Enfield Pattern 1853 Cavalry

History

The Enfield Pattern 1853 Cavalry Carbine is a shortened carbine version of the original Enfield Pattern 1853 full-length rifled rifle of British origin. Carbines were heavily used by mounted and dismounted troops during the American Civil War (1861-1865) and were favored by both sides until the conflict ended.

It became the best-selling foreign-born weapon of the war as both sides sought to arm themselves by any means necessary including reaching out to overseas allies to meet demand.

The carbine shape is representative of its full-length counterpart, except for its shortened barrel length (21") and shorter front end. This results in the need for only two straps to strengthen the length of the weapon and provide more portability Sex weapon system.

The fire action is still based on a flintlock gun (true to the original Enfield design in England), muzzle loading via a rotating pusher arm mounted under the muzzle. It holds a .577 ball, But it is known to fire the .58 Springfield shot - the standard ammunition for the US Army at the time.

In addition to being issued to cavalry, pistols like the Enfield cavalry carbine were also issued to special forces such as artillery to enable these battlefield units to defend against incoming enemy cavalry and infantry.

Enfield Pattern 1853 Cavalry Carbine was used by the Confederates during the war, although in much larger numbers due to the Confederate blockade of major Confederate ports making obtaining these weapons rather difficult. Fewer than 5,000 samples are known to have reached the Confederates.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes