The Sharps action was ahead of its time. I still regularly shoot an 1859 carbine. It was in a batch issued to 10 Ill Vol Cav in 1863. Originally the paper cartridge guns, it was one that was converted to 50-70 in 1867 and used on the western frontier until replaced by the Springfield later on. Big, slow bullets of soft lead. Not a DRT deer gun but they run a bit after being shot as the bullets don't open up at all. I always get a funny look by guys at the range and in the deer woods.
I've long wanted to shoot a deer with a 50-70
