Jboring and Fellow Sharpshooters.
I can read that you are intrigued about acquiring a heavy target rifle for your sharpshooter impression. I believe that like the original men, you will have to find a gunsmith who uses the traditional tools and craftsmanship to create your personal target rifle. However, you may be fortunate to go to the Mansfield Ohio or other Collectors shows and find an original target rifle of the period for sale; even if you have the barrel..that is a good start. Depending on the condition and how you want to outfit it, this is where the cash register starts jingling: set triggers, mechanical ball starter, telescope (handmade..avoid modern brass junk and mounts), telescoping pan and mounts for the scope, the list goes on.
My friend Dan purchased an original target rifle made in the 1850's that had a telescope created for it. The two of us used the weapon as a showpiece to educate spectators at Gettysburg in October at Pitzer's Wood and Devils Den. The sucker weighs 38 pounds, and left my arm limp after carrying only 30 yards from the car to the 'Sharpshooter Home' at the rear of DD.
While you are debating about the target rifle, I've included a link to an article I contributed to the Forum a couple years ago on the different reproduction Sharps available. My comments about the Armi Sport aren't real positive, but based on experiences from 10 years ago. Other comrades on this site have found them to be suitable for their needs, and then some.
Hope this helps
Bill SKillman
Randolph Mes-USSS
http://www.berdansharpshooters.com/Ever ... Sharps.pdf