The place where differences become obvious occur when comparing the cap lock versions. Fitting of breech block to receiver, simplification of breech gas seal are significantly favoring the Shiloh Sharps 1863 rifles compared with any Italian or Spanish version.
"How can I discern this alleged advantage?" you might reasonably ask. Shoot full power loads. One continues to function and has very little gas escape. . . . Guess which one.
And cleaning the Shiloh is easy because the total action-reaction gas assembly is reduced to three parts. How many are in the others? And how easily are these parts cleaned?
Having whetted your whistle, now comes the news that is annoying. Shiloh has suspended production of 1863 rifles. The last time this occurred, the suspension lasted about five years. This is the penalty one pays for relying on a company that includes substantial hand finishing and fitting on every rifle they make. While the company may be expanding, the last time I visited, they had 20-30 craftsman and artists making rifles, probably more working in the foundry.
Hope this helps.
