[Rachen]

A while ago I was thinking about the Smith, Sharps, etc...

I want to know if anybody owns a repro Enfield rifle musket? I know these things are famous for their reliable accuracy. The last time I checked, they are built by two companies, EuroArms and ArmiSport. The ArmiSport one is cheaper than the EuroArms.

Anybody with opinions and insights?

[bonza]

I have a Euroarms of America-imported Enfield Musketoon. It's pretty decent quality, though the bore has some light tool marks in it. Still shoots better than I can! As a rule I don't care for the Enfield-type Rifle-Muskets as they don't fit my build.....too straight in the stock & I have to really scrunch down on the comb to get a good sight picture, & they really smack me on the cheekbone. I somewhat remedied the problem with my Musketoon by installing a Martini .310 rear sight & a taller front blade. Depending on your intended use that may or not be an option. I prefer the Springfield/Zouave stock shape, far more comfortable to shoot. I'd recommend shooting both types & see which suits you best if at all possible.

[Steve499]

I have a Euroarms .451 Volunteer rifle which has the same general stock configuration as the Enfield. I also have the same problem as bonza with the stock not having enough drop for me to use the existing sights. Since mine's a target rifle anyway I installed a tall hooded front sight and a tang sight at the wrist which works well for me. When I first got it, I had to try it out with the sights it came with. I fired 40 some rounds and had a black eye to show for it after a couple of days from pushing my cheekbone onto the comb trying to get low enough to see through the sights.

I would definitely recommend finding an Enfield somewhere which you can shoulder and sight before you buy one. If you're made like me and bonza you might be better served with a Springfield replica, which works fine for me as is.

As far as the Euroarms/Armi Sport comparison goes, I have one of each. Both are of comparable fit and finish with nothing I can see detracting from an excellent rating. The Armi Sport, a 45/70 Sharps replica, had some chatter marks in the throat area just ahead of the chamber and didn't shoot very well until I had it re-lined. I am very happy with it now, but that happiness cost me an extra $400.00 or so. Mine might be the only one with that problem, can't say. I wouldn't shy away from another one but I would want to check the bore out well given my experience.

[Niner]

But mine doesn't live up to this claim.

I know these things are famous for their reliable accuracy

Mine is Armi Sport. It's more accurate than a smooth bore at a hundred yards...but not a Kentucky rifle or Plains rifle or whatever other not .58 cal miniball shooting rifle.

But.. . as I said....they are fun to shoot.

[StrawHat]

For a truly accurate "reproduction" locate one of the Enfields made by Parker Hale in the last century.

The obtained the actual gauges and dies from the Tower of London (perhaps) and made a continuation of the original production.

3 groove progressive rifling and all. I have heard they are not only nice to look at but accurate.

[gundog99]

The early model Parker Hale Enfield 1858 Naval Rifle with five groove rifling and a twist of 48 inches is the best of the three, accurate up to 600yds

[sharps59]

Personnly I would stay away from the armisport. have one of there sharps. P.O.S. had a parker hale enfield 2-3" groups at 100yrds. found the stock to streight for me after 10yrs shooting it in comp. went to a signature series colt.
for the few extra I would go w/ a colt or something from james river armoury.
want more info on shooting civil war guns, I would check out the N-SSA Boar and talt to them guys.

[alemonkey]

Talked to a guy at the range the other day who had one. He didn't have it with him, but told me about it after he saw my Sharps and we got to talking about old rifles. He said it's very accurate and a lot of fun.