Maybe as a cavalry weapon, repeating firearms can be a liability for the infantry as the blackpowder smoke generated by hundreds of rifles can obscure visibility very quickly. The short range of the Winchester was another problem. Troops had to shoot at not just infantry and cavalry, but artillery personnel as well.
The Winchester is an ideal civilian self defense weapon because one man doesn’t have to worry about excessive smoke. He is likely out numbered, not wearing a cartridge belt, and the fight is taking place at close range. Military rifle selection of the period were overwhelmingly rational and the decisions correct.