The Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle

Download or read book The Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle written by Peter Smithurst and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2011-07-20 with total page 144 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle was the first rifled firearm issued to every soldier in the British Army, and gave the infantry a revolutionary increase in firepower. First issued in 1853, the Enfield proved itself worthy during both the Crimean War and the Indian Mutiny, where its long range, durability, and interchangeable parts made it a perfect campaign rifle. However, it was during the American Civil War that the Enfield saw the greatest use, with over a million rifles being sold to the armies of both the North and South. This title takes an in-depth look at the design, the history, the mechanics, and the use of one of the most important firearms of the 19th century.