I have been shooting my entire life...started with a little Stevens 22. I just turned 60 and seriously want to get into Black Powder Cartridge shooting. I have an old Springfield trap door saddle ring carbine that I have shot in the past but not seriously. I have been looking at C. Sharps and Shiloh Sharps rifles. Spendy no matter how one looks at it. Plus not sure about waiting a year or more if I order one. I am partial to 1885 highwalls, to me they are just a better sleeker looking rifle, beside I have an old highwall 22 lr musket. But I like the looks of the 1874 Sharps as well. I have been told to shy away from the italian rifles. But seems thats about all I can afford to get started. I am looking at 45-70, though I was also reading up on the 40-70 Sharps straight case. Any suggestions from you fellow shooters would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your sage advice.