Pedersoli 1859 Sharps Cavalry Carbine

About the Pedersoli 1859 Sharps Cavalry Carbine

The Pedersoli 1859 Sharps Cavalry Carbine is a modern black-powder reproduction carbine built by the Italian firm Davide Pedersoli, faithfully recreating the breech-loading percussion carbine designed by Christian Sharps and issued to Union cavalry during the American Civil War. It uses a falling-block breech opened by the underlever/trigger guard, is loaded with a combustible linen or paper cartridge in .54 caliber, and is ignited by a standard percussion cap. The 22-inch round barrel, walnut stock with patch box, saddle-ring bar, case-hardened receiver, and adjustable rear sight replicate the original military pattern for reenactors, muzzleloading hunters, and collectors.

The original Sharps carbine was prized by Union cavalry for its rapid breech loading, giving mounted troopers a far higher rate of fire than muzzle-loading arms. Confederate soldiers nicknamed accurate long-range Sharps fire, and the rifle later lent its name to the term 'sharpshooter'.

Pedersoli 1859 Sharps Cavalry Carbine specifications

Reproduction of the Sharps New Model 1859 carbine. Loaded from the breech with loose powder and ball or a combustible cartridge; the falling block drops when the trigger guard lever is lowered.