Sharps rifles (both NM1859 and NM1863) were issued to a number of US regiments, other than the 1st & 2nd US Sharpshooters. These rifles were produced in the C, 30,000 to C, 40,000 serial number range (Sharps used the “C” designation to indicate serial numbers in the 100,000 range). Like the New Model 1859 version before them the NM1863s had blued barrels and color case hardened receivers and furniture. An adjustable rear sight of Lawrence’s design, graduated to 800-yards, allowed the rifles to be used effectively at longer ranges than conventional muskets. The rifles featured a 30” round barrel, secured by three spring-retained barrel bands and a combination front sight / bayonet lug that allowed a socket bayonet to be secured to the rifle. The New Model 1863 was the pinnacle of the Sharps Rifle Company’s beech-loading, percussion-ignition military rifle designs. Approximately 6,150 New Model 1863 Rifleswere produced and delivered to the US government for use by the US military. The primary Sharps models to see Civil War use were the New Model 1859and New Model 1863rifles and carbines.
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