Otto Walter Beck (Am. 1864-1954 The First Sharps Rifle 101.6 x 82.6 cm) Homer D. Jennings, St. Cloud, Fl The Sharps rifle was a repeating rifle and was used by the Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry, Duryee Zouaves. It was used for the first time before Gaines Mills, Virginia There were just enough of the rifles to arm the end men of companies but the effect upon the opposing forces was bewildering and disastrous. General Sykes was in command.