Whitworth M1857 rifle

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	Weapon: Whitworth M1857 rifle Type: Sniper Rifle Country of Origin: United Kingdom Year Adopted: 1857 Caliber: .451 Black Powder Action: Percussion Overall Length (mm): 1245.0 Overall Length (in): 49.02 Weight (kg): 4.80 Weight (pounds): 10.58 Effective Range (m): 1800 m Effective Range (yards): 1968.5

The Whitworth M1857 rifle was a revolutionary muzzle-loading firearm designed by British engineer Sir Joseph Whitworth. It featured a distinctive hexagonal rifling system that significantly improved accuracy compared to traditional rifled muskets. Chambered in .451 caliber, the rifle used a mechanically fitted hexagonal bullet rather than a conventional round projectile, allowing for exceptional long-range precision. The rifle was built with high-quality materials and featured an elongated barrel to maximize ballistic performance, making it one of the most accurate firearms of its era.

While the Whitworth rifle was not officially adopted by the British Army due to its high production cost, it was produced in limited numbers for military and private use. Approximately 13,000 rifles were manufactured, with many exported to the United States during the American Civil War. The Confederate Army, in particular, prized the Whitworth for its incredible accuracy, deploying it among elite sharpshooters. Equipped with early telescopic sights, Confederate marksmen used the rifle to engage Union officers and artillery crews at unprecedented distances, earning it a fearsome reputation on the battlefield.

The Whitworth M1857 rifle became notorious for its role in long-range sniping, with reports of kills made at distances exceeding 1,000 yards-an impressive feat for the time. Although its specialized ammunition and high cost limited widespread adoption, it remains a significant milestone in firearms development. Today, the Whitworth rifle is highly sought after by collectors and historians, recognized as one of the most advanced muzzle-loading rifles of the 19th century and a forerunner of modern precision shooting weapons.