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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.

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The Sharps rifle, a single-shot, falling-block breech-loading rifle, gained cinematic fame in the 1990 film “Quigley Down Under.” Specifically, the film featured a heavily modified 1874 Sharps chambered in .45-110, a significantly more powerful cartridge than those typically used in the late 19th century. This customized firearm, featuring an exceptionally long barrel and a tang-mounted Vernier sight, became a key element of the protagonist’s character and skills.

This portrayal brought renewed interest to the Sharps rifle and its historical context within American firearms development. The movie showcased the weapon’s power and accuracy, highlighting its role in long-range shooting competitions of the period. Beyond its ballistic capabilities, the film cemented the firearm as a symbol of the American West and the romanticized image of skilled marksmanship. The modified Sharps became synonymous with the film’s title, inextricably linking the firearm with a specific cinematic representation of Australian frontier life.

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The Sharps rifle used in the film “Quigley Down Under” is a custom-built, single-shot falling-block rifle chambered for the powerful .45-110 cartridge. This round fires a heavy, large-caliber bullet, historically used for hunting large game like bison, and known for its long-range accuracy and stopping power. The film prominently features this firearm and its unique capabilities, associating it strongly with the protagonist’s skill and the challenges he faces in the Australian outback.

This specific firearm and cartridge choice played a significant role in establishing the film’s tone and visualizing the protagonist’s proficiency. The .45-110, a cartridge more powerful than those commonly used in repeating rifles of the period, underscores the character’s deliberate and precise shooting style. Its historical association with buffalo hunting in the American West also adds a layer of symbolism, contrasting Quigley’s familiar environment with the unfamiliar landscape and challenges he encounters in Australia. The rifle’s impressive size and unique report further enhance its on-screen presence, contributing to the overall cinematic experience.

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