M1862 Dreyse Needle rifle

[LarryHoosier]

Here are pics of the latest addition to the long gun collection.

I had to do some work to get the bolt action acceptable. The wood, barrel, and receiver all match but the bolt is from another gun.
I made up some cartridges (paper) using 60 grains of Pyrodex and a 62 caliber lead musket ball. It shoots OK but I think I can
do better with a little work.

I now have both players from the Franco/Prussian war, the French Chassepot needle rifle and the M1862 Dreyse Needle rifle (zundnadelgewehr)

 

[warthog]

pretty neat! Love the history behind this and I bet it is a hoot to fire.

 

[Excalibur]

Awesome. A lot of history with this gun.

 

[indy1919a4]

Nice rifle...

So how to you make one of those "cartridges"???? How do you secure the cap in place... ??? Is it hard to line the cap up in the correct spot.???

And is your firing pin Needle original or a remake.. Would love to see a close up photo of that

Again Beautiful nice rifle..

 

[rob63]

I am now officially jealous! That is awesome. I have a photo hanging in my living room of my great-grandfather wearing the medal he earned in that war! He fought on the Prussian side. His wife, my great-grandmother, was from the French Alsace-Lorraine region that was annexed in that war, they moved to the US to get married. I wish I knew more than that, I am sure there was an interesting story that has been lost to history.