Parker Hale Pattern 1856 Volunteer Rifle .45 Cal Muzzleloader Black Powder
SOLD FOR: $1,830.00
LSB#: LSB260419DN068
Make: Parker Hale
Model: Pattern 1856 Volunteer Rifle
Serial#: 31746
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1980s
Caliber: .45
Action Type: Single shot, muzzleloading, percussion rifle.
Barrel Length: 33″
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a hooded pinhead style dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable ladder style screwed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is one piece checkered walnut, capped forend, two barrel bands, straight grip, straight comb, and smooth brass buttplate. The LOP is 14″ from trigger to buttplate. There are scratches and compression dents scattered throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is some fouling and storage dust in the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its original finish. There are light scratches and handling marks throughout. There is light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tooled but all are serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Good to Very Good condition.
Mechanics: This rifle is in functional condition. The hammer holds full and half cock. The nipple is free. The firing channel is clear. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used guns a full cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This Parker Hale Pattern 1856 Volunteer Rifle is a well-made percussion muzzleloading rifle chambered in .45 caliber and produced circa the 1980s. It follows the British volunteer rifle style with a 33″ barrel, two barrel bands, checkered walnut stock, capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and brass buttplate. The hooded pinhead-style front sight and adjustable ladder rear sight give it a more refined target-oriented sighting arrangement than many standard military-pattern muzzleloaders, making it appealing to black powder target shooters, collectors, and enthusiasts of British-style percussion rifles.
Condition is Good to Very Good overall, with the rifle retaining about 95% of its original blued finish. The metal shows light scratches, handling marks, and light operational wear, but the markings remain clear and the screw heads range from sharp to lightly tooled while remaining serviceable. The one-piece checkered walnut stock is in Good condition, showing scratches and compression dents scattered throughout, but no chips or cracks. Overall, the rifle presents well, with honest use and handling wear but no major cosmetic or structural concerns noted.
The bore is a strong feature, remaining bright with sharp rifling, no erosion, and only fouling and storage dust present, rating 9/10 in this writer’s opinion. Mechanically, the rifle is functional, with the hammer holding at both full and half cock, a free nipple, and a clear firing channel, though it has not been test fired. As with any used black powder arm, a full cleaning and inspection are advisable before use. Overall, this is a solid and attractive Parker Hale Pattern 1856 Volunteer Rifle with strong bore condition, functional percussion mechanics, quality sights, and desirable traditional styling, with only moderate stock wear and minor exterior handling marks keeping it from a higher condition grade. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF