Russian M1856 Marksman’s Rifle

[Voltigeur_de_la_Garde]

In 1856, after the disastrous Crimean War, Russian high command realized that rifled firearms were the future and so they set upon designing a Rifled Musket inspired by the Enfield and Miniè Rifles that they
had faced in the Crimea. The finished product shows this influence. It fired a Miniè-style projectile in .60 Caliber. The rear sight was graded to 1200 arshin (933 yards).
Initially however it was decided to rearm only specialized skirmishing units with the new rifle, hence it’s designation. Only two years later, in 1858, someone had the foresight to order the entire Infantry to be rearmed with the new Rifle. The standard infantry version’s sights were graded only to 600 arshin. My example is of the earlier Marksman’s type but sadly is missing the rear sight-leaf. It was built in Tula in 1862. These are quite rare today since most were converted to breechloaders using the "Krnka"-system.

 

[Grayrock Volunteer]

Very handsome rifle. Thank you for sharing. Russian muzzleloaders are very scarce here in the US, but from time to time some Crimean War guns show up. Presumably they are war trophies that have emigrated from France and England. Post-war guns almost never show up, even cartridge conversions.

The Russian Luttich carbine updated for the Kulikovsky bullet uses the same style rear sight, also ranged for 1,200 arshin. If you are looking for a replacement for your missing leaf, you might contact The Rifle Shoppe here in the US. I know they offer parts for the original dual leaf rear sight.

 

[cyten]

Very cool and scarce rifle! I've seen far more Krnka and even Karle than I have of these unconverted examples. For the missing sight leaf, look to Bulgaria, my friend. I'll shoot you a PM

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

Very interesting! Thanks for posting it.

 

[Voltigeur_de_la_Garde]

Very handsome rifle. Thank you for sharing. Russian muzzleloaders are very scarce here in the US, but from time to time some Crimean War guns show up. Presumably they are war trophies that have emigrated from France and England. Post-war guns almost never show up, even cartridge conversions.

The Russian Luttich carbine updated for the Kulikovsky bullet uses the same style rear sight, also ranged for 1,200 arshin. If you are looking for a replacement for your missing leaf, you might contact The Rifle Shoppe here in the US. I know they offer parts for the original dual leaf rear sight.

Thanks for the tip!

 

[rickystl]

Congratulations. As mentioned above, a very rare and interesting rifle.

Rick