The Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle

Peter Smithurst

jul 2011 · Weapon Libro 10 · Bloomsbury Publishing

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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.

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Peter Smithurst worked for several years at the Royal Armouries, Leeds where he acted as the in-house expert for 19th century weapons and he is now a Visiting Fellow at the University of Huddersfield's Military History Department. He has recently completed a large-volume on the Enfield rifle for the Royal Armouries which is the definitive work on the subject.