OVERVIEW

The English muzzle-loading Enfield rifle-musket was the finest rifle in the world when it was introduced; it was used all over the world, even put into service in the American Civil War by both sides.

Why this model had a smooth bore instead of its predecessors' rifled bore has to do with cartridges, a rumor, and a rebellion. The British supplied Indian troops (known as "Sepoys"), who were under their rule, the Enfield P53 rifle-musket beginning in 1856. The paper cartridges were typically sealed with beeswax to keep the preloaded powder and projectile intact until they needed to be used. The British trained their soldiers to bite the end of the cartridge open so the powder could be poured into the barrel, then complete the loading process by ramming the bullet home.

A rumor began that the cartridges were being sealed with pig fat, beef tallow or both, a situation abhorrent to the Hindu and Muslim soldiers in the Indian army due to religious beliefs. Thus the Sepoys rebelled. After the mutiny was put down, the British weakened the Sepoys' effectiveness by supplying them with Enfield Pattern 1853s that had the rifling bored out of the barrels, along with some other modifications to make them less potent.

This replica is made like the originals, with a working trigger, lock and percussion cap mechanisms, steel barrel, ramrod and hardware, brass trigger guard and butt plate, and Baddeley barrel bands. The receiver plate is stamped with the British crown and the Enfield mark. Solid receiver, so it cannot fire. Otherwise, it's just like the real thing, with authentic materials and weight. Please note: This item was photographed with some of the packing grease still on it. There is no rust on this gun.

Overall length of stock: 55"
Weight: just over 8 lbs
.64 caliber barrel

Cannot be shipped to NJ, NY, or RI. Cannot use Papal as a payment option.

Although this historically accurate gun is constructed of proper materials and may be altered to fire, this gun has not been test proofed and we are not legally responsible for any damages to the item, property, or persons resulting from customer alterations. We will not accept returns on this item if it is altered.