Richmond Armory Model 1855 (Richmond Rifle)

History of Richmond Armory Model 1855 (Richmond Rifle)

In April 1861, the Confederates seized machinery and tools during the Harpers Ferry raid, providing the South with much-needed useful weapons-making equipment. Some equipment ended up being shipped to Fayetteville, North Carolina, and some to the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia.

The result was two rifles designed in the form and function of the Springfield Model 1855 (described in detail elsewhere on this site). Depending on their origin, these guns were called "Fayetteville Rifles" or "Richmond Rifles".

Production of the Richmond rifle began in October 1962, more or less following the route laid out by the original Springfield. However, the original weapon required the assistance of the Maynard Tape Primer system to speed up reloading of shock cap-based moves. The Richmond rifle omits this feature for convenience and simplicity, but some early models still retain the characteristic "hump" on the lock plate (there are subtle differences between the Type I and Type II guns). It was not until March 1862 that the mold was redesigned and the hump was subsequently removed (Type III rifle). The brass nose cap and the original iron base butt plate mounted on the front of the stock were replaced with a brass base.

The patch box in the stock was removed and a different sight was installed on the rifle.

Rifle fired .58 Minie balls and reloads came off the muzzle. Thanks to the rifled barrel, a well-trained operator can expect to fire two to three rounds per minute with an accuracy of 600 yards. The muzzle velocity is 1,000 to 1,200 feet per second.

Before the end of the year, the Richmond factory began producing a shortened version of the Richmond Rifle to act as a carbine. In this form, the barrel length was reduced to 25 inches (from 40 inches).

Lumber shortages also dictated that the original 56-inch long gun was also shortened to save material, which resulted in a 49-inch barrel with a 33-inch length.

The Richmond Rifle was produced at the Richmond Armory from 1861 to early 1865. Some are also reportedly based on the Springfield Model 1863 rifle design.

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