Book Review: Sharpshooting in the Civil War

by
posted on September 7, 2010
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
20109791614-civilwarsharpshooter_fs.jpg

Major John L. Plaster’s “History of Sniping and Sharpshooting” is the foremost reference on the subject to date. In his review of the book Maj. Edward J. Land, Jr., USMC (Ret.), wrote, “Plaster’s first-hand knowledge of equipment and field craft combined with his extensive research has produced one of the most complete and detailed books on military sniping.”

The only downside to the 704-pp. book was its price of $89. With that in mind, the publisher asked Plaster to do a separate book encompassing the eight chapters of the massive volume into a more, compact (and affordable) reference concentrating just on Civil War sharpshooters. Plaster opens up with descriptions of sharpshooters of the Union and the Confederacy, their recruitment, organization and training. The author then covers the arms and the tactics employed, with emphasis on the description of the best known arms, heavy-barreled target guns, Enfields, Whitworths and Sharps, and other lesser-known arms. His technical description of the ammunition used and the early telescopic sights employed are excellent as well. In his final section, Plaster chronicles battlefield accomplishments of sharpshooters, blue and gray, starting with their role at Antietam and Fredericksburg, then continuing on with Gettysburg and one of the most vicious and deadly fights for sharpshooters, the battle for Vicksburg.

As with “The History of Sniping and Sharpshooting,” sidebars on various topics, from the first scope-sighted engagement in American history to a listing of prominent officers felled by sharpshooters, break up the main text. It is a must read for Civil War enthusiasts and those interested in the role of sharpshooters and their rifles during America’s bloodiest conflict.

The paperbound, 81/2x11-inch, 157-pp. book is extremely well-illustrated with black and white photographs, artwork and period engravings. The cost is $19 plus shipping, and it is available through: Paladin Press; (800) 392-2400; or http://www.ultimatesniper.com/.

Latest

springfield armory kuna
springfield armory kuna

Springfield Kuna: A PDW For The Masses

Small, yet fierce, the namesake of Springfield Armory’s latest large-format pistol is a revered forest dweller in the land of its Croatian manufacturing partner, HS Produkt. The new Kuna is poised to be just as welcome in America.

The Armed Citizen® June 30, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Book Review: Clockwork Basilisk: The Early Revolvers Of Elisha Collier & Artemas Wheeler

The result of a decade of research, Clockwork Basilisk is a comprehensive, two-volume history of the rare revolvers that preceded the development of the well-known Colt guns of the 1830s.

Preview: 1791 Gunleather Cobra Gun Belt 01

Employing the same rugged and rigid 0.25"-thick American steerhide as 1791 Gunleather’s original Gun Belt 01, the new Cobra Gun Belt 01 offers enhanced ease of use by taking advantage of a high-strength Cobra quick-latch/release buckle.

NRA CEO Hamlin and President Bachenberg Hold First Virtual Townhall

In the interests of transparency, NRA CEO and EVP Doug Hamlin and NRA President Bill Bachenberg held a live Townhall event, where both answered direct questions from NRA members.

Benelli Adds New 28-Gauge Models to Super Black Eagle 3 Line

Benelli initially introduced the 28-ga. chambering to its Super Black Eagle 3 line in 2022, but this year, the company added three new models tailored specifically to hunters.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.