The Model 1817 is normally referred to as the “Common Rifle” by both collectors and historians. I understand that it derived its name while being manufactured simultaneously with the Hall’s Rifle. The 1817 was the more "common" of the two, the Hall being a breechloading weapon. There was definitely nothing common about this unique U.S. martial arm.
The M1817 was different in that it is the only primary issue weapon in U.S. military history to be entirely produced by contractors with none of the rifles being made at a national armory. Though the design was created at the Harper’s Ferry Armory, the entire production of 38,200 were made by five outside contractors: H. Deringer, R. Johnson, Simeon North, N. Starr, and R. & J.D. Johnson. Deringer produced the highest number, with some 13,000 rifles completed, while R. & J.D. Johnson manufactured the least, with a total of 3,000.
The rifle pictured was made by the Rifle Shoppe. The wait time for completion was two years. H. DERRINGER PHILADA marked lock plate, cast by TRS from an original. Browned and case-hardened metal parts. The patch box lid is cast iron, as was the original. Note the brass pan, and the brass tipped steel ramrod, which was meant to prevent damage to the rifling when loading. There's no provision for a bayonet. Barrel by Colerain in .54 caliber.
The M1817 was different in that it is the only primary issue weapon in U.S. military history to be entirely produced by contractors with none of the rifles being made at a national armory. Though the design was created at the Harper’s Ferry Armory, the entire production of 38,200 were made by five outside contractors: H. Deringer, R. Johnson, Simeon North, N. Starr, and R. & J.D. Johnson. Deringer produced the highest number, with some 13,000 rifles completed, while R. & J.D. Johnson manufactured the least, with a total of 3,000.
The rifle pictured was made by the Rifle Shoppe. The wait time for completion was two years. H. DERRINGER PHILADA marked lock plate, cast by TRS from an original. Browned and case-hardened metal parts. The patch box lid is cast iron, as was the original. Note the brass pan, and the brass tipped steel ramrod, which was meant to prevent damage to the rifling when loading. There's no provision for a bayonet. Barrel by Colerain in .54 caliber.
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