Pedersoli Zouave US Model 1863
Davide Pedersoli & C. · Rifle · In Production · 1863
Also known as: 1863 Zouave, Remington Zouave, Pedersoli S291 Zouave
Overview
The Pedersoli Zouave US Model 1863 is a modern Italian reproduction of the U.S. Model 1863 Remington 'Zouave' percussion rifle-musket, a .58 caliber muzzleloader firing the Minié ball. Built by Davide Pedersoli & C., it faithfully recreates the ornate original with a 33-inch rifled barrel, one-piece walnut fullstock, color case-hardened percussion lock stamped with an eagle and 'US', brass furniture and barrel bands, a three-leaf rear sight, a tulip-tipped ramrod and two sling swivels. It is used for historical re-enactment, N-SSA skirmish and target shooting.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4300 g (151.7 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 |
| 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, Brass Furniture, Two Barrel Bands, Three Leaf Rear Sight, Patch Box, Tulip Tip Ramrod, Two Sling Swivels, Eagle And Us Lock Stamp, Saber Bayonet Compatible
Service history
Operators
- Union Army · adopted 1863 · as U.S. Model 1863 Contract Rifle
Conflicts
- American Civil War (1861-1865)
Production
Production years: modern reproduction
Original Remington Model 1863 production estimated at roughly 10,000-12,500 rifles in 1863-1865; the Pedersoli reproduction remains in current production.
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Remington Arms (original pattern)
Notes
Pedersoli catalog code S291. The original Model 1863 was produced by Remington Arms at Ilion, New York under U.S. government contract; delivered to arsenals but reportedly never issued to Civil War troops.
Background
Nicknamed 'the rifle without a soldier,' the original Model 1863 Zouave was delivered to Union arsenals but apparently never issued in combat, which is partly why so many pristine originals and faithful reproductions survive today.