Fayetteville rifle

Fayetteville Rifled Musket
Type Rifle musket
Place of origin Confederate States of America
Service history
In service 1862–1865
Used by Confederate States Army
Wars American Civil War
Production history
Designed 1862
Manufacturer Fayetteville Armory Confederate States Arsenal
Produced 1862–1865
Number built 31,762[1]
Specifications
Weight 12 lbs (5.4 kg)
Length 49.5 inches (1,260 mm)

Cartridge .57 ball, percussion cap
Caliber 0.58 inches (15 mm)
Action Maynard tape primer, muzzle-loaded
Effective firing range 500 yards (460 m)
Maximum firing range 800 yards (730 m)
Sights Blade front sight, laef-adjustable rear sight[2]

The Fayetteville Rifle was a 2 banded rifled musket of rifle length produced at the Confederate States Arsenal in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The machinery which produced these weapons was primarily that captured at the United States Arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, which was previously used to produce the US Model 1855 Rifle.

The weapon was produced in .58 caliber from early in 1862 until the capture and destruction of the arsenal by Union forces under General W. T. Sherman on March 11, 1865.

In February, 1862, the Fayetteville Observer, in describing the beginning of arms’ manufacturing at the arsenal, reported:

A few days ago we were shown one of a number of rifles furnished at the C. S. Armory here. It is much the same in general appearance, as the U.S. rifle for some years made at Harper’s Ferry and at Springfield, Mass.; but for certain improvements, in the matter of sword bayonet, Maynard primer, and perfection of finish in all parts, it must be pronounced very superior. The back sights are set for 800 and 500 yards.
Altogether, we think it the handsomest specimen of small arms, rifle or musket, we have ever seen-reflecting the greatest credit upon all concerned with its manufacture."

The first examples were manufactured using assorted M1855 lock blanks and are mounted in iron with high and medium high lockplate humps. Later examples are mounted in brass with a graceful "S" shaped hammer. Only the very early examples are known to have a patchbox.

The rifle was made both with and without a special bayonet lug which allowed the use of a sword bayonet.

The weapons are highly rare and collectible and pristine examples will command prices in excess of $25,000.

References

Notes

  1. p. 38, American Civil War Armies
  2. p. 298, The Complete Blackpowder Handbook: The Latest Guns and Gear
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