Antonio Zoli Zouave Rifle .58 Caliber

[4v50 Gary]

Sharps59 - I thought the NSSA allowed only firearms that were used in combat and repros were fine so long as all modern marks or other things (barrel bands) that would betray its modern production were altered to appear as an 1861-5 firearm. I'm fine if they want to allow Zouaves.

 

[Blackpowdershooter44]

I will add though that the front band will come off rather easily, I can pull it and it slides over the spring.

 

[Darth AkSarBen]

Sharps59 - I thought the NSSA allowed only firearms that were used in combat and repros were fine so long as all modern marks or other things (barrel bands) that would betray its modern production were altered to appear as an 1861-5 firearm. I'm fine if they want to allow Zouaves.

According to N-SSA rules the Zouave is allowed.
"19.1 ACCEPTABLE SKIRMISH MATCH FIREARMS

a. Only original or reproductions of military firearms manufactured during the Civil War or prewar era, and which meet the criteria set forth in these rules, shall be used for competition.

b. Those arms must have been manufactured prior to 26 April 1865 in quantities of at least 100 arms each.

c. The arms must have been possessed by a US, CS, state, or local military authority during the American Civil War, but they do not need to have been issued to troops in the field. "

 

[AlexanderA]

The N-SSA is a completely different world than the reenacting world. N-SSA puts practical shooting above historical accuracy. For example, you see people on the firing line at N-SSA events that would be laughed off the field at reenactments (modern eyeglasses, visible wristwatches, fantasy uniforms). It all depends on your perspective. I venture to say that a truly authentic reenactor would be at a distinct disadvantage at an N-SSA shooting event.

As a collector, I frequent the "sutlers' rows" both at reenactments and at the N-SSA Nationals. Prices for guns and accoutrements are often better there than at purely collectors' shows. (This is a form of "arbitrage.") I used to do reenactments, back in the 1980's, but I think basically this was an excuse to further my collecting. I did not only Civil War, but also Rev War, WW1, WW2, etc. Still have all the gear for all those time periods.

Collecting the guns is only the tip of the iceberg. You have to have everything else, including the personal equipment, to put those guns into context.

 

[Darth AkSarBen]

Also, here is another thought regarding the 1863 Remington contract rifle. They were made, bought and sold to the Union. So they were possessed. I personally believe documentation is rather sketchy of who might have actually used one in 1864 to 1865 in battle. Seems like someone could have pulled strings to buy one of the rifles not sold to the Union and used it during the war. Speculation.

However, one can have the Zouave defarbed by someone like David at Lodgewood Mfg. http://www.lodgewood.com/ into a Georgia Rifle that was made and used during the ACW. Those are easy enough to defarb and then they look a whole lot like one that was issued and used by the Confederate side.

 

[4v50 Gary]

OK, I stand corrected. They may be used in shooting sports like that organized by the N-SSA, but not in most reenactor units; especially those that strive for accuracy.

 

[Darth AkSarBen]

One other thing I might add. I have not seen an original Antonio Zoli Zouave, but if the nipple is a musket nipple on it and there is a substantial hole on the bottom (next to the powder) your accuracy will be all over the place. They make replacement nipples with tiny flash holes, something like 1/64" or so, that barely will allow a straight pin to enter. THOSE are the nipples that will give you the best accuracy. The other nipples will allow an indiscriminate amount of pressure loss back through the nipple hole and sometimes even blow the hammer back onto half cock. So, if you find the occasional half cock position after firing your Zouave, replace the nipple. I can almost guarantee and increase of accuracy. Combine that with a Minie' ball that is about 0.002" under bore diameter and the skirt will flange, your gas that is produced from the firing will be utilized evenly and if there is good rifling, (no pits) the rifle should shoot acceptable.

On my P1853 Enfield (3 band) I replaced the nipple with one with a tiny hole and saw the group size shrink at 100 yard to aroudn 1.2" Before it was in the 3-4" group.

 

[792mauser]

I loved mine. Until I busted the stock at the wrist. It was great with patched balls and black mz. I need to find a replacement stock.

 

[AlexanderA]

I need to find a replacement stock.

Dunlap Woodcrafts has them, but they run about $325 and you have to finish them yourself. (Dunlap sets up at the N-SSA Nationals as well as the Baltimore Antique Gun Show, plus they have a presence on the Web.)