The Rifle without a Soldier: American Civil War Era Remington "Model 1863 Zouave" Percussion Rifle

Learn more at ilovemuzzleloading.com
12,501 of these rifles were manufactured by Remington between 1862-1865 during the Civil War for the Union. Government records listed them as "Harpers Ferry Pattern" rifles, and they have similarities to both the Model 1841 and Model 1855 rifles that were manufactured at Harpers Ferry prior to the Civil War but are of a unique pattern. Whether or not any of these rifles saw use in the war remains unclear and debated.
Some say the rifles were designed and built for military regiments modeled after the French Zouave Light Infantry in North Africa, but associated documentation is limited.
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[@franciswashack89]

Around 1980, I was at a shooting range in Englishtown N.J., I was shooting a replica of Zouve by Navy Arms and next to me on the firing line was a man shooting an original Zouve. He told me he bought a crate of 12 Zouves unopened from an elderly woman who had them in the Attic of her home. Someone in her family many years ago, exercised a five finger discont while working for the U.S. government. He purchased the whole lot for $250.00 ! Enjoyed your video

[@samuelprice2461]

What a story! Lots of that went on back then. Much easier to get away with.

[@franciswashack89]

I kick myself to this day for not making an offer to him to buy one.

[@Draggoon12]

I remember that range! It was the first one my Dad took shooting at when I was a youngling.... between the Auction and the Raceway.

[@franciswashack89]

It was the only good one left in the 1980s. I moved out of N.J. in 1987.

[@tomhenry897]

Cheated her Wouldn’t boast about that

[@rangerjones5531]

I just want to compliment your channels production values. Very professional! It makes youtube better, and the information is top tier. Thanks and keep it up 👍🏻🇺🇸

[@jackblackpowderprepper4940]

Even my Italian made contract rifle has that strong lock. One of my favorite parts of the rifle. When I made the video of mine I was very careful not to say the "Z" word. I have seen threads where people just go nuts over the fact that it was used or not. Good video Ethan.

[@zacharymoye7272]

I own a 1960 Navy Arms Zouave, and it's a dead on copy of this one, up to the wood finish. Really is amazing and I love shooting mine!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

That's so cool! Maybe I can find a reproduction like that someday.

[@johnfisk811]

Many of the originals were sold off to the French National Government in the 1870 War after the Sedan debacle. Presumably with a view to converting them to breech loaders by the Snider, Schneider, Samain or Polivache systems, but it never seemed to have happened. These were found in store by the Prussians at the end of the war and taken to Germany. Some remained there for decades as technology marched on. Germany was banned from rifle competitions post WW2. By 1953 West Germany was allowed to enter. Their muzzleloading team turned up all armed with some of these unused stored Remington M1863s and did very well. I suspect that many of the originals in the USA were reimports of these German stored captured French bought surplus US rifles. FWIW an Italian chappie told me that the early Remington M1863 reproductions made in Italy were all made in the same factory and sold through existing gunmakers under their names. As a Brescian in the trade at the time he should know I suppose.

[@markmichel6802]

Interesting that so few originals were made. Back around 1970 or so it was one of the only Civil War repro rifles made.

[@dowdawg]

I’ve got the Zoli made in the 70’s. Been trying to change out the front sight but man that thing is in there. Nice rifle even if it’s a copy.

[@kentcostello5286]

Thank you for making our history in firearms. I always wanted one in my collection but too pricey for my bought .

[@krockpotbroccoli65]

The condition of that gun would dictate that it never saw military service. Immaculate.

[@ScoutSniper3124]

Thank you for this. I'm just thinking about trying out Civil War reenactment "living historians" and ran across a nice reproduction of this rifle for under $700. As they say, "SOLD to an American". I love knowing the history and design, and your video helps greatly. SSG. U.S. Army (Medically Retied) Infantry / Sniper / SOF Intel (SOT-A), multiple tours Iraq & Afghanistan (not the Civil War).

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you for your service! And thank you for watching. I'm glad you are getting into the sport and community!!

[@earlshaner4441]

Good evening from Syracuse NY brother and thank you for sharing this muzzleloader information

[@VernonWallace]

Very nice. Thank you

[@Bayan1905]

I picked up a Navy Arms Zoli copy of the Zouave late last year, I hunted with it but never saw anything, but this fall two days into the season I shot a nice whitetail doe at 50 yards or so with a .577 Minie ball and that doe dropped on the spot. That's the second deer I've killed with a reproduction of a Civil War gun, the first was with a EuroArms copy of the Enfield musketoon, that one was I got with a Minie ball at 150 yards, another doe and she dropped where she stood. I think even though it's longer, I kind of prefer the Zouave, it balances very well and shoots great.

