New to me Antonio Zoli Zouave

[Jimfern]

I couldn't pass up a deal on this package. Looks like it was made in 1965 based on the XXI proof mark. There's a Ruger nipple wrench which I'd been looking for in the package.

 

[MattShlock]

New to you EVERYTHING!

Wow. Cool outfit.

Ya know, I have an original that was left to pit on the left side some and a bayonet as well as an Italian repro with a modernish rear sight but I don't know who made it...

Great arms though they really weren't adopted for use in the US Civil War. I'm surprised we don't see more of these repros as regular shooters in our brothers' hands!

 

[Jimfern]

It's hard to tell from the picture, but mine has a ladder sight like you would see on a Mauser. The previous owner said he lost the original and adapted the new site to the rifle. The bayonet looks like it should fit but doesn't slide onto the rifle as it is. I think it would need to be fitted a little, but the original owner didn't mess with it.

 

[gifford]

Jim - great looking set, you'll enjoy it. Don't let anyone tell that those old Zoli zouaves don't shoot. They can and will. Takes a bit to find the sweet spot. I shoot mine with patched round ball and minies (the big ones). Some shoot modern minies others shoot old ones but they will shoot. congrats on the snail style musket capper.. Haven't see many, I have one. Got it my set from an older-timer that sold his outfit. He didn't have the cartridge box. Again congrats on a get set.

 

[toolslinger]

Very nice. I got one too but didn't get all the nifty goodies with mine. Your stock is much prettier too.

 

[whughett]

I couldn't pass up a deal on this package. Looks like it was made in 1965 based on the XXI proof mark. There's a Ruger nipple wrench which I'd been looking for in the package.

Nice curly maple stock

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

Jackpot!
You did very well and that is the nicest stock on a Zoave I have ever seen...

 

[Jimfern]

I'm tempted to paper patch the minnies that came with it. I've read on the internet that it improves the accuracy. Anyone have luck without paper patching using 575 213 478 LYMAN? Got a round ball mold too. I guess I need to invest in a melting pot.

 

[EljaySL]

With mine the Lee 578s are quite accurate and the 575s were often missing the paper entirely. Amazing difference.

 

[Jimfern]

MattShlock, I'd love to see pictures of your original.

 

[MattShlock]

No you wouldn't -- it is a rather sad specimen on one side which made it more affordable but addequate to my wants. Originals of these arms are generally in better condition than the average Civil War arm and often found in excellent condition because they were not main military service arms. Someone here must have a proper almost museum quality example to show us...

 

[PapaG]

Had a short lived national record with one of those about 43 years ago. Put a nssa approved numrich 7 groove barrel on it, loaded a .570 round ball and ticking patch over 70 grains of DuPont 2fg and a .030 20 ga card wad. Used it in local bench matches also. They will shoot.
Got one of the original imports now with the Remington marked lock plate (X-ed out) and taper bored barrel, just like the originals. Trying the Lyman 575494 swc in it.

 

[Jimfern]

The one I have has a 3 groove barrel.

 

[zimmerstutzen]

Had my Zoli Zouave for thirty years now. I was amazed at how well it did with PRB's/ Better than several of my production hawkin style guns. If it had a set trigger it would be an all round target gun.

Incidentally, the trigger guard of mine is stamped Sears Roebuck & Co,