I bought a Pedersoli Sharps carbine about 15 years ago and was not prepared for the recoil the rifle generated. Stock design, light weight and my inexperience produced a combination that like to pounded me to death and I got rid of it in favor of a heavier Remington rolling block replica. I was flinching and pulling my shots with it. I don't know how I'd react to it today because a lot has happened since then and I've learned a lot about big gun management. I've learned enough to suggest that you look into a rifle with more weight if you want a Sharps design unless you have experience with recoil management. As Guncotton said - Buy a good one. As far as a single shot carbine design is concerned the Ruger #1S is VASTLY more shootable than a Sharps design. If you are wanting to play the Sharps is certainly fun but if you are wanting to hunt the Ruger is a better choice for a novice.