Zouave Rifle

[Shortround]

I'm not going to use this weapon reenacting. It will be for target shooting and hunting. Also, it will hang on the wall to be used to encourage CW discussions.

What would you pay for a Zouave in Grade C- to D+ condition? The stock needs to be refinished, the bore is C- grade, and it's missing a patch box. The hammer & lock check out fine.

Thanks.

[Blair]

Despite the restriction these firearms have within the reenacting community, might I suggest you check in the N-SSA forum @ n-ssa.org for current piecing of accepted/approved firearms of this type. They have much information on their BB
If I might also suggest, make sure the arm you are offering is complete... patch box and other parts and pieces should be included.
Identifying the maker and/or importers of these arms are also important, more so to the shooter types.
These are simply suggestions on my part. You may do with these suggestions as you wish.

[reb64]

I recently saw one at a antique store kinda of place for 275 in great shape, so Id say 200-250 tops

[Craig L Barry]

What would I pay for the rifle you described? -0-. If the bore is C- how do you
intend to hit what you are aiming at with it while hunting? The parts that are msising
might cost more than you think. The patchbox is $26.50, the patchbox spring is $3.50
the patchbox retain is $11 and the retainer pin is $1.50. And that's if they have
the parts, depending on which Italian gun maker produced the weapon.

[mmescher]

If the bore is C- grade, I would have a gunsmith examine it thoroughly to make sure it is safe. A bore like that I might want to think about before firing blanks. And if the bore was allowed to get in that condition, there is no telling how some of the other hidden parts are that you didn't mention.

The wild beasts would certainly have the last laugh if you were aiming at them and the gun exploded.

Michael Mescher

[Rob Weaver]

There are a lot of Zouaves (1863 Remingtons) around that are in good shape or better. I wouldn't give more than $100 for one in poor condition.

[Craig L Barry]

If the bore is C- grade, I would have a gunsmith examine it thoroughly to make sure it is safe. A bore like that I might want to think about before firing blanks. And if the bore was allowed to get in that condition, there is no telling how some of the other hidden parts are that you didn't mention.

The wild beasts would certainly have the last laugh if you were aiming at them and the gun exploded.

Michael Mescher

My thoughts exactly, Michael.

[ACo.]

Depends on what you mean by "C- to D+ condition", those terms really don't mean anything. If the bore is in poor condition and it is missing all of those parts and needs a complete refinishing it is best to just flat out walk away. At any more than $50 it is over-priced. I say $50 because the lock and side nails may be worth that much. I myself really wouldn't want to put that much into it.

[Blair]

Having some clarification in the system of "grading the barrel/bore condition" would be a great help. Also knowing the manufacture/importer would be of assistance.
The "Zouave" rifles were made by a wide variety of manufactures. Some were rather well done. Some others, rather poorly done. Yet, some others are nearly imposable to get replacement parts for these days.

[nightstalker]

I just bought a Zouave, 1863 Remington. An older CVA, flawless condition, never fired or capped off, was a wall hanger, for $325.00. Tis a tack driver too.
I'd look around a bit. Things being what they are now, Unfortunately, I've came across some good deals lately. Good luck.
Ed Zeiner
2nd Ct.

[mike51tenn]

I bought one years ago that some idget soldered a 1903 Springfield rear sight on and raised the front sight. Haven't fired it in years, sits in a closet collecting dust. The sight was soldered over the manufacturer stamp but I can read Trophy Hunter somethingorother on it.

[Poor Private]

I have one that my uncle gave me a few years ago, It's a tack driver and has taken several deer. The proof marks says it's from 1974. Only marking visible is "Black Powder Only" on the top of the barrel. The manufacturer stamping is underneath. If I remember correctly it is a Armi Jaeger.

[Rob Weaver]

It's actually pretty easy to research the manufacturing data on these guns. A google search will turn up the various stampings and markings. They are crazily inconsistent, though. The only things I've ever seen marked up worse are German bayonets!