The primary Sharps design of the Civil War era, used by Union sharpshooters (Berdan's Sharpshooters) with devastating effect. The falling-block action could fire 8-10 accurate rounds per minute versus 2-3 for muzzleloaders. Some examples built with a coffee mill grinder in the buttstock. Type: Rifle Action: Falling Block Caliber: .52 cal Capacity: 1 Year introduced: 1859, USA Weight: 128 oz Overall length: 47" Status: Discontinued Military use: Yes Intended use: military, hunting