On the subject of Hall rifles...

[Sut Lovingood]

I was doing a quick look through "The Guns of Harpers Ferry" thinking there may be cartridge pics; for another post. There weren't, but I was reminded about a Hall modification which I do not know much about. Maybe someone here has more information on the Confederate "Barrett" Hall modification. As I understand it, it was a sealed Hall and made into a muzzleloader. I am curious about them and where they may have been used, issued, or any other muzzleloader modifications to Hall rifles.

[David Fox]

Re: On the subject of Hall rifles...

This Virginia retro-fit of Hall parts (which were likely captured with the Ferry when Jackson took the place) is detailed in several books. Lavish use of brass to make an awkward looking receiver and the odd Hall centre-hung hammer identify this piece. To my knowledge there is no known record of the distribution of the few hundred hand-made assemblages and the survival rate is low.

[Sut Lovingood]

Re: On the subject of Hall rifles...

Thanks David. Maybe you could recommend a book?
I was aware of the way they looked and your description sounded most like a type II.
I was wondering if there was more detailed info about them. When they show up it is usually around 10K or so, depending on Type I or II....are there others? It hasn't been too long ago that it was understood (as is the current understanding), Read and Watson did the conversion which for years was thought to be done by Barrett.
I am curious about reports that these were contracted for certain Virginia militias. One which sold recently (listing can be seen at http://www.jcdevine.com/auction/cata...906&Sec=6&pg=1) was advertised as being recovered from Hanging Rock Battlefield in 1940.

I thought this was the board to find and get detailed info on all things not related to the Trans-Mississippi.:wink_smil

[M.Latham]

Re: On the subject of Hall rifles...

Rae,

Your best bets in my opinion are "Confederate rifles and Muskets" by Murphy and Madaus and "Confederate carbines" by the same authors.

Also I would recommend to anyone interested in the Hall system the book "Hall's military breechloaders" by Peter A. Schmidt, he also address the Read and Watson rifles though in a somewhat unsatisfactory way.

[David Fox]

Re: On the subject of Hall rifles...

I agree as to the reference books cited above. I'm sure that's gratifying to Mr. Latham!

[M.Latham]

Re: On the subject of Hall rifles...

A rarity to be sure.

[MuleyGil]

Re: On the subject of Hall rifles...

I drive by Barrett Mill Rd, just south of Wytheville, Virginia, twice a day. The rifles were produced on the banks of Reed Creek in Wythe County at the family mill.