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The author found his Model 1841 to have above-average accuracy and moderate recoil. His load? A patched .525 round ball and 75 grains of FFFg. Photo: Rfick Hacker
Essential items enclosed: A nipple wrench/screwdriver tool, worm and spare nipple could be stowed in the hinge-lidded butt box.
spit-patch method. If this was the case, it would be interesting to know how many of those bullets were swallowed in the heat of battle.
THE MISSISSIPPI IN MEXICO
At the time the gun was introduced, the United States had no regular rifle regiments, so Model 1841s were issued in a more or less haphazard manner to some soldiers in standing infantry regiments.
In 1846 a regiment of mounted riflemen, armed with 1841s, was formed to guard the Oregon train, but as things heated up between the United States and Mexico they ended up being sent to Texas, where they were absorbed into General Zachary Taylor’s army. Despite their name, they served more or less on foot during the Mexican War, having lost their horses at sea. The Mounted Rifles distinguished themselves during the battle of Chu-rubusco, where their valor prompted General Winfield Scott to doff his hat, bow and proclaim them Brave Rifles, an appellation still carried by the unit’s modern descendant, the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment.
The gun gained its renown, however, in the hands of a volunteer unit (one of a number who managed to get their hands on M1841s), the 1” Mississippi Rifles, commanded by ex-West Pointer and future secretary of war and president of the Confederacy Jefferson Davis. Sporting a unique uniform consisting
of a red battle shirt, white duck trousers and broad-brimmed slouch hats, this elite unit comprised primarily the sons of wealthy plantation owners, many of whom brought their servants along on the campaign.
They distinguished themselves at the Battle of Buena Vista, and ex-Dragoon Samuel Chamberlain, in his fascinating (and highly recommended) autobiography, My Confession, describes the “Red Shirts’” moment of glory.
“... General Torrejon’s splendid brigade of Mexican Cavalry; their gaily caparisoned horses seemed to fly over the ground, and it
looked as if they would ride down the thin line of riflemen, who stood without bayonets disputing their passage. I heard General Taylor say, 'Steady boys! Steady for the honor of Old Mississippi!' and as the sharp crack of their rifles rang out the leading horsemen went down, the general swung his old glazed cap and cried out, 'Well done, Jeff. Hurrah for Mississippi!’ and raised a cheer in which we alljoined. ”
Because of that action the Model 1841 soon became generally known as the Mississippi Rifle, though there were some Unionists during the Civil War who understandably still preferred to call them
78 GUNSSAMMO April 2010