1885 High Wall or 1874 Sharps?

[Martini2]

I see there is an abundance of advice already on this thread. So for what it's worth here some more. The ideal happening is that you find a suitable 45-70 that fits your needs and setting. All due respect to this board you have asked for info in one of the best places. However there do exist some hard holder competitors that of course have talents and expertise to extract the best from the best. That puts the "what is necessary for beginner" at high level. The essential thing is do your back ground work and indeed ask many questions on topic.
As noted already there are several given high end rifle sources like C. Sharps. They make a significantly good product with known quality etc. Then there are those other sources. I do own and compete with an Italian '74 Sharps. I'll relate that it has taken some time to get to know exactly what it needs to shoot. For instance the barrel bore specs on these off shore rifles vary and by design are slightly more generous. In detail it takes a slightly larger cast boolet or mold to fill out the bore. Once you are on to that performance picks up to where you know you have to do your part. Lastly (am not selling here ;-) my rifle was made by Cimarron and is there 1 of 1000 Creedmoor target model. What I really wanted are the 34 " barrel. Shotgun butt plate (no peril from steel butt plate). I have also considerably updated sight set. Good sights are another key and may cost as much as some rifles. BUT they do raise the fun meter once the load PARTICULAR to any rifle is found. With right bullet design and load this rifle has competed out to 1028 yards and still exceeded my humble abilities. Last this alternative rifle did not require 1 or more years waiting for. If I could really compete more (70+ years) I'd probably graduate to high end equipment. One can always keep and eye out for a great deal too. Aim small it works on them all