Dixie 1862 Zouave Rifle-Musket
Dixie Gun Works · Rifle · In Production · 1863
Also known as: 1863 Zouave, Remington Zouave Reproduction, Model 1863 Zouave Rifle
Overview
The Dixie 1862 Zouave Rifle-Musket is a modern reproduction of the U.S. Model 1863 Remington 'Zouave' percussion rifle-musket, a .58 caliber muzzleloader firing the Minié ball. It features a 33-inch rifled barrel, a one-piece walnut fullstock, a color case-hardened percussion lock, brass furniture and barrel bands, a flip-up leaf rear sight, and a patch box. The reproduction faithfully recreates one of the most ornate Civil War-era longarms and is popular for reenactment, N-SSA skirmish competition, and blackpowder hunting.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4309 g (152.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1245 mm (49.02") |
| Barrel Length | 838 mm (32.99") |
| Action Type | Muzzleloader |
| Firing Mechanism | Percussion |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 290 m/s (951 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1362 J (1005 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 180 m (197 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 900 m (984 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 3 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 1422 mm (55.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 3 |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued Barrel Color Casehardened Lock |
Calibers
- .58 Caliber Minié Ball · primary — also known as 0.58 in, 14.7 mm, .58 Springfield, .575 Minié Ball
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Muzzle Loaded
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Percussion Lock, Two Barrel Bands, Brass Furniture, Patch Box, Steel Ramrod, Flip Up Leaf Rear Sight, Saber Bayonet Lug
Service history
Operators
- Union Army · adopted 1863 · as Model 1863 Contract Rifle
Conflicts
- American Civil War (1861-1865)
Production
Production years: modern reproduction
Original Remington Model 1863 production estimated at 10,001-12,501 rifles between 1863 and 1864; the Dixie reproduction remains in current production.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Remington Arms (original pattern)
Notes
The original Remington Model 1863 was nicknamed the 'Zouave' by later collectors for its brass fittings and colorful associations; despite roughly 10,000-12,500 being contracted, the rifles were delivered to arsenals but reportedly never issued to troops during the American Civil War.
Background
Often called 'the rifle without a soldier,' the original Model 1863 Zouave was delivered to Union arsenals but apparently never issued in combat; surviving rifles were sold as surplus to Francis Bannerman & Company in 1907 for about 54 cents each, which is partly why so many pristine examples and reproductions survive today.