Lee Army carbine 1862 1/4 scale

The carbine designed by James Lee for the Civil War was a simple, reliable and inexpensive model. Unfortunately calibrated at .42 instead of .44, it was rejected by the Department of Defense. It was produced very little. This reproduction uses RWS 1075 percussion caps as propellant cartridge. This makes it possible to reload very easily and to fire round or ogival pellets. The video of the Lee gun below, shows the power of 1075 primer cap. Principle is different on the Lee carbine, it's simpler and faster to implement. The lead bullet is placed in the chamber (bore nipple) and 1075 percussion cap is put on the nipple in the barrel chamber (no cartridge case). It is a very easy, economical and reliable way to recharge and practice occasional recreational shooting. The clogging of the barrel is less important than with black powder but nevertheless requires frequent cleaning because of its small calibre (.11 in 2,7 mm). The carbine has a saddle ring and is delivereded with a wooden stand and .11" lead pellet box.

Manufactured by the Lee Firearms Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin between 1864 and 1865. This is one of the very few arms made in the West during the Civil War and very little is recorded. In 1866, Lee had completed a total 255 carbines and 200 more were in various stages of completion. It is speculated that his sales were made privately to officers or militia units. Lee subcontracted his barrels to Remington but due to a misunderstanding, the barrels were bored to an incorrect caliber and rejected by the U.S. government.