Sharps & Hankins Model 1862

Single-Shot Breech-Loading Carbine

United States | 1862

"The Sharps and Hankins Model 1862 appeared during the American Civil War and resulted in 8,000 examples produced for Union consumption."

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 01/23/2017 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

Christian Sharps, designer of the classic Sharps Rifle (detailed elsewhere on this site), eventually left the company bearing his name - the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company of Connecticut - and reestablished in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as "C. Sharps & Company" during the early-1850s.With the onset of war in the American Civil War (1861-1865) he partnered with William Hankins in 1862 to manufacture a line of sliding barrel action, single-shot carbines - the Sharps & Hankins Model 1862.

The Sharps & Hankins Model 1862 was a conventional breech-loader and of single-shot design. It fired a self-contained .52 caliber (.56-52 Spencer) rimfire cartridge and two major production forms of this weapon were made - an Army and Navy type. The Army model enjoyed limited success and even more limited production with only about 500 examples being delivered in all. The Navy type (24" long barrel) was the definitive model and noted for its leather-covered barrel (essentially a barrel sleeve) to protect it from corrosion at sea. Still another form emerged from the family tree, this a "Cavalry Carbine" intended for mounted troops. For the intended role it was given a shorter barrel of nineteen inch length and a saddle ring.

Ultimately 8,000 examples of these guns were produced from the period of 1862 to 1865 for service in the Civil War and thereafter. Sharps guns were generally reliable and well-received long guns during the period.

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Physical
The physical qualities of the Sharps & Hankins Model 1862. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

609 mm
23.98 in
Barrel Length

Sliding Barrel, Single-Shot, Percussion Cap
Action

.52 (.56-52 Spencer)
Caliber(s)

Single-Shot
Feed

Iron
Sights

Performance
Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Sharps & Hankins Model 1862. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

6
Rounds-Per-Minute
Rate-of-Fire

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Sharps & Hankins Model 1862 Single-Shot Breech-Loading Carbine family line.

Model 1862 - Base Series Designation

Model 1862 Army - Army model; about 500 examples produced.

Model 1862 Navy - Leather barrel sleeve; 24" barrel length; 6,686 examples produced.

Model 1862 Cavalry Carbine - 19" barrel length; saddle loop; for mounted troops.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Sharps & Hankins Model 1862. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): C. Sharps & Company - USA

[ United States ]

Design Qualities
Some designs are single-minded in their approach while others offer a more versatile solution to requirements.

Recognition
Some designs stand the test of time while others are doomed to never advance beyond the drawing board; let history be their judge.

Military lapel ribbon for the American Civil War

Going Further...
The Sharps & Hankins Model 1862 Single-Shot Breech-Loading Carbine appears in the following collections:

AMERICAN CIVIL WAR ARMS

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