Bridesburg Model 1863

History of the 1863 Britsburg Model

The Bridesburg Model 1863 is the successor to the Bridesburg Model 1861. The rifled rifle was manufactured by Bridesburg Machine Works of Bridesburg, Pennsylvania, and owned by Alfred Jenks and his son Barton.

The family was already making a name for itself in the cotton and wool industry before the American Civil War. A manufacturing facility was established to handle large contract orders from the U.S. government.

One such facility is Bridesburg Machine Works, which operates as a subcontractor to Springfield Armory.

The Type 1863 is essentially the Type 1861 with some improvements. There are two main types of this rifle, referred to simply as "Type 1" and "Type 2". The Type 1 noted an improved hammer assembly as well as an improved muzzle belt.

The Type 2 noted revised mirrors and spring retainers for the muzzle strap. Externally, it shares many design cues from the previous Model 1861, including the right-hand hammer and locking plate, metal cover and bottom pusher.

Like the Model 1861, the Model 1863 is a single-shot, muzzle-loading, impact-based rifled rifle designed to fire a .58 caliber cartridge. Its barrel is 40 inches.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes