Mexican Percussion Target Rifle

Single-shot target arms call for careful gunsmithing to maintain a high level of accuracy.

Circa 1845 Mexican/European Percussion Target Rifle (single-shot/ muzzle-loading/ black powder/ ball ammunition)  During the Mexican War, both sides possessed effective sniper rifles.  The U.S. Model 1841 became the most accurate round-ball martial arm ever tested.  Arms such as this example were used by members of the California militia, who had won independence from Mexico but resisted annexation by the United States.

This rifle features a breech-mounted target sight that is adjustable for elevation and windage.  The front tube sight employs a finely-made bead.  Double-set triggers, a heavy barrel that reduces lift" and dampens "kick," and a hooked butt, which also dampens "lift," contribute to accuracy.  Despite the use of such quality arms, Mexico (and California) lost the war.  The territory of the United States stretched unbroken from Atlantic to Pacific."    - Dr. William L. Roberts, THE AMERICAN LIBERTY COLLECTION; #56