Sharps Model 1859

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	Weapon: Sharps Model 1859 Type: Infantry Rifle Country of Origin: United States Year Adopted: 1859 Overall Length (mm): 1219.0 Overall Length (in): 47.99 Weight (kg): 4.10 Weight (pounds): 9.04

The Sharps Model 1859 was a single-shot, breech-loading rifle and carbine designed by Christian Sharps and manufactured by the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company. It was chambered in .52 caliber and utilized a falling block action, allowing for rapid reloading compared to traditional muzzle-loading rifles of the era. One of its key innovations was the use of a paper or linen cartridge, which made it faster to fire and reload. The rifle featured a robust and accurate design, making it highly popular among marksmen and cavalry troops alike.

Between 1859 and 1866, approximately 80,000 Sharps Model 1859 rifles and carbines were produced. The rifle saw extensive use during the American Civil War, particularly among Union forces. Sharps carbines were issued to cavalry regiments due to their ease of use on horseback, while the rifles were favored by sharpshooters and specialized units. Some were also modified to use the new metallic cartridge system later in their service life. The rifle's excellent accuracy and reliability made it a sought-after weapon on the battlefield.

The Sharps Model 1859 gained notoriety for its role in the Civil War, where it was prized for its rate of fire and precision. It was notably used by elite units such as Berdan's Sharpshooters, a group of highly skilled Union marksmen. The rifle's performance cemented Sharps' reputation as a leading firearms manufacturer of the period. Today, surviving examples of the Model 1859 are valuable collector's items, often displayed in museums and private collections, serving as a testament to its impact on 19th-century warfare.