Pattern 1853 Enfield

Pattern 1853 Enfield rifle-musket
1853 Enfield rifle-musket
TypeRifled musket
Place of origin United Kingdom
Service history
In service1853–1867
Used by
Wars
Production history
DesignerRSAF Enfield
Designed1853
Unit cost$20 (1861)[1]
Produced1853–1867
No. builtapprox. 1,500,000
VariantsCarbine
Specifications
Mass9.5 lb (4.3 kg) unloaded
Length55 in (1,400 mm)
Barrel length39 in (990 mm)

Cartridge.550 expanding conical bullet
Calibre.577 in (14.7 mm)
ActionPercussion lock
Rate of fireUser dependent, usually 3-4 rounds a minute
Muzzle velocity1,250 ft/s (380 m/s)
Effective firing range300 yd (270 m)
Maximum firing range1,250 yd (1,140 m)
Feed systemMuzzle-loaded
SightsAdjustable ramp rear sights, fixed blade front sight

The Enfield Pattern 1853 rifle-musket (also known as the Pattern 1853 Enfield, P53 Enfield, and Enfield rifle-musket) was a .577 calibre Minié-type muzzle-loading rifled musket, used by the British Empire from 1853 to 1867; after which many were replaced in service by the cartridge-loaded Snider–Enfield rifle.

  1. ^ Purchase of arms, House Documents, 1861, P. 141.