When the men were informed that they would lose their enlistment bounty, they declined to join Berdan's regiments and instead remained independent.

Throughout their service, the company was armed with custom, muzzle-loading target rifles equipped with telescopic sights running the length of the barrel.

The larger than average physical size of the unit members proved an asset in carrying these weapons.

[16] The Sharps made a superior sniper weapon of greater accuracy than the more commonly issued muzzle-loading rifled muskets.

This was due mainly to the higher rate of fire of the breech loading mechanism and superior quality of manufacture, as well as the ease of which it could be reloaded from a kneeling or prone position.