[@TyrusPerises]

The condition is unbelievable.

[@BIG-DIPPER-56]

Very Nice - Thanks! 😎👍

[@T30-z5w]

My favorite rifled musket. I have two of these in repro courtesy of Antonio Zoli of Italy. Both shoot good but one just hammers out to 10O yards with my .583 cast Minnie balls.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

That's awesome!!

[@mattefinnish8411]

Imo, the Zouave is the most handsome of the Civil War era muskets. I have a Zoli in 10 gauge. Thanks

[@swamprat9018]

I have a 57 cal smooth barrel that I could build a Zouave style gun. You covered it nicely. One think is how do/did they make barrel bands. If I could figure that out I would give that build a try unless they are cast.

[@steveww1507]

you can buy repro barrel bands

[@benrobertson7855]

I have one that I use for hunting,3 weeks ago my son and me got up early and went up the back of our place,we have a wild cattle problem,left over from the logging bullocks from 150 years ago,we snuck up on one ,I took aim about 100 m, fired,when the smoke cleared nothing there,so quickly reloaded,( yeh right,hands shaking….) and saw another one so fired on that thinking the first I had missed..smoke clears and again nothing in sight,,,,,so wait a bit and crossed the river to take a look,got to be careful as these animals are dangerous.well the second one had gone 8 m and dropped and the first 20 m and dropped too,a heap of meat to carry out boned out,and we all can say we are sick of lean steak after eating it for every meal.but what a saving in the food bill.reacon we have 8 months of meat to go….. This hits hard to drop these animals with a single shot.Lyman Minnie,with 65 g of 2 f behind it. Priceless memories… Just had to tell that story,my zourve is my most used rifle because it’s so easy to clean,I seal all the edges of the lock with lube so it rarely needs any more than a wipe clean and oil. Thanks so much for your vids !!! Best regards from New Zealand.

[@briannelson4493]

Very nice walk around and explanation very nice piece, what is the weight of the gun I’m guessing 9 pounds

[@556suppressor]

I am trying to buy a nice Zoli Zouave before prices go up any further. Should have bought one a few years ago.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

There are a few things I feel the same way about!

[@charliemcelwain8874]

I have my great-grandfather Springfield 1853 69cal

[@robertmalmgren4640]

I purchased the Navy Arms version. I also pronounced the name incorrectly on a KZbin video.

[@Blackpowderdad]

I picked up an old 1863 repro at a gun show for only $300, it’s missing the rear sight, so I just aim with the front sight like a shot gun! Lol. But it’s hands down my favorite muzzle loader range toy! Ahaha. I cast my own .562 round balls, .015 patch lubed with bore butter and a 60 grain power charge of what ever I can get my hands on lol.

[@BR549-2]

Nice zoo-av and great video!

[@CaptRons18thcentury]

I have a reproduction in my collection that my father picked up in the 70's... I haven't shot it in years, but also will not part with it...

[@dylanschulz2404]

I still say ZOO-OV-AY! lol

[@HanamantuChavan]

Language Hindi

[@lugerstonecock]

Please ditch the AI voice if you can. If you can't I understand but will no longer be watching your videos. Other than that I love your channel.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

No problem, the voice was a one time gag because I always get ragged for mispronounced French

[@jeffreyrobinson3555]

@@ILoveMuzzleloading I had one in late 1970s. A navy arms repo. I never heard the word and really butchered it. I don’t know if I’ve ever pronounced the word right. I’m sixty five , but my seventeen year old self is still saying the wrong words

[@flintymcduff5417]

Wow. He literally used the computer voice for ONE word "Zouave" and you are bent out of shape over it?

[@lugerstonecock]

@@flintymcduff5417 Yes I am. I hate AI that much. However I just found out it was a joke so I'm alright now.

[@lugerstonecock]

@@ILoveMuzzleloading I didn't realize it was a joke. Now that I know I appologize. Please carry on.

[@curtislarson1487]

I had a 58 cal reproduction of course it cold stack bullets. And you could make it go Crack not poof if you wanted to be silly. I liked it alot