One of 22 different breech-loading carbine designs used by Union cavalry during the Civil War. The Gallager used a paper cartridge loaded through a unique hinged-barrel breech that tilted down and forward. Over 22,000 were purchased by the US government. Not as reliable as the Sharps or Spencer but functional and widely issued to cavalry units in the Western Theater. Type: Carbine Action: Breech-Loading Caliber: .50 RF Capacity: 1 Year introduced: 1860, USA Weight: 96 oz Overall length: 36" Status: Discontinued Military use: Yes Intended use: military