This replica of the U.S. Model 1803 Harpers Ferry Rifle, by Euroarms is used with a few handling marks on the stock, frizzen, and mellow patina on the brass furniture. The octagon-to-round barrel is finished to a smooth matte brown color. The walnut stock is stained to a warm brown tone. The book The Southern Arsenal - Harper's Ferry by Dr. James B. Whisker notes that the Harpers Ferry Armory in Virginia produced over 4,000 of the rifles from 1803-1807 with over 15,000 additional rifles produced in the years leading up to 1820. Weighing in at 9 pounds and with at trigger reach of 14", this rifle was made to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Lewis & Clark expedition, note the engraved patchbox that lists the dates of the expedition.
The rifle is fitted with a 35-1/2" octagon-to-round .54 caliber barrel in the manner of the later production rifles. The barrel has been finished to a smooth matte brown. The .54 caliber bore is bright. The barrel is fitted with a brass blade soldered behind the muzzle. A browned steel rear sight is dovetailed 7" ahead of the breech. The barrel finish at the breech has some marks from the frizzen touching the barrel, from the forward lock bolt being tightended down too tight.
The butt view shows the classic 1803 style brass patchbox with iron push button release in the comb of the buttplate. Push the button to allow the patchbox lid to open under spring tension, revealing a large oval patchbox cavity. The button release works smoothly and latches securely. Trimmed in brass, the furniture has aged toe a mellow patina with some darker speckling. The patchbox is marked in script Journey of Discovery Lewis & Clark 1803 -1806. The top view shows the buttplate comb extension, with the iron patchbox release button clearly visible. Notice the subdued square Kentucky rifle style cheek piece. Made with a rounded toe, no toeplate is used. The brass triggerguard is correctly attached with two pins. A single iron wedge key retains the barrel. Remove the tang screw, if you wish to dismount the barrel for cleaning.
The steel ramrod has the brass tip that was a added to the 1803 production in 1811. These brass tipped rods were sometimes substituted on first variation rifles when they were returned to the arsenal. This ramrod has no provisions for threaded accessories. A simple military style brass sideplate retains the two blued lock bolts. A small brass band trims the forend securing the end grain, just ahead of the ramrod entry pipe.
Our close-up view of the lock shows the color case hardening. The lock has been marked near the tail HARPERS FERRY 1803 and with a rear facing eagle over US just forward of the double throated cock. Factory tempered, the frizzen snaps open smartly. This lock seems to prefer a 3/4" by 7/8" flint with the bevel down. A stainless steel vent liner is perfectly placed, positioned for best ignition, just above the top of the pan. Study this vent location, perfectly positioned to produce fastest ignition.
A used 1803 Harper's Ferry Rifle with a few small handling marks in the finish. 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.
