Make: Pedersoli, Italy.

Model: Whitworth Rifle

Serial Number: CW03022

Year of Manufacture: 2015 (CN Date Code), ATF Antique

Caliber: .451 Caliber

Action Type: Single Shot, Muzzleloading Percussion Rifle

Barrel Length: 36″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a globe with a hooded, beaded post dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding ladder-style sight presenting a "V"-notch when folded down, stepped base fixed to the barrel graduated from 1-400 yards, with a "V"-notched slider on the ladder, graduated from 5-800 yards, and with a fixed "V"-notch at the top of the ladder.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered wood with a straight comb, straight grip, brass nose cap, three case color barrel bands, and a brass buttplate. There are sling swivels mounted to the front barrel band and the front of the trigger guard. The right side of the butt is marked “PARKER HALE / LTD” in a circle. The stock has no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures approximately 13″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has little in the way of wear, but does show some minor discoloration. Overall, the stock is in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the hexagonal rifling is well defined. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is infrequent minor discoloration in the brass fixtures. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The case color and bluing are still strong. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes in its serial-matching factory box.

Our Assessment: In the year 1854, Sir Joseph Whitworth, was commissioned by the English War Office to design a rifle to replace the Enfield Pattern 53, he started to work on a .451 caliber rifle, equipped with a barrel having a hexagonal bore profile. The rifle outperformed all competitors during the tests made in 1859 and enabled Queen Victoria to easily hit a target at 366 meters (400 yards), during the first meeting of the British rifle association. Also used during the American Civil War, the rifle equipped the sharpshooters of the Confederate army, hence the name “Whitworth Sharpshooters”. Perhaps the most famous use of the rifle was during the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House when a Union general chided his men for dodging the fire of Confederate sharpshooters. General Sedgwick told his men "they couldn't hit an elephant at this distance" shortly before being fatally shot. This Pedersoli reproduction appears to have spent more time in its included factory box than out and will make a wonderful addition to a collection as well as still being a great percussion sharpshooter rifle. Please see our photos and good luck!