Looking for information

[Havicman]

I have a percussion ML that I would like to get information about. My father had bought it a long time ago. He gave it to me last year, since he doesn't use it anymore. He was shooting 55 grains FF, but he doesn't remember how much of a charge the rifle will handle. I plan on only shooting it with 50-60 grains so that's not an issue, just curious. I'm just looking to find out as much as I can about this rifle.

 

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It appears to be a copy of a Rem. 1863 Zouave Civil War Musket. Should be
58 caliber. Shoot a .570 round ball and the 60 grs FF. Use about .017 patch.
Should be rifled with 3 grooves with a 1 in 72 twist. Look for the maker on it.
See if it has a archer shooting a bow.

 

[arcticap]

Linked below is an Armisport/Chiappa manual that includes some info. for their Zouave as well as other guns:

http://www.armisport.com/manuali/blackpowder.pdf

Euroarms also offers an on line Zouave parts schematic but no other information is included:

http://www.euroarms.net/Avancarica/esplosi/EXPL_VIEW_ZOUAVE_1863.pdf

As far as maximum loads, most all modern large caliber reproduction rifles that are .50 and over and in good condition can usually always be safely loaded with the volume equivalent of 100 grains of ffg black powder without any worry, at least if using patched round balls.

 

[George Mabry]

Havicman, I've got that very same rifle. Bought it in 1975 and have shot it regularily every year since. The only problem I had was that the front sight was way too short. Once I replaced the front sight with a higher, blade style sight it became a center shooter. You should enjoy that rifle. It is also an excellent hollow base mini shooter.