At the same time Whitney developed his Long Enfield" Rifle-Musket Derivative, he also prepared a short version of it, similar to British P1856 sergeant's rifle. Having an overall length of 49", rifle version had 33" long barrel in .58-caliber and rifled with 7-grooves like the rifle-musket. Furniture was basically same as rifle-musket as well, with a pewter nosecap, iron buttplate and combination brass bow and iron strap trigger guard (although some variants are known with all brass P1853 trigger guards). Two iron bands were from Robbins & Lawrence contract salvage, as were brass lock screw washers. Unique flat and unbeveled lockplate are same style used on "Long Enfield" Rifle-Musket Derivative and is similarly marked "E. WHITNEY" forward of the hammer. In manufacture of this rifle, four variants evolved as follows:

Type I: Buttstock incorporated an oval iron patchbox; front and rear sights were standard U.S. M1841 configuration and no provision was made for a saber bayonet.

Type II: Buttstock continued to incorporate an oval iron patchbox; rear sight was now the long range "ladder" type on a 2.3125" base as used on "Long Enfield" Rifle-Musket Derivative. Front sight was an iron block, with integral blade. A .5" long saber bayonet lug was added to right side of the barrel.

Type III: Oval iron patchbox was deleted from the buttstock. Front and rear sights remain as in Type II, as does bayonet lug.

Type IV. Identical to Type III, with a new single leaf rear sight on a 1.25" long base.

Total production of these rifles is estimated to have been between 800 and 1,000, with approximately half that number going to southern states. Prices should not vary between the four types; however, confirmed Confederate usage will increase the value significantly.