I paid off my rifle so I have 14-16 months to plan for sights and drill and tap.

[Dano Dog]

I am so lost on sights and have real no direction or conviction on what I want for this rifle. I am a complete newbie. When I saw the Quigley movie, I knew that someday I would own a Sharps. The intended uses will be fun at the range and some friendly competitions. I do not know if I will favor long range or silhouette. This will most likely be my only rifle as I retire in 4 years and the disposable income will drop, so I need to plan a transition from iron sights to scope sights when the time comes. I have no idea what scope configuration that I will want or need, but I want Shiloh to drill and tap for that "day". So the question of the day is "What Iron sights would you use not knowing what competitions you might like, and what scope options should I look at when the eyes don't function properly." I guess I am looking for a universal option, which probably doesn't exist. Thanks in advance. Dano

This is my tentative configuration below:

Sporter # 3 .45-90
32" Heavy Octagon
Extra Fancy Wood
Pack Harden
Custom Bedding
Pewter Tip
Steel Buttplate (Shotgun)
Brass Escutcheons
Polished Screws Fire blued
Front Sight #113
Long Range Soule x103 Buffalo
No Cheekpiece

[SSShooter]

Some considerations...............
45-90, as was proven in our windy 600yd match yesterday (and many times before) is a terrific round if shooting at longer distances. Heavier rifle is better to help with the recoil. However, if shooting silhouette you will likely only make weight in the scope class with a 32" heavy octagon barrel, so plan for that. The drawback is you will not be able to use that rifle for the irons class at the Nationals or any other match that shoots scope class one day and irons another. Plus, you may find it a challenge to hold up off-hand.
As far as a scope, I'm starting to reconsider my choice of a MVA B5 with the No.2 mount which I went with to keep the overall weight down. Am about 10hyr older than you (probably more) and no longer shoot irons unless at the nats or similar matches (see above). Wanted the least recoil and minimum weight consistent with same. However, am starting to think that 5x is not enough power and am seriously considering going with the MVA 10x 23" long scope using the No.2 mount on the 7.2" center. Changing scope blocks for long-range likely required, but not a big deal.
Extra fancy wood sure is purdy. But, will it make you shy about taking your rifle into the field and getting the inevitable banging around?

[Clarence]

In addition to what Glenn said, I'll give you one more thing to think about: torque. The rifle tends to twist as the bullet takes the rifling and accelerates. Controlling the torque is a key part of maintaining long-range accuracy. The straight grip of the #3 gives you less control than the pistol grip of a #1. Just something to think about.

My personal preference is for an ebony or plain fore-end tip. I've had pewter tips, but they add weight, and I like the cleaner look. YMMV. Order what you want.

Clarence

[Don McDowell]

If you’re going to shoot competition then you may want to change to a #1 or LRE. The iron sights you have picked are good. I would suggest having it drilled for the MVA 23 inch scope. When you order it get the #2 mounts

[John Bly]

I have both the ebony tip and the pewter tip. The pewter tip is more traditional but I like the ebony tip slightly more. Clarence is right, Torque with a straight grip is more noticeable especially with the heavier bullets. I know the #3 looks right but the pistol grip is better for controlling the rifle when launching those big projectiles. Extra fancy wood tends to be heavier than standard wood so I think with the extra fancy wood, steel butt plate and pewter tip with a 30" heavy octagon barrel will be over weight for iron sight silhouette should you ever decide to try it. The 45/90 is an excellent cartridge but my thought is that if you are to have only one Shiloh it should be a 45/70. Then in a few years add the 45/90. Have it drilled and tapped on 7.2" centers. Your will have several options for your scope choice when you get to it. That's my opinion based on what I like. Others will have different views. Listen to them all and then make up your mind. You've got plenty of time before it hits the shop floor.

[Kurt]

As far as drilling for a scope sight I would have Kirk do it. It will be done right. If you scope it I would go with the 7.2 spacing for the shorter scope like a 2000 series 23", "B" scope or the DZ scope. If you go with the longer "A" scope then I would go with the 10.34" spacing because the 7.2 you better have some sensitive fingers so you don't over adjust, but the 7.2" will work with the "A" scope.

I personally like the looks of the straight stock but as mentioned the #1 stock is a little friendlier for long range competition especially with the larger capacity shells and heavy bullets but this can be controlled with an add on on the trigger bar if torque is an issue.
As far as barrel length. I have 7 Shiloh's all the Mod. 74's that have barrel lengths from 30" to 35" from light to very heavy weight and they all shoot well, I see no difference in accuracy, but there is with recoil. If I was to order another it would be a 77 with a light weight barrel. I have a 77 Axtell and I like the way it feels better than a 74. I been procrastinating ordering a 77 Shiloh but being in the 80's the weight time is too long.

Enjoy the rifle whit what ever configuration you get AND SHOOT IT!! just don't look at it.

