US Smith .50 Caliber Carbine

By Crusader1307

The Smith Carbine was a firearm procured by The US Government for use during The American Civil War of 1861-65. Over 30,000 productions models were made. Unlike the more popular Sharps, Burnside and Spencer Carbines, The Smith featured a mid-barrel break point that made loading and clearing of misfires more easy. Available only in the larger .50 Caliber version, The Smith was an effective Cavalry weapon, used by at least (11) well known Union Cavalry Regiments. The Smith weighed 7.5-pounds and was 40-inches in length. The Carbine could hold (7) Brass cartridges (non-tubed) and had a maximum effective range of 300-yards. The Smith Carbine was also distributed to several Union Army Artillery Batteries, from which it was known as The Smith Artillery Carbine.