.58 Zouave

[RWMC]

I picked up a used Italian .58 Zouave last weekend for $140. It has some fine pitting throughout the bore, but still very shootable. According to the date code, it was made in 1984. I have no idea who the maker was. The only marking I see that may be from the maker, is a capital "RI" inside of a circle, with the circle having 4 little lines on the outside of the circle at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock positions. If this mark sounds familiar to anyone, I would really appreciate it if you could tell me who the maker is. The barrel has 3 grooves and lands. I will attempt to post some pics later. Thanks for any info you can give me.

 

[zimmerstutzen]

I have a Zoli, but it is clearly marked. There was another maker, that used a three piece barrel which I find it somewhat alarming. The breech with bolster has female threads and the barrel also has female threads. The two are held together by the equivalent of a pipe nipple from the hardware store. They were also made in Italy. when cleaning the barrel, there is a noticeable rough spot from the ridge/lip around the barrel about 1.5 inches from the breech.

 

[Curator]

EIG, and importer in Miami used a similar mark in a circle with the four direction lines on the outside. Theirs had "EIG" in the center not RI, but the mark may be an importer's mark. Also, Dixie Gunworks had several manufacturers who made this model for them, some from Spain, Belgium, Italy, and even Japan. You might check with them. The date code indicates Italian manufacturer.

 

[RWMC]

Thanks for the input. Took the Zouave out for the 1st time today and shot it around 10 times using patched round ball. At 25 yards, with a charge of 50 pyrodex 2F, it hits around 3" high using the 100 yd. sight setting.Thoroughly enjoyed it!