Enfield Pattern 1853 Nepalese

[tower06]

I picked up on of these rifles and I am restoring. Had to replace the buttplate since the y=tang cracked and it was so deformed that it was way to large. It had modern brass screws in place of the tang and buttplate screws, so I ordered some originals from Lodgewood, but have no idea which is which. One is significantly larger than the other and seems like it would go in the lower hole of the plate. Any ideas on which is which?

Information

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[gew8805]

You assume correctly, the larger screw goes through the face of the buttplate and the smaller goes through the tang.

[tower06]

You assume correctly, the larger screw goes through the face of the buttplate and the smaller goes through the tang.

Ok great thanks. So I need two of the small screws then correct? One for the top hole where the butt plate starts to curve and then one for the tang itself.

[gew8805]

No, IIRC, you will need two large screws, sorry I wasn't clear. You will need the small screw through the tang and large screws through the face and heel of the buttplate.

[tower06]

No, IIRC, you will need two large screws, sorry I wasn't clear. You will need the small screw through the tang and large screws through the face and heel of the buttplate.

I thought that may be the case, but wanted to make certain.

Thanks again

[tower06]

I thought that may be the case, but wanted to make certain.

Thanks again

So what are the general thoughts on these? Shootable? The one I picked up, the barrel looks amazing externally. No pitting anywhere, even below the wood line. It retains a good portion of the bluing as well. I have to have a smith pull the breech plug to check the barrel inside, but overall it looks good. The trigger and lock mechanism, although gunked up with grease and brick dust show no signs of rust.

[gsimmons]

I'd shoot it. There's no need really to pull the breech. Put a bore light down it to see what it looks like. I use a very small mag light.
I shoot a 350gr. Bullet and 40grs of 2F powder in competition.
Attachment 55317

[gew8805]

Possible shooter. Keep in mind that these P53 Rifle Muskets from Nepal were made in Nepal, not in Britain. Some have found them to have good barrels reasonably well breached, some are concerned. If it were British I would say go for it, but the Nepalese work is at best inconsistent. Have a qualified black powder gunsmith check the breach and give his opinion.

[tower06]

Possible shooter. Keep in mind that these P53 Rifle Muskets from Nepal were made in Nepal, not in Britain. Some have found them to have good barrels reasonably well breached, some are concerned. If it were British I would say go for it, but the Nepalese work is at best inconsistent. Have a qualified black powder gunsmith check the breach and give his opinion.

Was looking to do that. Have to find a blackpowder smith here in NJ.