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A brief history of the Charleville musket model 1777 by ExpoAntique




A brief history

 

Charleville Model 1777 ExpoAntique : The Charleville Model 1777 musket or rifle is a French weapon of war designed during the reign of Louis XVI by the engineer Gribeauval and known for its massive use in European military theatres, particularly during the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, the American War of Independence, and the Anglo-American War of 1812, in other words from the end of the 18th century to the beginning of the 19th century.

 

The Charleville Model 1777 musket or rifle was produced at the arms factory in the town of the same name, Charleville. Intended to replace and standardise the armament of French soldiers at the end of the eighteenth century, all its components were standardised to allow interchangeability, which was a major advantage.  It is worth noting that the 1777 model was available in infantry, cavalry and marine pistols.

 

During the Empire, its production was extended to the imperial factories of Saint-Étienne, Tulle, Maubeuge, Versailles, Châtellerault, Mutzig and Turin. It was also copied in several countries, including the United States with its famous Model 1795 Springfield. Some 2 million examples of this weapon were produced, equipping all the infantrymen of the First Empire who fought on all the battlefields of Europe and overseas.

 

Gradually replaced by the Model 1816/1822, the Charleville Model 1777 musket or rifle remained in service with the French army when Algiers was taken in 1830. After falling into disuse in military theatres, it became a popular hunting rifle in French civilian society from 1840 onwards.

 

 



Specifications

 

Rifle model 1777 corrected year IX :

 

Rifle weight: 4.6 kg

Rifle length: 1.529 m

Barrel length: 1.1366 m

Barrel calibre: 17.48 mm

Bullet diameter: 16.54 mm

Bullet weight: 27.2 g

Powder charge weight: 12.24 g

Total cartridge weight: 39.44 g

Light: 0.94 mm

 

Our replicas

 

The replicas of this weapon are identical in every way to the original, both in size and weight, and the mechanisms are in perfect working order. The receiver is closed, the battery is tempered and hardened to allow the flint to produce its sparks, the hammer is cocked in two stages, the safety position is set, the breech tail is hot-screwed, and so on. The barrel is made of carbon steel (type:BS970 no.080M40).

 

The chamber light is not pierced on all our reproductions, making it impossible to ignite the powder in the chamber or to fire the gun. They are therefore classified as decorative objects by the authorities in many countries, notably Canada and France, which means that they are not subject to any regulations.

 

The effect of piercing the chamber is to allow the weapon to be used, and this implies a classification of the weapon, with all the administrative consequences that this entails, depending on the country. In any case, this modification should only be carried out by qualified personnel and under their responsibility. In any case, the use of a black powder firearm for shooting bullets requires prior testing by an approved body. We recommend that you comply with the rules for carrying and transporting weapons classified as historic weapons and collectors' items for our reproductions, even if they are not classified a priori, given their resemblance to the originals. Please note that the regulations of certain countries differ, and these non-functional reproductions may be subject to authorisation or registration. It is the customer's responsibility to find out whether they can purchase and import them.

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