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Whitworth Rifle

History of the Whitworth Rifle

When Sir Joseph Henry Whitworth attempted to transform the concept of the hexagonal field gun into the form of a portable infantry-grade pistol, he developed a twisted Hexagonal rifled rifle. The main advantage is an adjusted bullet shape that allows for a better grip on the rifle design and results in a more effective and accurate long shot. The British Army has evaluated the new Enfield Model 1853 Rifled Rifle and is interested in the product.

During the evaluation of the Model 1853, Whitworth's gun remained stable and outperformed the established Enfield design. However, the military felt the barrels were too hot and the guns were too expensive to procure on demand. As a result, the Whitworth rifle was rejected at home, but the Whitworth Rifle Company was able to a certain degree of interest in the Confederate States of America.

Total production of Whitworth rifles eventually reached 13,400, with the French Army being the only other operator.

Despite Britain's neutrality in the American Civil War, British private arms companies were not prevented from supplying goods to interested buyers. Desperately in need of an effective long gun, the South happily purchased many foreign types, even competing with the industry-backed North.

During the American Civil War (1861-1865), this rifle proved exceptionally accurate at the time and was often passed on to Confederate sharpshooters who could use the instrument. The rifle had excellent accuracy at range and claimed to have killed several Union generals during the war. The weapon is listed for a maximum range of up to 1,500 yards, with an effective range of 1,000 yards and below. In its ratings, it shoots from as far away as 2,000 yards.

Due to the gun's awkward muzzle-loading action, the shooter can only fire two to three rounds per minute. The lanyard helps transport the rifle during the march and can also be used to stabilize the next shot. Some shooters have developed special front supports to better support their weapons.

The Whitworth rifle received a basic design arrangement appropriate to the period. A durable one piece wood stock forms the frame, stock, grip and fore stock, while all metal parts are inlaid as usual. Barrel lengths vary between 33, 36 and 39 inches to suit the desired area of ??use, although the 33 inch model is very typical for Civil War use. This in turn led to short or long rifles, using two or three barrels to bring the strength needed for the design.

Cartridges are .45 caliber bullets with a powerful killing ability and are available in both original hexagonal and modified cylindrical forms. In the latter, the skeletonized lead base matches the hexagonal rifling of the barrel.

Most Whitworth snipers usually rely on the iron sights provided, although even this device can be borrowed from other firearms. Sun visors are usually adjustable. Some shooters ended up bypassing the iron sights entirely and installing telescopic sights above the receiver for advanced sniping.

As a muzzle-loading weapon (which remained consistent even during the Civil War), the operator loaded the charge and ball into the muzzle and rammed the contents home firmly with the push rod provided. The rod is then slid into the channel under the barrel when not in use. A hammer runs along the right side of the gun's metalwork and cocks back when ready. A trigger pulled the hammer and landed on the waiting nipple with a percussion cap on it.

The resulting ignition and associated pressure then sends the bullet down the barrel to its intended target.

Specification

Basics

Years in Service

1857

Origins

Categories

Knock Lock Pull Gun

Manufacturer

Whitworth Rifle Company - UK

Operator

Allied Powers; France

Roles

musket

Loading ancient guns from the muzzle; fully manual operation on the rear of the frame; poor accuracy forces large numbers of soldiers to fire at once for best results.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length

1,200 mm

47. 24 inches

Barrel length

840mm

33. 07 in

Attractions

open; adjustable front panel; selectable range

Action

Knock lock; muzzle reload

Percussion Cover

The propellant ignition is triggered using the impact cap operating system; similar to children's cap guns, small explosive caps are placed on the nipples, which are driven by previously erected drop weights.