Merrill Model 1863 (Merrill Carbine)

History of the Merrill Lynch Model 1863 (Merrill Carbine)

In addition to the famous pistols and pistols used in the American Civil War (1861-1865), carbines were increasingly used in Union and Confederate armed forces. Joining the ranks was the Merrill Carbine, which first appeared as a breech-loading single-shot in 1863.

It was eventually used by both sides of the conflict and originated in Baltimore, Maryland, from an 1858 design by James H. Merrill. The coalition claims to have produced more of the 14,495 samples, but stocks are still heading to the desperate south.

During its rather short lifespan, two main variants have emerged.

As a carbine, this weapon was an alternative to the standard long gun of the time. This allows this weapon to have a shorter barrel and front end that can be used relatively easily (and more efficiently) from a horse.

So the carbine is a major problem for mounted infantry and may be just as effective in the hands of infantry who need mobility.

The Merrill is designed as a breech-loading gun, which means that the ammunition is inserted through the opening in the bolt receiver. This is in contrast to the previously described "muzzle-loading" guns, which require ammunition (along with gunpowder) to be fed through the muzzle. Limited to single-shot firing, a quality common to many guns at the time, Merrill was designed to fire .54 Minie bullets through cartons. A set of hammers to the right of the receiver is ready again. In front of the hammer sits a small pacifier with a striking cap added to it.

When hit by a drop hammer, this cap provided the necessary spark to ignite the cartridge powder in the combustion chamber. The pressure of the expansion then sends the bullet down and out of the muzzle end of the barrel.

Primer caps proved revolutionary at the time, replacing the 200-year-old flintlock method, which was heavily influenced by environmental factors such as rain. The Merrill-designed barrel is 22.25 inches long.

The first Merrill carbine was known for its standard features, such as a patch box mounted in the stock and covered by a hinged brass end. These are referred to in the series as "Type 1" carbines. War production pressures eventually required a simplified version of the carbine, which resulted in the "Type II" variant, which lost the junction box assembly.

Copper was also added to the breech piston to improve the breech seal. As opposed to the original knurled shape, the bolt shank latch has been reworked to a more rounded shape.

There were also some changes to the lock plate design, but the overall form and function of the second weapon mimicked the first weapon already in circulation.

Merrill carbines were in service with Union and Confederate cavalry units until the end of the battle in 1865. Cartridges are also made in the South.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes