The percussion Sharps carbine and rifle was the premier Civil War sharpshooter rifle. Union sharpshooters under Colonel Hiram Berdan used Sharps rifles to devastating effect, establishing the sniper concept in American warfare. Type: Rifle Action: Single-Shot Caliber: 52 Cal Capacity: 1 Year introduced: 1863, USA Weight: 9 oz Overall length: 47" Status: Discontinued Military use: Yes Intended use: Military Service, Sharpshooter