Live fire rifle options and accuracy

[dbrad]

Hi all,
I am wondering out the the following options how do each compare in terms of accuracy and comfort/enjoyment in shooting?
1. Parker Hale P'1858 Naval two band rifle (1st gen).
2. US Model 1841 (repro) "Mississippi" with standard "Kentucky" rear sight.
3. US Modle 1841 (repro) with the various rear sights found on the numerous alterations.
4. US Remington 1863 contract rifle.

I have list the common reproduction muzzleloading rifles as the chance of me owing a original in Australia is a bit slim.

Thanks,
Damon

 

[Bob Owen]

I would go with the Parker Hale if I were you.

 

[Jobe Holiday]

Since we are speaking strictly about reproductions, numbers 2, 3, and 4 will all use the same barrel from the same manufacturer. You have to consider the inherent accuracy of the basic barrel, which is actually quite acceptable. The Remington has sights that can be duplicated on a Mississippi Rifle and still be authentic, so it is a moot point. The Mississippi has a plethora of sight combinations that are historically correct. At that point it becomes personal choice as to which one a shooter prefers. The stock rear sight on a Mississippi is the least desirable.

Number 1 will be at least some 20+ years old, and yes it is possible to find new, or nearly new, examples of the Parker-Hale series of arms on the open market. The problem American shooters have with this fine Rifle is learning to shoot it in the English fashion, i.e., squarely facing the target. If you do not face the target you can't get your cheek down on the stock far enough to sight properly, thereby making the recoil quite unpleasant. The trigger pull is long at 14", so unless you have long arms it can be a bit uncomfortable. That is why, in 1859, England shortened the trigger pull from 14" to 13 " on the P-53 Rifle Muskets made at the Royal Manufactory at Enfield.

Jobe

 

[Southron]

The all round BEST shooting Rifle or Rifle-Musket is the Two Band Parker-Hale with the 5 Groove, 1 in 48" Twist with Progressive Depth Rifling.

Back in 1862/63 a series of comprehensive experiments were run in Lee's Army of Northern Virginia to determine the most accurate .577 or .58 Caliber arm. Just about every American and European made military arm was tested.

The tests proved that all were pretty much the same out to 600 yards, past 600 yards there was no question that the two band Enfields P/58, P/60, P/61 were the most accurate (all used the same barrel.)

Sharpshooters in Lee's Army of Northern Virginia were (when possible) issued 2 band Enfields and British Made Ammo. They proved to be extremely effective.

The main problem with the Parker-Hales is that they come from the factory with terrible, sloppy and loose bedding jobs. If you want really decent accuracy out of them, then you have to glass bed them.

On my recommendation, a fellow N-SSA team member purchased a P-H Naval Rifle still in almost new condition. Off the bench at 50 yards it would throw a not very impressive group. I glass bedded the rifle for him, did a bit of a "Lock Job" and he reported to me that after that work, he could shoot a 5 shot group (off the bench) with that Naval Rifle he could cover with his thumbnail!!!

 

[Bob Owen]

I had a Parker-Hale Enfield that was made in England and it shot very well and very accurately. It wasn't bedded and the wood to metal fit was excellant. I could shoot clover leaf groups at 50 yards with it consistantly, but had to swab the bore about every three shots to keep that kind of accuracy. I don't have any experience with the newer ones made in Italy.

 

[johan_steele]

The newer Italian Parker Hales are no better than an off the shelf EuroArms... which is what they are. I have owned two early Parker Hales and have no complainst about either.

I shoot a late Navy Arms/ early Euroarms M1841 converted to the Colt Standard and she shoots rather well.

 

[Southron]

The common factor that the P/58, P/60, P/61, Mississippi and Zouave all have in common is a heavy barrel with "thick" barrel walls. This partially accounts for their exceptional accuracy-all other thing being equal.