2nd New addition my 1853 Enfield

**Paratrooper** · 05-23-2012, 01:34 AM

I need some help here guys from anyone in the know.
The Muzzle seems short on this rifle and does not take a bayonet.
I have tried to research it but have got nowhere.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Regards

jim

**Walkwolf** · 05-23-2012, 01:57 AM

Cavalry Carbine ? - Still, weird without bayonet lug or attachment
of some sort. May have been cut-down for civilian use ?

Still cool though.........!

**Paratrooper** · 05-23-2012, 02:20 AM

Helo Steve,
The 53 was designed to take a socket bayonet. It was the first in the British Army to have a locking ring copied from the French.
The bayonet fits over the muzzle ok buts gets snagged by the foresight when you try to rotate it on the zig zag slot.
Literall a millimetere.

This was also the first rifled musket isued to the Army that was interchangeable with its parts.

Regards

jim

**big ned** · 05-23-2012, 02:26 AM

The bayonet was a socket type and fitted over the foresight, so no obvious lug or slide to bee seen, check out the link below. I agree, it does appear short, maybe cut down as Steve says, but are you sure it isn't an 1857 model Enfield as they made some with a shorter barrel?

ENFIELD PATTERN 1853 socket bayonet - YouTube

Regards, Ned.

**lithgow** · 05-23-2012, 09:42 PM

The barrel has been shortened, probably due to damage at the muzzle as an inch or so makes no practical difference to such a long weapon-barrel should be 39 inches with an overall length of 55 inches for the P53 Rifle.