The famous U. S. Model 1863 Contract Rifle was originally manufactured by Remington. Unlike Springfield or Enfield muskets, this model is trimmed in brass, with a patchbox, and folding leaf rear sight with three leaves, for 100 yards, 200 yards, and 300 yards. This replica has a bright well maintain bore. The stock has some scattered handling marks from use. Trigger reach is 13-5/8" for today's average size shooter. Weight is 9.5 pounds.
Not well known today, the elite Zouave troops of 1860 were dressed in Arabian style uniforms, after the fierce fighters that the U. S. encountered when we fought the pirates of Tripoli, who paid little attention to "the rules of war". It was a high honor to be accepted into a Zouave unit. Our Commando units and Green Beret units are modern equivalents of Zouave troops.
The tapered round 33" barrel is rifled with three equal lands and grooves, exactly like the original musket. The barrel has a silvery gray patina on the exterior. The side of the barrel is marked ANTONIO ZOLI & CO MADE IN ITALY along with the caliber, serial number and various proof marks. The correct three leaf military sight is marked for elevation and installed 3" ahead of the breech. The front post sight is installed 1-1/2" behind the muzzle. A bayonet lug is installed on the right side of the barrel 4" behind the muzzle.
Finished in a light brown, the beech stock has a few small handling marks. The brass military buttplate has developed a mellow patina from use and is mounted with two steel screws. The brass patchbox is retained with three steel screws, and opens to reveal a small oval cavity for storing cleaning supplies. It has a patch worm, and a spot to store a spare nipple. The brass triggerguard is fitted with a correct swivel for a military style leather sling. The forward swivel is mounted to the forward barrel band. A brown leather sling is included with this musket, not pictured. The steel ramrod is retained by the brass barrel bands and the end has 5-.8 mm male threads.
The color case hardened percussion lock is stamped with an eagle, as were originals. The 5/16-24 Ampco bronze threaded musket nipple is designed to accept a musket cap. The breech end of the stock displays some discoloration from repeated cap flash. Two brass sideplate washers are inlet into the stock, and counterbored to accept the two lock bolts on the opposite side of the musket. The single trigger provides a smooth release of the lock.
This 1863 Remington Contract musket is used with handling marks on the stock and patina on the brass furniture. The bore is bright, clean, and ready to shoot. Perfect to use at the range, or to carry while doing marches and drills at your next Civil War reenactment. Order it for a ten day visual inspection. You will be delighted. Else if it does not fit you, return it in unfired condition for same-day refund. Postage is your only risk, when you order any one-of-a-kind gun from Track, whether new, used, or antique.
