Parker hale 1853 Enfield (3band) isn’t half bad!

[alcessapiens]

Got out the Enfield and my hundred pound gong (30” x 3/4”) yesterday. Put it out at a lasered 300 yards (back injury waiting to happen) managed 5 of 5 prone and 4 of 5 offhand. Backed off to 500 and couldn’t see it well enough to burn powder at it. I guess if the sepoys mutiny they’re safe at 500 yards ( from me at least). Polishing the inside face of the lock and all moving parts including the bearing edge of the spring helped the pull a fair bit, re-stoned the sear to make an even area of engagement (Prussian blue is useful stuff). Crisp, clean break and a touch lighter. This is a damned nice rifle. The 1/78 progressive rifling works well. Now I need to get a good Pritchett mold and some fine rag bond paper.

 

[Edm]

I really want one. I grew up working at the Vicksburg national Military Park and we had 3 bander and a 2 bander. Was a great job that got me into BP at age 14. I’d love to own one now. Where did you get yours?

 

[alcessapiens]

I really want one. I grew up working at the Vicksburg national Military Park and we had 3 bander and a 2 bander. Was a great job that got me into BP at age 14. I’d love to own one now. Where did you get yours?

At a little old school gun shop near Rochester ny. Like new with a mold, armorers tool and some odds and ends. Cost me a ruger .22 precision and $400 so a nice deal.

 

[Edm]

I’d say. You got a great deal.

 

[alcessapiens]

I’d say. You got a great deal.

I’m happy with it. It shoots well but I’d swap it in a second for another whitworth or Gibbs. They’re a bit more precise although the 53 has performed well beyond expectations. What I need now is a Pritchett mold and some good rag bond paper. Then I expect I’ll be even happier.

 

[sheba]

NOE makes Pritchett molds

 

[alcessapiens]

NOE makes Pritchett molds

They do but are out of stock on the base plug molds right now.

 

[tjiann]

They do but are out of stock on the base plug molds right now.

You don't have to have that mold to make the plugs (though it's nice). Brett Gibbons talks in his book about using "Magic Sculpt" epoxy resin to make them and then just insert into the bullet (coating the sides of the bullet lightly with cooking oil so the plugs don't stick) to form.

You should go on Forth Armoury's website and order the 1860 paper cartridge template/former set and watch his video on making the cartridges. You only need the thin rag (or partial rag) paper for the bullet chamber. The other two types of paper (for the stiffener and powder cartridge) can be ordinary computer printer paper and thicker card stock.