The cavalry carbine version of the Sharps percussion rifle, the most widely used breechloading carbine of the Civil War. Union cavalry units armed with Sharps carbines had a decisive firepower advantage over Confederate forces. Type: Rifle Action: Single-Shot Caliber: 52 Cal Capacity: 1 Year introduced: 1863, USA Weight: 8 oz Overall length: 38.5" Status: Discontinued Military use: Yes Intended use: Cavalry Service