In January 1858, Ebenzer Starr submitted his design for a single-shot, breech-loading rifle to the Washington Armory for evaluation.

After the war had ended, and with no further government contracts, Starr could no longer compete with larger manufacturers like Winchester, Sharps, and Colt, and the company closed its doors in 1867.

The Starr had a longer receiver and a distinctive web between the tail of the breech lever and the underside of the butt.

[5] The Starr carbine had a three-position rear sight composed of a standing block and two folding leaves.

The Model 1865 version fired the metal 56-50 Spencer rimfire cartridge, and as a result, had a significantly redesigned hammer and breech block.