True Pedersoli Sharps? Pedersoli makes their Sharps rifles in several forms, for several wholesalers, to the wholesalers' specs. At least on the outside. It's my understanding that all Pedersoli bbls & actions are made to the same specs on the inside regardless of intended market so this wouldn't be a problem, only the outside features and finish would be different depending upon the wholesaler. Pedersoli outside finish is about the same level for most all their models, they vary mainly in their shape and features e.g. DSTs, PG, buttplate, engraving, sights etc. & some have shinier finishes than others, but they're basically very similar. Especially when compared to a Shiloh or other high-priced spread, the Shilohs are all a cut or three above the Pedersolis in exterior finish & so all the Pedersolis tend to look alike to me when I compare 'em to a Shiloh. But the Pedersolis, even the Dixie Pedersolis, are just as accurate as any of the others & more accurate than many of 'em.

Strength? We're discussing roller strength right now over on Rick Shay's BPCR.net forum so I won't repeat it all, but I will say that IMO the Sharps is much stronger (ultimate blow-up strength) than the roller given equal metallurgy and equal quality control. The difference IMO lies in the respective designs and the built-in flexure of the roller action.

I will also say that either action will hold any sane load intended for either the Schuetzen or BPCR venues, i.e. any load generating pressures below 40K psi. I can assure you that your shoulder will give out long long before either of the mentioned actions, at least it will with the larger calibers.
Good luck, Joe

Some prefer Sharps, some prefer Rollers... The lever on the Sharps is an advantage if there are any extraction difficulties. I would love a Shiloh Sharps 74. However down here by the time the exchange rate and importation costs are added to the price, they are too expensive for most people to consider. So the Pedersolis are the majority and I have yet to hear complaints from shooters Down Under and like all Sharps reproductions, are begging for the personal touch. For me personally, given the chance a Shiloh would be great, an orignial even better, but I doubt you would be dissapointed in a Pedersoli.

I wont try to talk you our of buying an 12874 Sharps, I have two and I like them a lot, have fired many thousands of rounds through them. I will say , however, that for reliability and value, and respectable accuracy, do not overlook the good old trapdoor. I have one with a pitted bore that is quite accurate, and I had one rebarreled with an Obermeyer barrel that is also a good shooter. I have fired both quite a bit, and never had to replace a part, cant say that about the Sharps. Joe S

Hi Swifty! May I make a suggestion?  You might want to restrict your loading to smokeless powder with a pitted bore, I have always believed black powder would be too difficult to remove from a pitted bore and have avoided it except in my Sharps for that reason. So far, havent had much luck with it but I am a newbie with black in cartridge guns.  Let me know what your results are with the trapdoor, when you get a chance to test it out. I have used 4759 and 5744 with good results. Joe S