Today at SHOT, I swung by both Pedersoli and Taylor’s Firearms respective booths for you SASS shooters and reproduction fans out there.  For those of you who don’t know, Pedersoli produces guns in Italy and Taylor’s imports some of Pedersoli’s catalogue.  First off, at Pedersoli were some gorgeous 86/71 lever actions in .45-70.  There was a very practical model called the “Boarbuster”, one of which had a stainless receiver and barrel paired with a synthetic stock.  The actions cycled very smoothly, and it had a fantastic trigger for a stock levergun.  I was very impressed at the workmanship.

Top: the “Premium” 1886 model
Bottom: the “Boarbuster” 86/71 in stainless

Better view of the Boarbuster, blued version is on the bottom

Next up was a very interesting .45 Colt “Ithica” model, evocative of the 20 gauge Ithica auto and burglar gun of yore.  It will be able to handle .410 shotshells.  Not a practical piece by today’s standards, but a well-made firearm nonetheless.

The “Ithica” in .45 colt

Next, expanding upon the “Half-pint Sharps” line, is the “Little Betsy” in .22mag.

Bottom: Little Betsy in .22mag

Also, Pedersoli is now making a hand-tuned SAA.

Over at Taylor’s Firearms, there were some interesting 1886 and 1892 take-down leverguns in .45-70 and .44 Magnum respectively.  The 1886 Ridge Runner Takedown in matte black or chrome was very practical, with a very good “skinner” rear sight where a buckhorn would usually be, and an interesting removable muzzlebrake.  The 1892 in Matte chrome also had a skinner rear sight, with a very big D loop lever.

1886 “Ridge Runner” take-down rifles at Taylor’s

1892 Alaskan Takedown in .44 Magnum

Lastly, Taylor’s Firearms had their new short stroke 1873 cattlemen revolvers on display, with much less distance for the hammer to cover before it was fully cocked.

Top: short-stroke
Bottom: Regular stroke

• Short-stroke hammer
• regular hammer
• Top: short-stroke Bottom: Regular stroke

All told, it was nice to handle and look at all the nice pieces of craftmanship that can still be enjoyed today without potentially ruining the value of an actual museum piece.  I know I came away adding the 1886 or 86/71 to my “someday” list.