Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. Just purchased at a recent military auction! This is a very nice U.S. Civil War era heavy barreled percussion target rifle, typical of those used by early Yankee / Union sharpshooters during the conflict. The design is somewhat reminiscent of the "Pennsylvania" or "Kentucky" rifles of the time, but it is definitely a bit less curved and more robust in shape. It features a 32 inch long octagonal barrel with 6 groove rifling and a bore of .39", one of the typical sizes in use at the time. Overall length is 48 1/2" and the barrel is very heavy for accurate shooting, much like "bench rest" rifles of the day.
As with many rifles produced during this period, it is fitted with a "trade lock", which is worn but still shows a partial [Wa]rranted marking, as well as some engraved game fowl on the tail. The rifle is fit mostly with "German Silver" cupronickel alloy, except for the nose cap, which looks to be zinc or some other "white metal". It currently has a simple rear sight with three range adjustments, but we can see a fitting on the back of the wrist for a peep sight or something similar.
As with most target and sharpshooter rifles, this example is fitted with a "set trigger", where depressing the rear trigger first until it clicks and just touching the front trigger discharges the weapon, hopefully with great accuracy. It is fully functional at present, and the rear trigger must be "set" before the cock will hold at all. There is no provision for a half cock position due to this.
The rifle is in overall very good condition, with wear commensurate with age and service. The stock looks to be walnut, and has a lovely color, and also shows a good amount of "curl" to the grain, especially in the butt stock area. The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves and a mostly bright finish, with just a bit of wear evident. It was definitely well cared for during its service life. There is a "barber pole" style scorched ramrod under the barrel, which is probably a period replacement.
This fine rifle has a good chance of being one of many pressed into service in the early part of the Civil War by the Union. A very fine example in very collectable condition.
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: c.1850
Caliber: approx .39" six groove rifling
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 32 Inches
Overall Length: 48 1/2 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
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