but wants modern reliability. If you’re into long-range target shooting with iron sights, hunting deer or elk in open country, or collecting classic single-shot rifles, the Chiappa 1874 Sharps Down Under fits the bill. It’s also a great choice for new shooters who want to learn the fundamentals of marksmanship—one shot at a time.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Accurate out of the box, solid steel construction, adjustable trigger, authentic look and feel, good for both target and hunting.
- Cons: The 34″ barrel makes it a bit front-heavy and harder to carry through brush. Also, the single-shot action means you need to make every round count—no quick follow-ups.
Comparison
| Feature | Chiappa 1874 Sharps Down Under | Pedersoli 1874 Sharps | Uberti 1874 Sharps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 34″ octagonal | 32″ octagonal | 30″ round |
| Trigger | Double-set, adjustable | Single-stage, adjustable | Single-stage, fixed |
| Stock | Checkered walnut with patchbox | Smooth walnut with patchbox | Smooth walnut, no patchbox |
| Action | Falling-block, CNC-machined | Falling-block, investment cast | Falling-block, cast |
| Weight | ~11.5 lbs | ~10.5 lbs | ~9.5 lbs |
| Price | $2,095.15 | $2,400–$2,800 | $1,800–$2,200 |
FAQ
What kind of accuracy can I expect from the Chiappa 1874 Sharps Down Under?
With good factory .45-70 ammunition and the set trigger dialed in, you can expect 1.5- to 2-inch groups at 100 yards from a bench rest. Handloads can tighten that up further. The 34″ barrel gives you plenty of velocity for long-range work.
Is this rifle suitable for hunting?
Yes, the .45-70 Government is a proven big-game cartridge for deer, elk, and even black bear. The heavy barrel and set trigger help you place a precise shot. Just keep in mind the rifle’s weight—about 11.5 lbs—so it’s better for stand hunting or open-country stalking than thick brush.
Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
The receiver is not drilled and tapped for a scope base from the factory. You’d need to have a gunsmith do that work if you want optics. The iron sights are excellent as-is, but a tang-mounted peep sight is a popular upgrade that doesn’t require drilling.
How does the double set trigger work?
You push the rear trigger forward to “set” it, then the front trigger breaks with a light pull—often under 1 pound. If you don’t set it, the front trigger works as a standard single-stage pull at about 3–4 pounds. It gives you two options in one trigger.
Is the stock really hand-fitted?
Yes, per Chiappa’s specs, the walnut stock is hand-fitted to the receiver and features cut checkering. The patchbox is functional and adds to the traditional look. The fit and finish are consistent with rifles costing much more.
Why Buy From Us
- ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✅ 30-day returns
- ✅ Secure checkout
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Last updated: April 2026