Pedersoli 1859 Sharps Cavalry Carbine
Davide Pedersoli & C. · Carbine · In Production · 2007
Also known as: Pedersoli Sharps Cavalry 1859, 1859 Sharps Cavalry 22", Sharps New Model 1859 Carbine (Pedersoli)
Overview
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.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3700 g (130.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 995 mm (39.17") |
| Barrel Length | 560 mm (22.05") |
| Action Type | Falling Block |
| Firing Mechanism | Percussion |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 300 m/s (984 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 729 J (538 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 1200 mm (47.24") |
| Number of Grooves | 7 |
| Frame Material | Case Hardened Steel |
| Barrel Material | Blued Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued Barrel Case Hardened Receiver |
Calibers
- .54 Caliber Percussion (Paper Cartridge) · primary — also known as .54 caliber, .54 ball, 54-caliber percussion
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot Breech
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Breech Loading, Percussion Ignition, Patch Box, Saddle Ring Bar, Adjustable Rear Sight, Barrel Band
Variants
- Pedersoli 1859 Sharps Infantry Rifle - Long Barrel
- Pedersoli 1863 Sharps Cavalry Carbine - Later Model
Production
Production years: 2007-present
Modern reproduction; produced in cavalry carbine and infantry rifle configurations
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Christian Sharps
Notes
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.
Background
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'.