The Sharps Rifle, as featured in the film “Quigley Down Under,” is a single-shot, falling-block rifle known for its long-range accuracy and large caliber. The specific rifle used in the film was a custom-built .45-110, significantly more powerful than typical Sharps rifles of the period, which often chambered rounds like the .45-70. This modification contributed to the dramatic long-distance shots depicted in the movie.
The rifle’s prominence in the film renewed public interest in Sharps rifles and their historical significance in the American West. While the film’s depiction is somewhat romanticized, it highlights the weapon’s role in long-range hunting and target shooting during the late 19th century. The powerful cartridge and the rifle’s precision made it suitable for taking large game or engaging targets at considerable distances, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era’s firearms technology.
