Sharps Model 1863

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	Weapon: Sharps Model 1863 Type: Infantry Rifle Country of Origin: United States Year Adopted: 1863 Overall Length (mm): 1219.0 Overall Length (in): 47.99 Weight (kg): 4.10 Weight (pounds): 9.04

The Sharps Model 1863 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 featured a falling block action, which allowed for quicker reloading compared to traditional muzzle-loaders. Like its predecessor, the Model 1859, it used a paper or linen cartridge ignited by a percussion cap. The Model 1863 was an improvement over earlier designs, featuring minor refinements in its breech mechanism to enhance reliability and durability in the field.

Approximately 90,000 Sharps Model 1863 rifles and carbines were produced during the American Civil War, making it one of the most widely used breech-loading firearms of the conflict. The carbine variant was particularly favored by Union cavalry units due to its compact size and ease of use on horseback. The rifle version was employed by specialized infantry units, including Berdan's Sharpshooters, who valued its accuracy and fast rate of fire. Following the war, many Model 1863 carbines were converted to fire metallic cartridges, extending their service life into the late 19th century.

The Sharps Model 1863 gained a strong reputation for its reliability, accuracy, and rate of fire, making it a prized weapon among Union troops. Its widespread use helped shape future developments in breech-loading rifle technology. After the Civil War, surplus Sharps rifles found their way into the hands of settlers, hunters, and Native American warriors during the American Westward expansion. Today, surviving examples of the Model 1863 are highly sought after by collectors and historians, preserving its legacy as one of the most iconic firearms of the 19th century.