Zouave Rifle conversion?

[9th VA Asian]

The Remington Zouave. A rifle made during the civil war but never made it to the field for battle. Since they're comparatively cheaper than other accurate rifles I'm wondering: aside from barrel length, is it possible to modify a Zouave to look like a model used in the war? Something that would pass the 5 foot rule? Thanks!

 

[johan_steele]

Not really, there have been some who have tried to modify them to look like an M1855 rifle but it doesn't really work. You're ahead to pick up an P53 or M1861. Many are hitting the 2nd hand market now.

 

[Tin cup]

I know of ones that were converted to look closely to a Georgia Armory Rifle, but THAT would mostly be Georgia State Troops, or Georgia Militia type impressions. I know of one floating around the Old Washington, Arkansas area that was made to look like a Tyler Texas Rifle, but no joy there for an all around reenacting rifle.
johan is right, there are better choices out there.

Kevin Dally

 

[thomas aagaard]

keep an eye out on relevant forums and facebook groups. There are pretty often used US1861s and P1853s for sale.

 

[Jobe Holiday]

Kevin Dally is correct about the alteration to a Georgia Armory Rifle, with the hardest part today being able to find the replacement bands. I would really like to see a Remington 1863 Rifle turned in to a Tyler Texas Rifle, only because I don't think it can be done!
J.

 

[9th VA Asian]

Thanks for the advice everyone!

 

[johan_steele]

Thanks for the advice everyone!

As an aside, whenever I meet someone getting into the hobby who might be interested in live fire as well I suggest picking up a Rifled M1842 and a spare M1842 smooth barrel. Then you have two weapons for only a little more than the price of one. For re-enacting use the smoothie and for hunting or live fire use the rifled barrel.

 

[Craig L Barry]

Funny how often this topic comes up. I would only add that if you are one who prefers a short rifle for its various advantages...the US model 1841 percussion (a/k/a Mississippi) rifle is available as a reproduction. It is also the model upon which the Remington was based and saw considerable use by both sides of the conflict. It is a better choice than trying to make something out of something else so it will pass "the five foot rule."

 

[Legion Para]

Funny how often this topic comes up. I would only add that if you are one who prefers a short rifle for its various advantages...the US model 1841 percussion (a/k/a Mississippi) rifle is available as a reproduction. It is also the model upon which the Remington was based and saw considerable use by both sides of the conflict. It is a better choice than trying to make something out of something else so it will pass "the five foot rule."

Excellent advice from a man who is well respected.

 

[Tailor Pete]

Converting a Remington Rifle to a GA Armory rifle is doable, but entails a great deal of work... new barrel bands, nose cap, trigger guard and assembly, striking the barrel bright, milling off the lock plate markings, and remarking appropriately.

Then, there's the usability issue for what would have been a rare weapon for that time. I made one years ago and was quite happy with the results, but later sold it as I found little use for it once it was finished.

If you really desire a short infantry arm, stick with '55 Springfield, '41 'Mississippi,' or Lorenz. Just my two cents.

 

[Jobe Holiday]

What '55 Springfield is a short infantry arm?
J.

 

[Tailor Pete]

What '55 Springfield is a short infantry arm?
J.

There were two variations of a '55 Springfield rifle... One with brass fittings, and the other with iron. Both used a saber bayonet.

 

[johan_steele]

There were two variations of a '55 Springfield rifle... One with brass fittings, and the other with iron. Both used a saber bayonet.

It was only made at Harpers Ferry, calling it the M1855 Springfield rifle is confusing which is why most don't refer to the M1855 as a Springfield as the Rifle Muskets were made at Harpers Ferry, Springfield and Whitney made some as well. Only Harpers Ferry made the Rifle model.

 

[Tailor Pete]

It was only made at Harpers Ferry, calling it the M1855 Springfield rifle is confusing which is why most don't refer to the M1855 as a Springfield as the Rifle Muskets were made at Harpers Ferry, Springfield and Whitney made some as well. Only Harpers Ferry made the Rifle model.

I stand corrected... though I've always considered it a Springfield model as much of the operating parts are the same as that of the '55 Springfield Rifle Musket. Semantics, I know, but it's always how I've looked at it.

I will attempt to eliminate such confusion in future posts.