Pedersoli
Davide Pedersoli & C. is an Italian firearms manufacturer widely regarded as the gold standard for historical firearm reproductions—particularly muzzleloading rifles, Sharps single-shot rifles, Springfield trapdoors, Kentucky long rifles, and Hawken plains rifles. Founded in Gardone Val Trompia in 1957 in the same Italian valley as Uberti and Beretta, Pedersoli brings the same Italian craftsmanship tradition to the long gun market that Uberti brought to revolvers. For black powder shooters, Quigley Down Under competitors, historical reenactors, and collectors who want the finest reproduction long guns available, Pedersoli is the defining manufacturer.
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Pedersoli Sharps Rifles: The Quigley Standard
The Pedersoli Sharps is the rifle most associated with long-range black powder cartridge competition — specifically the Quigley Match, which was popularized by the film “Quigley Down Under” and is now a standard competition format at many BPCR events. Pedersoli builds the Sharps in multiple configurations including the Business Rifle, Sporting Rifle, and Long Range Express in .45-70 Government, .45-120, and other period cartridges. The Pedersoli Sharps action is considered the most accurate reproduction of the original Sharps mechanism, and Quigley competitors at national level almost universally run Pedersoli-built rifles.
Muzzleloading Rifles: Kentucky, Hawken, and Flintlock
Pedersoli produces an extensive muzzleloading rifle lineup covering the Pennsylvania/Kentucky long rifle in flintlock and percussion configurations, the Hawken plains rifle associated with mountain men and the fur trade era, and various other historical patterns. These rifles fire patched round balls or conical Minie balls seated over black powder charges — the technology of American frontier history. For hunters who use muzzleloaders during primitive weapons seasons, Pedersoli’s in-line and traditional percussion rifles offer quality far above most production muzzleloaders. For historical reenactors, the flintlock and early percussion configurations are the authentic choice.
Springfield and Civil War Reproductions
Pedersoli builds reproductions of the Springfield Model 1861 rifle musket — the standard infantry arm of the Union Army during the Civil War — along with other Civil War-era long arms. These are single-shot muzzleloading percussion rifles firing .58 caliber Minie balls, used extensively by Civil War reenactors and collectors. The Pedersoli Springfield is the most detailed and mechanically faithful reproduction of the original available, with correct lock geometry, barrel profile, and stock dimensions that pass scrutiny at reenactment events alongside original specimens.
Pedersoli vs. Other Muzzleloader Manufacturers
The muzzleloader market spans inexpensive entry-level inline rifles through Pedersoli’s premium traditional reproductions. Pedersoli occupies the quality ceiling of the reproduction category — their fit, finish, and mechanical accuracy are significantly above most competing imports. For buyers who want a muzzleloader primarily for deer season at a budget price, other options are more practical. For buyers who want a historically accurate reproduction, a competition-grade Sharps, or a craftsman-quality firearm that will be used and displayed for decades, Pedersoli’s quality justifies the premium.
Related Pages
See related black powder options on the black powder rifles page, explore Cimarron and Uberti for revolver reproductions, or browse all single shot rifles.