From what I have recently read, the Adams was compared by the British Army with the Colt 1860 (cartridge conversions of both), and was found superior in accuracy, speed, and penetration of bullets. The report writer noted that the armourer tended to put more powder into the cartridges being prepared for the Adams...

Apparently, the Adams was not as favoured for cavalry operations, as the precision required of a mounted trooper demanded single action fire. It was, however, very robust and effective in dealing with multiple opponents.

The Adams probably ranked second in quality and desirability after the Remington, but the ubiquitous Colt was most often the weapon at hand. The rate of exchange was four Colts per Remington in a trade, the Adams' value tended to vary.

Nobody with an Adams could feel poorly armed, and was usually at anadvantage in a tight situation.