The Sharps Model 1859 Military Rifle,During the 19th century the Sharps rifle was the most popular b
The Sharps Model 1859 Military Rifle,During the 19th century the Sharps rifle was the most popular breechloading rifle of the era. Designed by Christian Sharps and manufactured by the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut, the Sharps rifle had a reputation for quality, accuracy, and reliability. In 1859 Sharps modified their rifle in hopes of attracting the military market. The Sharps Model 1859 Military Rifle featured a long barrel that was fully stocked with barrel bands. In addition a bayonet mount was added and the rifle was issued with a long sword bayonet. A breechloader in an era when the muzzleloader still reigned supreme, the Sharps rifle had considerably greater firepower than its contemporaries. Chambered for .52 caliber, the user loaded a paper cartridge which contained the gunpowder and bullet into the breech. When the breech was closed, the breechblock would sheer off the end of the cartridge, exposing the powder to a spark. The user would then cock the hammer, place a percussion cap on the nipple, and pull the trigger to fire.Unfortunately the Model 1859 Sharps gained little attention from the US Army. Most military commanders were skeptical of breechloaders, reasoning that its fast firing mechanism would encourage soldiers to waste ammo. In addition, the Sharps cost almost three times the price of a standard military rifle musket. During the American Civil War the Army purchased limited numbers of the rifle, most of which were issued to Berdan’s Sharpshooters, a special Union sniper unit which was high distinguished during the war. Only the 13th Pennsylvania Reserves are known for being a regular infantry regiment which was fully equipped with Sharps rifles. A great number remained in Federal storage, and were never issued.After the Civil War a number were converted to fire rimfire and centerfire metallic cartridges. They became especially popular with buffalo hunters due to their large caliber and long range accuracy. Between 1859 and 1866 around 11,000 Model 1859’s were manufactured. -- source link
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