1863 Remington Contract Rifle

[ICO902]

I am new to the forum, but not to muzzle loading. I live in southern Indiana about 20 minutes from Freindship, and have been shooting and hunting with muzzle loaders for 42 years. Made my first rifle at age 12 from a kit, a Lyman Plains Rifle.
I've got a question about a rifle that was given to me. It is an original 1863 Remington "Harpers Ferry Pattern" Contract rifle "Zouave", .58 caliber. It is in excellent condition on the outside, not a mark on it. However, the last 6 inches or so of the bore has slight pitting. Is there anyone out there that could possible restore this barrel with rifling, or if not maybe as a smoothbore? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Larry Akers]

I wouldn't do anything to it except maybe run a scotchbrite pad through the bore. Any alteration from the original will destroy the value as an antique. If you plan to shoot it, the slight pitting most probably will not have any effect on accuracy.

 

[bpd303]

LJA is right about minor pitting will not effect the accuracy. A scotchbrite pad and some Kroil or 50/50 mix of acetone and transmission fluid should do the trick.
Welcome to the forum.

 

[bob308]

shoot it first. also harpers ferry did not make 1863 Remington rifles. they did rework 1841 rifles. rebore to .58 add rear sights. different nose pieces and in some cases a bayonet lug. when finished they looked like a Remington. or rather the Remington was a copy of the reworked 1841.

 

[ICO902]

Thanks for the advice. Probably will take it to the Friendship range this weekend. I've got some round balls and minnie balls for it. Will try both to see which shoots best. Any of you have a recommended staring charge of FFg for me. Never shot a .58 caliber before.
You are right it is not a Harpers Ferry. I found on a website where the military called it the "Harpers Ferry Pattern" contract rifle. What is on the lock is 1863, and Remington's Ilion, N.Y. with the eagle stamp and U.S. All on the side plate. I will try to post some photos of it for you all, but I'm not the most techy guy in the world. Thanks again.

 

[ICO902]

Can anyone tell me how to post a photo to the forum? :surrender:

 

[bpd303]

You have to use a photo hosting site.

I use Tinypic.com (it's free) others use Photobucket. You up-load the photo's to the site then you will see several bars by your photo, select the one with IMG code then go to your post and right click and select paste. That should put the photo in your post.

I open Tinypic in a new tab so I can switch back & forth between my post & photos.

 

[bpd303]

Here is a thread that explains it with illustrations. http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/287747/

 

[ICO902]

Thanks! I appreciate the help. I'll give it a try.

 

[da172]

Hi ICO902,
Any luck with the photos? Now U can easily add them in the message window by clicking picture button.

I have just ordered mine 1863 Contract Rifle and was looking for more info. Could U recommend some books about it?

Many thanks in advance

Daniel