Designed by Christian Sharps in 1849, the Sharps Rifle is a large bore, single shot, falling block rifle. It was used during and after the American Civil War (1861-1865). It was expensive to manufacture, so only 11,000 units of the Model 1859 were made, which used the US Army's precision handles, known as the "Berdan Pullers" in honor of their leader Hiram Berdam. The rifle became an icon of the Old West due to its use in several films and books.