I have a 45-70 Pedersoli Rolling block in 45-70 and have not had one
problem whatsoever.   Can't complain.  Got it at a steal for under $500 brand new and it shoots great.

Last week shot Rams at 500 meters.   Thats roughly 1600 feet or more then 1/4 mile away and hit a target approximatly 24 in tall
by 34 in long.  It hit repeatedly.  So the accuracy is there.  It appears to me that it could reasonably compete against much more expensive custom rifles.  The custom rifles should outperform it in the long run, but it shoots well enough as is to be in the hunt.   

That was using 70grs of Black Powder and a 545 grain paper patched bullet.  Some have said that the Pedersoli Rolling Block throat won't shoot paper patched bullets but I have proved that mine does.

It does great with the standard carbine load of 45-60 with a 405 grain FN bullet.  A great deer hunting round and a great 100 yd target round.
This Rifle is mostly out of the box.  However, Lee Shaver did the trigger and sight work.

The only thing I can say about it is that the Sharps will chamber a long
cartridge without hammer interference.  You are a little more limited with cartridge OAL with a central hung hammer. However, I have 3 sharps and only 1 rolling block so I know about cartridge OAL.

With drop tube & compression, and Winchester or Remington Brass, I can get more then 70 grains of FFg behind a bullet.

The Gunn-Trenk bullet is designed for the Pedersoli chamber and is supposed to be the best bullet for the rolling block.  Havn't tried it.

Anyway, mine shoots good, the quality is there.  I can recommend it.  The secret is good Vernier sights.

As for those grenading, A modern Rolling block action is capable of holding 28,000 cups.  You can buy 45-70 ammo that is on the order of 33,000+cups.  So, if you are careless in reloading, or dim witted enough to use the high pressure cartridges, then you can expect the worst.  You can't overload it with BP.

Buy it. 

Merle

I have one and I have been pleased with it.  I spent more on the sights than the gun.

I have noticed that Cabelas has a 45/70 Pedersoli that is now down to something like $599, it is a model close out.  Seems to me it is a good way to get going in black powder cartridge shooting without breaking the bank.  That's important these days.

Generally I like originals, in fact my rolling block is the first reproduction I ever purchased.  However at the price you can get a new Pedersoli you can not purchase an original RB that will perform like the reproduction.  You can dump a lot of money in an original and have a nicer gun in the long run but it sure going to cost you more than $599 and take some time and I am a guy that likes projects too.

Dave

I want to thank everyone for there information. I did see the RB that Cabelas has listed. Almost grabbed it but decided to wait. Thanks for the help.