The famous U. S. Model 1863 Contract Rifle was originally manufactured by Remington. Unlike Springfield or Enfield muskets, this model is trimmed in brass, with a patchbox, and folding leaf rear sight with three leaves, for 100 yards, 200 yards, and 300 yards. Not well known today, the elite Zouave troops of 1860 were dressed in Arabian style uniforms, after the fierce fighters that the U. S. encountered when we fought the pirates of Tripoli, who paid little attention to "the rules of war". It was a high honor to be accepted into a Zouave unit. Our Commando units and Green Beret units are modern equivalents of Zouave troops. Trigger reach is 13-3/8" to fit today's average size shooter. Weight is 8.4 pounds.
The tapered round 33" barrel is rifled with three equal lands and grooves, exactly like the original musket. Finished to dark brown the finish has some wear from use, disassembly at the barrel bands, and cleaning. The bore appears bright. The breech of the barrel is marked Mfg. for Ultra-Hi by Miroku Japan. The barrel is also marked BLACK POWDER ONLY along with the serial number. The top view shows the correct three leaf military sight marked for elevation and installed 3" ahead of the breech. All the leaves are under tension. The front sight is installed 1-1/4" behind the muzzle. This example does not have a bayonet lug.
The beech stock is stained to a light brown. The rifle is used and has many scattered handling marks handling marks from service, and disassembly for cleaning. The front and rear sling swivels have been removed. The brass patchbox is retained with three brass screws, these screws should traditionally be steel. The steel ramrod is retained by the brass barrel bands and has a male 5-.8mm thread on the end. Two brass sideplate washers are inlet into the stock, and counterbored to accept the two lock bolts on the opposite side of the musket.
The color case hardened percussion lock is stamped with an eagle, as were originals. Internally, the lock is nicely factory finished and functions as it should. The trigger release is firm, typical for a military musket. The breech is fitted with a 5/16-24 threaded hardened steel musket nipple designed to accept a musket cap.
The stock has some marks, the brass has a mellow patina from age, and the .58 caliber bore is bright. Order it for a ten day visual inspection. You will be delighted. Else if it does not fit you, return it in unfired condition for same-day refund. Postage is your only risk, when you order any one-of-a-kind gun from Track, whether new, used, or antique.