Description
EDWIN WESSON Percussion Target Rifle with Matching False Muzzle:
THE VICTORIAN SNIPER SYSTEM: An Ultra-Precision Edwin Wesson Percussion Target Rifle with Matching False Muzzle
At Tanks-Alot Ltd, we know a thing or two about heavy metal precision, and this piece is the 1840s equivalent of a laser-guided main battle tank optic. We are incredibly proud to offer a pinnacle piece of American firearms engineering: a rare, ultra-precision Percussion Target Rifle, hand-crafted by the legendary master gunsmith Edwin Wesson (circa 1838–1849).
Before his younger brother, Daniel Wesson, went on to co-found the world-famous Smith & Wesson empire, Edwin was universally recognized as America’s premier builder of extreme long-range match rifles. His weapons dominated 19th-century shooting competitions, and this pristine survivor shows exactly why.
19th-Century Precision Engineering
- The Rare Matching False Muzzle: Attached to the tip of the barrel is the original brass false muzzle extension. Elite marksmen attached this removable piece strictly during front-loading to protect the delicate rifling from being deformed by the ramrod. Because these brass extensions were easily lost over the last 170+ years, finding a rifle that still retains its exact matching factory piece adds immense rarity and collector value.
- Double-Set Hair Triggers: The complex, beautifully curved trigger guard houses an advanced double-set trigger system. Pulling the rear trigger “sets” the mechanism, allowing the front trigger to break with an incredibly light, crisp “hair-trigger” touch—completely eliminating hand tremors for absolute accuracy.
- Micro-Adjustable Diopter Sight: Mounted directly into the upper wrist tang is a pristine, mechanical peep (diopter) sight. Combined with the setback front blade sight, this setup provided an extended, crystal-clear sight radius engineered for hitting targets at extreme distances.
Barrel Architecture & Condition
- The “Swamped” Balance Profile: Unlike standard, prohibitively heavy bench-rest guns, Wesson deliberately engineered this model as a high-end field or “Deer Rifle”. The barrel is fully octagonal for the first third—providing massive wall thickness around the breech block to handle heavy black powder pressures safely—before transitioning into a sleek, lightweight round profile for optimal off-hand shooting balance.
- Artisan Aesthetics: The sleek lock plate is crisply hand-engraved “E. WESSON” surrounded by tight, elegant floral scrolling. The heavy barrel retains a flawless, smooth plumb-brown historic patina, and the rich walnut stock boasts a deep original luster with razor-sharp checkering along the wrist grip.
- Immaculate Bore: Because vintage black powder is notoriously corrosive, finding a mid-19th-century rifle with a clean, well-cared-for internal bore is an extreme rarity that guarantees its investment-grade status.
Why This belongs in Your Collection
Standard military muskets of the Civil War era were mass-produced by the millions, but Edwin Wesson rifles were custom-commissioned tools of absolute precision, hand-fit for the elite marksmen of the age. Featuring its original false muzzle, double-set triggers, and specialized part-round barrel profile, this rifle is a museum-grade masterpiece of mechanical history. It makes a phenomenal crossover conversation piece for anyone who appreciates elite, uncompromised ballistic engineering.
Important Safety & Legal Information:
- UK Collectors: This rifle is categorized as an Obsolete Calibre Antique under Section 58(2) of the Firearms Act. It can be legally purchased, owned, and displayed as a curiosity or ornament by anyone over the age of 18 without a Shotgun Certificate (SGC) or Firearm Certificate (FAC).
- Firing Notice: Sold strictly as a historical collectible. If ever intended for live firing, it must be properly inspected by a proof house and used strictly with custom-loaded black powder charges. Modern smokeless Nitro powder must never be used.
Ready to deploy this piece of historic precision to your collection?
Contact the Tanks-Alot team today to secure this American masterpiece before it marches off to the auction blocks!
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