1863 Remington Zouave Rifle

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	Weapon: 1863 Remington Zouave Rifle Type: Rifled Musket Country of Origin: United States Year Adopted: 1863 Caliber: .58 Minie Action: Percussion Overall Length (mm): 1220.0 Overall Length (in): 48.03 Weight (kg): 4.00 Weight (pounds): 8.82 Effective Range (m): 300 m Effective Range (yards): 328.08

The Remington 1863 Zouave rifle was a .58 caliber percussion muzzleloading rifle manufactured by the Remington Arms Company during the American Civil War. Designed to match the specifications of U.S. military rifled muskets of the period, it featured a 33-inch barrel, brass furniture, and a case-hardened lockplate with an eagle motif. The rifle was equipped with a bayonet lug for use with its distinctive saber bayonet, making it suitable for infantry combat. Known for its accuracy and sturdy construction, the Zouave rifle included advanced rifling for improved ballistic performance and was a popular model among collectors due to its unique design.

Approximately 12,501 Remington 1863 Zouave rifles were produced under contract with the U.S. government, with deliveries made between 1863 and 1864. Despite its robust design and positive reviews, the rifle is widely believed to have seen little to no combat use during the Civil War, as most units were already equipped with Springfield or Enfield rifled muskets. Its primary role was as a backup reserve weapon, and many were stored in arsenals until being sold off as surplus after the war. The exact reason for its limited deployment remains a topic of debate, but logistical challenges and the war's declining demand for additional rifles likely contributed.

The Remington 1863 Zouave rifle has achieved notoriety as one of the finest examples of Civil War-era weapon craftsmanship, despite its limited service history. Modern enthusiasts and reenactors value it for its aesthetic appeal, historical significance, and precision as a black powder firearm. Reproductions of the Zouave rifle are commonly used in living history events and competitions, cementing its legacy as a symbol of Civil War weaponry. Its blend of practical design and intricate detailing ensures its place as a standout artifact of 19th-century military firearms.