The French Model 1763 Charleville musket was developed as a larger, stronger musket with a double throated cock on the lock. However by 1766 the French began a redesign to reduce the weight and bulk of the musket. The Colonials received a number of these muskets from the French late in the U.S. Revolutionary War to combat the British. It would later go on to influence the design of the U.S. 1795 Springfield musket. This musket was assembled from a kit by Pedersoli with an aged finish. However, it appears to have seen very little use, with only a few strikes on the frizzen face. Weighing in at 10.3 pounds, the musket has a trigger reach of 13", perfectly set up for today's average sized shooter and reenactor. A buffed leather sling is included (not pictured).

The .69 caliber bore is as bright and clean inside. The polished steel 44-3/4" barrel was given an antique patina finish. All of the manufacturer's marks are stamped on the left side of the barrel, near the breech. The front sight is an integral blade in the front barrel band, and a bayonet lug is mounted under the muzzle end of the barrel.

Stocked in straight grain walnut, which would be correct for a military rifle. The stock is oil finished to a medium brown with reddish undertone, which nicely contrasts with the patina finished steel furniture. The buttstock has the bulbous shape common to early French military arms and is fitted with a wide flat buttplate. The classic French triggerguard mounts the rear sling swivel to a lug in the front finial. The front sling swivel is mounted to the middle barrel band. An adjustable buffed leather sling is included. Three barrel bands are mounted to the stock and barrel. Barrel bands were an early improvement for military arms, invented by the French, still in use today. The rear band is friction fitted. The middle and forward band have a rear mounted band spring. The wood around the middle band spring is a bit tall. The rear end of the metal ramrod is threaded for 5-.8mm accessories. The steel sideplate is inlet flush into the side panel, to support the two large lock bolts.

The big flint lock sparks well. Patina finished to match the barrel, the lock plate is marked Charleville, the site of a famous French armory. We recommend a 1-1/8" wide by 1-1/4' flint in this musket lock. The military style vent is direct drilled. In as-new condition, this vent will eventually become enlarged from flash erosion and vent picking. We recommend that you install Jim Chambers' White Lightnin' vent liner, for fastest ignition, if you re-line this vent. The single trigger requires a firm pull, in true military fashion.

Assembled from a kit, this 1763 French Charleville musket appears to have seen little use. It will be perfect for the Revolutionary War volunteer. Order it for a ten day visual inspection. You will be delighted. Else if it does not fit you, return it in unfired condition for same-day refund. Postage is your only risk, when you order any one-of-a-kind gun from Track, whether new, used, or antique.