Individual units later purchased such weapons privately, and they were used to considerable effect, but did indeed present problems in extended firefights; these units are not known to have had any trouble maintaining their ammunition supplies. Ripley was replaced as head of the Ordnance Department on September 15, 1863, principally because of his continuing opposition to the introduction of breech loading rifles, in disobedience to his orders from President Lincoln.
Individual units bought these weapons privately and used them effectively in prolonged battles; however, they had difficulties with ammunition supply. Ripley was dismissed as head of the Ordnance Department on September 15, 1863, mainly because of his ongoing opposition to breech-loading rifles, which he ignored orders from President Lincoln.