Author Topic: Which Parker Hale would be the best?? (Read 1781 times)

Barnacle Bill · « **on:** March 03, 2003, 06:37:23 PM »

I have a chance to buy either a 3-band Parker Hale Enfield rifled musket or a 2-band rifle. Since I am not really knowledgeable about these, I need some advice on which to get for an occasional shooter and mantelpiece hanger? The 3-band musket is about $40 more expensive, and I have no idea why. Please advise. Thanks, Barnacle Bill

dbm · « **Reply #1 on:** March 05, 2003, 07:57:27 AM »

If you want a shooter I would go for the two-band, that is asuming it is the repro of the 1858 Naval Pattern and not the short barrelled musketoon. My choice is primarily that the rearsight on the two-band is further away from the aiming eye than the three-band. This should enable a better sight picture. At short range (100yds) and with the right load combination the two-band may be more accurate. At longer ranges there is probably not a lot in it. Advantages I think are in the sighting.

If it is occassional use and as a wall hanger, then just go for whichever you find more pleasing.

If you want to shoot the rifle, read the article on Managing The Enfield on my Research Press web site.

David

dtalbot · « **Reply #2 on:** March 05, 2003, 03:11:26 PM »

Great reading David, highly informative. These Parker Hale Enfield are a fine rifle. My Dad owned a Musketoon, I drooled over it as a kid, wished he hadn't parted with it.

Barnacle Bill · « **Reply #3 on:** March 05, 2003, 04:32:36 PM »

:-D Thanks very much for the info: I had hoped someone very knowledgeable was possibly watching this forum and struck pay dirt: The two-band is indeed the Naval Pattern of 1858, (bayonets seem somewhat pricey) not sure how many were used and by whom in the short period of issue for the Civil War, but to be honest, the 1853 3-band seems to "point" quicker, look more striking on a wall with a cheaper bayonet, and balance while carrying better. Lots of history across the globe, hundreds of thousands used in the Civil War, (I am still agonizing: my eyesight is not what it once was, and I probably do not intend to compete in matches with it) and I may lean towards the 3-band for purely aesthetic reasons.) This will give me something to mull over even more. Which is what keeps us all out of the bars. Barnacle Bill

dbm · « **Reply #4 on:** March 05, 2003, 08:17:30 PM »

Glad you found the article of assistance.

Here in the UK the MLAGB holds a series of mid-range matches for Enfields. The 200yd match is in a couple of weeks, then through April and May matches are held at 300, 500 and 600yds. At the same time are events for match rifles so I usually enter both. The match rifle events carry on out to 900 and 1000yds.

David