1803 Harpers Ferry Rifle

Niederlander · October 12, 2020, 06:15:59 PM

Hello the camp! I've wanted an 1803 Harpers Ferry rifle since I saw a picture of one in a book in Junior High. First off, does Pedersoli make a copy of that rifle? Have they ever? What sort of quality are the Zoli and Euroarms versions? I can't buy one right now, but I'm wondering if it's worth saving up for one. I know Track of the Wolf and maybe others offer kits, but they're probably beyond my skill level, time, and or patience.

38OVI · October 12, 2020, 08:12:42 PM

I had one many years ago, but I couldn't use it for my impression at the time, so I traded it off for something I could use. It was a repro, but I don't remember the maker. Sorry.

Professor Marvel · October 13, 2020, 04:14:46 AM

Greetings My Good Nieder

the only maker I could find was EuroArms, which is now EOL ....

and no others...

good luck
prof marvel

Kent Shootwell · October 13, 2020, 09:47:28 AM

I had one years ago that I can't remember the maker. That one was 58 calibre and the lock would set it off often. Accurate it wasn't but it looked good to the untrained eye (mine) with nicely brown barrel. I read that there is a kit that is better offered by a current company. You'll have to do the web search though. Not much help am I.

1961MJS · October 13, 2020, 12:32:52 PM

Quote from: Niederlander on October 12, 2020, 06:15:59 PM
Hello the camp! I've wanted an 1803 Harpers Ferry rifle since I saw a picture of one in a book in Junior High. First off, does Pedersoli make a copy of that rifle? Have they ever? What sort of quality are the Zoli and Euroarms versions? I can't buy one right now, but I'm wondering if it's worth saving up for one. I know Track of the Wolf and maybe others offer kits, but they're probably beyond my skill level, time, and or patience.

Jeez Ned, I thought you were retiring and had all the time in the world? Check the kits to see what skill level is needed, AND check and see if Track will do the hard parts before they send it. If I remember right, they do that sort of thing.

Later

Cap'n Redneck · October 13, 2020, 01:00:33 PM

I've also got a replica .58 caliber Harpers Ferry. It's made by Antonio Zoli, Italy. The lock had suffered a complete breakdown, so I've got a replacement lock from Track of the Wolf. Some fitting & finishing is still on my "to do"-list. I suspect A.Zoli used the same .58 caliber barrels for their 1803 Harpers Ferry's as for their 1863 Remington Zouave minié rifles...

Abilene · October 13, 2020, 02:10:48 PM

Don't know if Pedersoli makes one now, but maybe used to?
https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/1030/6589/two-pedersoli-flintlock-rifles-a-pedersoli-harpers-ferry-model

Niederlander · October 13, 2020, 04:29:03 PM

I could have sworn they used to have one listed on their website. I've got a Pedersoli Hawken, and it's awesome. I would assume an 1803 by them would also be really good.

Dave T · October 13, 2020, 04:43:10 PM

This has all been too long ago for me to remember names but I know the first repro 1803 was as some above stated a 58 cal. The originals were 54 cal and I remember someone (Pedersoli?) coming out with a correctly bored 54 Cal. Were I looking for one on the used market I'd try to find one of those 54s.

Dave

Tsalagidave · October 13, 2020, 05:35:39 PM

Last I checked, Dixie Gunworks still had engraved .54 Harpers Ferry Rifles in stock north of the $800 mark which is about right for an Italian repro military muzzle loader. From time to time, I see them pop up on Track of the Wolf and Gun Broker.

If you are going for detailed authenticity, I recommend sticking with a .54 caliber and reach out to John Zimmerman or The Rifle Shoppe in Oklahoma. They can fine tune the little details required for the more authentic-minded impressions.

-Dave