Finally! A Parker Hale 1858

[Confederate rifleman]

Always wanted one! My favorite " Den of Iniquity" came through again!
A first gen, serial number 399x, and in decent shape. The bore patched brownish, and a wee bit crunchy in the breech. I figured oxidized bore butter. Seen this before.
So I plunked down my $650 and gulped.
Got her home and had at it with 4o steel wool and JB. I am happy to report no crunchies or visible pits! I can say the rifling is the shallowist I've ever see outside of Marlin Micro Groove.
There are a couple issues though. The bolster and lock plate are in hard contact and with the upper band snugged up enough to not slip, it is impossible to draw the rammer. Got to look to those issues.
The lock is SLICK and the trigger, outstanding.
She shows some use, but not much judging by the bluing on the bolster. That area gets scoured by cap blast.
Also, the previous owner had the front sight worked on. Its now a pinned blade.
This was one of my bucket list rifles. She'll make a fine bear rifle. A Lyman 575213OS is just a wee bit tight in the muzzle.
My Euroarms P53 now has a little sister!

 

[bluemule66]

nice rifle for a good price.

 

[Dave951]

Great price on a PH. Is the barrel marked "Birmingham"? If do, then it was absolutely assembled by PH, if not, then it's still possible, but more likely assembled by EuroArms as they bought out the PH inventory before starting to make their version.

Shallow rifling is completely normal for a minie rifle. Get your load correct and it'll shoot better than you can hold.

 

[Confederate rifleman]

Yup. Marked: Parker Hale Ltd Birmingham England.
My '90s vintage Euroarms P53's lock has P-H stamped on the bridle.
Lacking pin gauges, i tried some on minies I bought for the lead. One measured .577 and it is a TIGHT fit at the muzzle. Happy happy! The markings on the underside of the breech say : Use .577 caliber 536 grain bullets
Aside from having to correct the bedding and rammer/ upper band issues, I'm thrilled with this '58!
Its gonna be such fun making paper cartridges and punching BIG holes in paper. And critters.

 

[Dave951]

In my experience, a Birmingham PH should be 575-6. I haven't seen one yet larger.

 

[deermanok]

Nice looking rifle. I'm sure you will enjoy hunting with it.

 

[Dave951]

Get the load right and this is what you should be able to do with it. Load is RCBS Hogdon sized to .575, 42g 3f Old E, RWS caps, beeswax/lard lube

 

[Confederate rifleman]

Well... Unfortunately even my luck can run out.
Patched her out and felt a bit of drag about an inch up from the breech. Right at the ball seat...
Gave her a good scrub and there it is, a nice rough spot right where you want it least.
Much sad...
The shop took it back. They're good folk.
I need to practice what I've been thinking for a LONG time. That is, being content with what I have been blessed with.
And I AM blessed.