Pedersoli 1853 Enfield Whitworth
Davide Pedersoli & Co. S.r.l. · Rifle · In Production
Also known as: Pedersoli 1853 Enfield 3 Band Whitworth, Enfield Whitworth Rifle, Pedersoli Whitworth Rifle, S.181-451
Overview
The Pedersoli 1853 Enfield Whitworth is a modern reproduction muzzleloading percussion rifle built by Davide Pedersoli in Italy. It recreates the .451 caliber Whitworth-rifled variant of the Pattern 1853 Enfield used by Confederate sharpshooters in the American Civil War. The three-band rifle-musket features a 36-inch browned hexagonal Whitworth bore with a 1:19 twist, a color case hardened percussion sidelock, a satin-finished American walnut stock with brass inlays, a globe front sight and a ladder rear sight, prized by black-powder target shooters and reenactors for its exceptional long-range accuracy.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4309 g (152.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1295 mm (50.98") |
| Barrel Length | 914 mm (35.98") |
| Action Type | Muzzleloader |
| Firing Mechanism | Percussion |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 366 m/s (1201 fps) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Hexagonal |
| Rifling Twist | 483 mm (19.02") |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Browned |
Calibers
- .451 Whitworth · primary — also known as .451 caliber, 11.45mm Whitworth, .45 caliber
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Muzzle Loaded
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Hexagonal Whitworth Bore, Three Barrel Bands, Color Case Hardened Lock, Globe Front Sight, Ladder Rear Sight, Sling Swivels, Brass Tipped Steel Ramrod
Service history
Operators
- Muzzleloading and historical target shooters
Conflicts
- American Civil War (1861-1865)
Production
Production years: current production
Modern reproduction; the historic Whitworth rifle it copies was made in limited numbers (roughly 13,000 originals) from 1857 onward
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Joseph Whitworth
Notes
The hexagonal Whitworth bore fires a mechanically-fitted hexagonal or paper-patched bullet. Barrel is 36 inches (914 mm); overall length 51 inches (1295 mm); weight approximately 9.5 lb (4309 g). Sources list the twist rate as 1:19 to 1:20.
Background
The original Whitworth rifling, designed by engineer Sir Joseph Whitworth with a hexagonal bore and rapid twist, gave the rifle unmatched accuracy at ranges beyond 1,000 yards. Confederate 'Whitworth Sharpshooters' used the imported rifles to pick off Union officers at extreme distance.