[Dennis Armistead]

Dano Dog,
At the moment...I have had 11 1874 Sharps from .45 2.1 to .50 2.5 and all calibers in between. From 1000 yard competition rifles to purely hunting rifles and the 1 thing I have figured out is no "one" rifle will fit the bill for everything. That being said, a good all around fun shooting rifle that you will enjoy shooting from the bench, shooting prone and shooting off hand would be a #1 in .45 2.1 with a 30" heavy barrel. Your iron sight choice is good and I would have Shiloh drill and tap the barrel at 7.2 " for later scope use. I shoot scope class and have all of MVA's style scopes from full length to the short "B" series and each have their positives and negatives. For all around use, you can't beat the "B" series in 5 power with centerless dot. For hunting I have the #1 mount, for competition I have the #2 mount. Hope this helps.
Dennis

[Coltsmoke]

I would drop the pewter tip which doesn't match anything else on the rifle and reduce some weight by going with the ebony tip which ties in with the rifle better in my opinion. Go with the 45-70 easy to work up loads, if you so desire later you can ream it out to a 45-90, if you start with a 45-90 you are not going backwards to a 45-70. I would use the 30" barrel, will be better for shooting offhand in sillywet and still capable of doing long range. I would go with the #1 configuration with the pistol grip for the reasons you have already been told. If you don't want a cheek piece I think the long range model comes without one. The iron sights you have picked out are fine, I would also buy the Hadley Eyediscs, it will come into play on cloudy days and sunny days. Go ahead and get it drilled for both possible scope mounts, do the holes at 7.2 and the 10.34, just a couple of really small screws in the top of the barrel, no big deal. Don't worry about what scope until the time comes, but you will be ready for what ever scope you decide to use. My rifle is drilled and tapped for 3 different scope mount settings, no big deal.

[mongo40]

I love the looks of the pewter tip and wouldn't have anything else, also the prettier and fancier the wood the better for me cause when I ain't shooting it I love looking at it, but that's just me. If your worried about dings in fancy wood then get a leather butt cover with some ammo loops on it to keep it covered when out and about.
Chris W

[Dan O]

Dano Dog,
If your going to shoot silly wet you need a 30 inch heavy barrel to make weight. The #3 has a lot of drop in the stock which will require a cheek piece to help with cheek weld to the stock. If you don't want a stock with the cheek rest then go with the Mt. Rough Rider. It has a high comb and no cheek piece plus a pistol grip. I have a #1, #3 and Mt RR. My go to rifle is the Mt RR in 45-70 heavy half. It makes weight and is comfortable to shoot.
One item you didn't list is a polished blue barrel, I think it adds to the over all beauty of the rifle. Also I think you would be better served with the 45-70 aka 45 2.1. Much cheaper brass and factory ammo if you would like to shoot factory ammo. long range is doable with the 45-70 and if you paper patch you will load to 45-90 levels.
But in the end your the man writing the check go with what you want and enjoy the heck out of it.
Dan

[Lumpy Grits]

I shoot a #1, 30" hvy bbl in .45-90.
You want the PG for bench, offhand, prone or sitting over 'sticks'.
I do hope you ordered the shotgun style buttstock.
Gary

[Dano Dog]

Thanks guys for the awesome advice. I know that I should probably get the pistol grip, but the straight stock is just too beautiful too ignore. I am sure I will regret it, if I go fully into competitions when I retire, but it also may be an excuse to test my marriage by ordering a second rifle.

[Chief Beck]

I am so lost on sights and have real no direction or conviction on what I want for this rifle. I am a complete newbie. When I saw the Quigley movie, I knew that someday I would own a Sharps. The intended uses will be fun at the range and some friendly competitions. I do not know if I will favor long range or silhouette. This will most likely be my only rifle as I retire in 4 years and the disposable income will drop, so I need to plan a transition from iron sights to scope sights when the time comes. I have no idea what scope configuration that I will want or need, but I want Shiloh to drill and tap for that "day". So the question of the day is "What Iron sights would you use not knowing what competitions you might like, and what scope options should I look at when the eyes don't function properly." I guess I am looking for a universal option, which probably doesn't exist. Thanks in advance. Dano

This is my tentative configuration below:

Sporter # 3 .45-90
32" Heavy Octagon
Extra Fancy Wood
Pack Harden
Custom Bedding
Pewter Tip
Steel Buttplate (Shotgun)
Brass Escutcheons
Polished Screws Fire blued
Front Sight #113
Long Range Soule x103 Buffalo
No Cheekpiece

Hi Dano Dog,

I like your configuration. Remember, it is your money get what you want otherwise you won't be happy until you do!
I would also suggest adding a polished barrel to your list. Very original and it would complement your pack harding and polished fire blued screws.
I would also have Shiloh add a military Lawerence rear sight very original as well.

Dennis

[Coltsmoke]

You can test your marriage right now, go ahead and tell her that you placed an order for the 2nd rifle today.

[DaveC]

If you’re sure you’re going to stick to “friendly” competition only, check with your local BP match director and ask whether you can shoot with them even if your rifle is a little overweight. Most of them would be glad of a new shooter and willing to ignore small technicalities.

You wouldn’t be able to do this at a big match, of course, but I would bet than your local club would be happy to let you shoot.