I am new to black powder cartridge rifles, and have just purchased a Charles Daly Sharps rifle in 45-70. I have not yet been able to get to the range, however, the fit and finish on this rifle is really quite good. The barrel indicates it was actually made by Armi-Sport in Italy.

anybody have any knowledge and or experience with this rifle?

I don't have direct experience other than I can tell you that you've purchased a quality rifle that will outlast you if taken care of. Congrats, and please post a picture if you can. There will no doubt, be a numbers of responses and good advice that will make your black powder shooting a better experience. You may want to check out the website by Chuck Hawks, ( http://www.chuckhawks.com/index2.guns.htm )which has both public and private articles and write-ups concerning black powder shooting and the various firearms used. You may also enjoy these links;

The falling block actions, such as your Sharps;
http://www.chuckhawks.com/falling_block_action.htm
What is the Difference between Black, Pyrodex, Triple Seven, and Smokeless Powders?;
http://www.chuckhawks.com/difference_black_powders.htm

http://www.chuckhawks.com/buffalo_cartridges.htm
The 45-70;
http://www.chuckhawks.com/45-70_big_game_hunter.htm
Limbsaver recoil shirts (for those long shooting sessions :cool:)
http://www.chuckhawks.com/limbsaver_shirts.htm

Good article about the rolling block rifle, although not the Sharps design it will give you some insight as to these type of rifles;
http://www.chuckhawks.com/roller_replica.htm

Black Powder and substitutes/cartridge reloading;
http://www.davidscottharper.com/shoot/BP_for_CAS.htm

BP substitutes for dummys;
http://www.curtrich.com/bpsubsdummies.html

http://www.reloadammo.com/relsteps.htm

The History of Adobe Walls;
http://www.oldwestlibrary.com/OWL/adobewalls.htm

Forum just for shooters like you;
http://www.shilohrifle.com/forums/

http://shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=34483&highlight=cartridge+reloading

http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm/4,5086.html

http://shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=5007&highlight=cartridge+reloading

Thanks SFT for the many places to get info. I will certainly take full advantage of them.

I was able to get to the range today, and the Daly/ Sharps behaved well, and shot beautifully. About 1.5 inches high at 50 yds, and about right on at 100 yds from a rest. the groups strung slightly to the right, and somewhat vertically, on a standard 100 yd small bore target. I was shooting Black Hills Ammunition 405gr FPL with I thought ,excellent results. I have no Idea of the charge, powder, or velocity. I don't have my press set up yet, so no handload results...yet.

Over all I am quite happy with this rifle, and am only waiting on delivery of the sights I ordered through Brownell's, to start getting serious about developing a good load for this rifle.

Old Eyes

I'm glad I could help, but there should be others that can give you some direct observations and advice. The new sights should help, and Black Hills is a good ammo supplier. Be sure to clean the bore afterwards to remove the black powder residue, but don't think that you have to scrub hard and ruin the crown or rifling. There are many good products out there that will remove the residue with little effort on your part. I prefer Wipe-out foaming bore cleaner or Ballistol if you can stand the smell, but beware of other foaming bore cleaners. Just my personal experience.

Shoot straight, often and safe.

Thanks SFT for the many places to get info. I will certainly take full advantage of them.

I was able to get to the range today, and the Daly/ Sharps behaved well, and shot beautifully. About 1.5 inches high at 50 yds, and about right on at 100 yds from a rest. the groups strung slightly to the right, and somewhat vertically, on a standard 100 yd small bore target. I was shooting Black Hills Ammunition 405gr FPL with I thought ,excellent results. I have no Idea of the charge, powder, or velocity. I don't have my press set up yet, so no handload results...yet.

Over all I am quite happy with this rifle, and am only waiting on delivery of the sights I ordered through Brownell's, to start getting serious about developing a good load for this rifle.

Old Eyes

B.R.O.W.
Buffalo Rifles of the Old West;
http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/board,77.0.html