The Dimick Rifle: From the diary of Arminius Wesley Bill

Pvt. Arminius Bill of Sheffield, Illinois, was 17 when he volunteered for service in Company C, 14th Missouri Infantry, later designated the 66th Illinois Infantry. They were better known as the “Western Sharpshooters” or the “Squirrel Tail Regiment”—and they carried Dimick rifles. 

These unique guns were developed by Horace Dimick, who had 27 gunsmiths working for him in St. Louis, building a variety of weapons. Dimick personally competed in sharpshooting contests to publicize his shop’s products and entered his rifles in regional competitions and fairs with great success.

In the September 3, 2022, issue of Military Images, Ronald S. Coddington wrote about Dimick's percussion rifles: "[They] possessed extraordinary shooting qualities; varying from the mark in the hands of a good shot, not more, on an average, than six inches in a quarter of a mile range.”

One issue, however, was the lack of uniformity in caliber—these rifles could range from .40 to .55. As a result, each issued gun came with a bullet mold. R. K. “Kip” Rapp wrote in the American Society of Arms Collectors Bulletin: "The rifles were simple in design and were either all iron, iron and silver, or all silver."  

During the Civil War, Dimick became nationally famous for supplying rifles to elite sharpshooter units. Private Bill vividly recalled in his diary the day he received one of these distinctive weapons. It was October 16, 1861. 

“About 20 men in each Co. have been sent to the city to select their rifles. We go to a large Hardware & gun-store ‘Dimmics’ where some 3,000 rifles and accoutrements are collected. The rifles are of all makes, sizes & calibers. They are numbered & each man is allowed to select his rifle, powderhorn, bullet pouch, moulds, capbox &c. Then to try the rifle 3 weeks when if not satisfied with it, he may select another. When he has a gun which suits him, he keeps it. It is charged to him by number. He is furnished also with a nipple wrench and a screwdriver—powder, bar lead. He must mould his own balls. Secure his ball patches, grease &c. &c. &c.

The trial was at a 10 inch target 250 yds distant. 5 shots. 3 to hit & one to touch the bullseye. If anyone failed, he could be dismissed & return home."

Private Bill passed his trial, and his life as a soldier had begun. 

Dimick contract rifle

Public Domain