Based on memory alone, some units in Forrest's cavalry command were likely to have Sharps and other carbines and revolvers, sometimes captured from the enemy. Roddey's cavalry, like most Confederate mounted men, carried Enfields and other standard infantry weapons. With few sabers or revolvers, Roddey's men would be literally helpless and would be slaughtered if surprised on horseback, their muskets of no use except as clubs.

Even on fighting on foot, if visibility was limited and their aim poor, Roddey's cavalry could be overrun in a rapid charge and cut to slivers by Federals using sabers. McTeer knew that from personal experience at Indian Creek, Dec 23, 1864:
"Loyal mountain troopers : the second and third Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry in the Civil War : reminiscences of Lieutenant John W. Andes and Major Will A. McTeer".

See also
http://www.archives.alabama.gov/aha/markers/madison.html

Note the disproporiate casualty numbers. Roddey's men were able to fire one ragged volley and them ran for their horses. Based on testimony from civilians in Huntsville, most of the captured men were bleeding from wounds inflicted by sabers.

Based on experience, Roddey felt far more comfortable as a scout gathering information than fighting in pitched battles. As other Confederate leaders noted, Roddey could picket more territory with fewer men than anyone else. Lest anyone imagine a stationary and passive line, Roddey's men in 1862-63 actively probed enemy lines, night and day without pause.

When he defended a position, Roddey often held until the enemy commander paused to prepare a determined attack. At that moment Roddey would slip away, sometimes using darkness at the end of day or a thunderstorm as cover. Although he did not have John Hunt Morgan's inflated ego or flair for theatrics, Roddey's approach to combat had more in common with Morgan than Forrest.

Here's an older message board post on 'Mr Roddy's Shebang':
http://history-sites.com/alcwmb/old-archive/archivefiles/4843.html