1861 Springfield musket info

[BullRunBear]

I am thinking about getting an 1861 Springfield musket, probably from Taylor's which is nearby. I've never shot any of the Civil War muskets but have handled them and the 1861 was the most comfortable.

This wouldn't be for reenacting, just for fun shooting. It would be a new aspect of BP shooting for me. Have to admit that the 150th anniversaries of Civil War battles coming up is feeding part of my interest.

I know these were used with Minie balls but can they also be fired with patched round balls? (I assume .570 with a .015 patched.)I also assume they would use 2F powder? Is there any advantage to the 1861 versus the Zouave or the 1858 Enfield? (They are all offered by Taylor's.)

Any thoughts on loading and the muskets offered by Taylor's would be appreciated.

Jeff

 

[poordevil]

I like the looks of the 1861. It was probably the most used on the Union side. The Zouave is the 1863 Remington contract rifle, which is basically the 1855 US rifle without the Maynard tape primer. The Enfield is Great.

For hunting and shooting the Zouave would be more handy, but wrong for the 150 civil war anniversary.

I have the short Enfield Musketoon and love it to death. I would like the add the 1861 to my collection.

Yes you can shoot round ball. I have used 3FFFg in my musketoon for over 30 years.

Taylors is expensive . look at S&S firearms http://www.ssfirearms.com/images/2010 Catalog/2010 Catalog main firearms.pdf

P

 

[bangfxr]

The 1861 Springfield is a good musket however there is an inherant problem that you need to be aware of. There is a screw that was designed to aid in cleaning the vent channel. You need to insure that screw is tightened at all times. Look at the 1863 that screw had been done away with for two reasons the screw would get lost or blow out. I'm not trying to scare you I just want you to be aware of the issue.

 

[Ray-Vigo]

The one that always interested me is the Mississippi Rifle. How does that compare to these others? Smaller/lighter?

 

[bub524]

I've owned a number of CW muskets over the years and I liked the CS Richmond the best. The Zouave is nice but they missed the CW. Although a 1863 they were not used until after the war. The Enfields are my second choice. I liked the Armi Sport better then the Euroarms. The Enfields have a very straight stock and its hard to get your head down to the sights, the Armi just fit me better. I would like to find another one of those someday.
If you like to tinker with working out a load there is nothing like a CW musket and Minnies to spend your time with. Best advice is to go to the North South Skirmish Association website and ask questions those guys are the Guru experts on muskets. They are like nuts-for-muskets and can give you all the insider stuff about them and load info. They shoot thousands of rounds a year.

 

[Steve Blancard]

Jeff

The Armisport is a good servicable M1861 musket. Yes, you do need to keep track of that little clean out screw that was mentioned, but its not a big deal. The Euroarms made M1861 is a little more accurate in some respects, but they are both overweight compared to originals. IMHO, the best repro M1861 muskets were made in Japan by Miroku. They are no longer made, but were sold by Dixie Gun Works and Navy Arms. I would highly recommend it if you can find one. The do come up for sale now and then. I have an assortment of muskets from Armisport, Euroarms and Miroku and am pretty familiar with their differences. I'd be glad to answer any questions about them.

 

[ken.clements]

I own all three rifles.
I dislike the Springfield because:
1) its a bugger to keep clean. shoot it, handle it, carry it around and its going to rust (Armi sport). Clean the outside of the barrel, everything nice and shiny....take the barrel out of the stock and look at the underside ....or the barrelsprings (where you can hardy get to), and the screws and,and,and :dead:
2) The barrel shines...its sometimes hard to seen the front sight when the weather is just right.
3) An Armi Sport (at least the one I have) is .581 and not .577. this means you will have problems with a mould for minie’s (does marble in a washing maschine ring any bells?). :cursing:
I may buy another from Pedersoli, better quality because I like to shoot comp. and the Armi Springfield just doesn’t cut it for me. :2

My suggestion would be a blued rifle (easier to care for) although the Springfield with a bayonette on it .. :hatsoff:

 

[Bon Sauvage]

I shoot an original (1862) and a patched round ball works best for me. "Standard" miniballs don't work very well in mine. I assume it's because of the very worn rifling.

I have had limited success using Lee's "ash can" type of mini.

 

[BullRunBear]

Guys,

Thanks so much for the information and experiences. Special thanks to Steve for his kind invitation. I'm going to keep an eye open for a used Enfield or Zouave, which get the better evaluations. It helps that I'm not in a hurry and can look around for the right gun/deal.

I was surprised that the Zouave wasn't issued during the War. I would still get one since I'm only concerned with the style and technology of the gun, not being historically correct. (If my health allowed me to do reenacting, it would probably be for the French and Indian War. I have ancestors on both sides.) I just think it would be fun to have a long arm from the Civil War to use on paper and steel targets.

I think I know someone in the NSSA, so I'll get in touch. He may know folks looking to sell their rifles as they upgrade.

A note for the folks in the Mid-Atlantic area. They are saying we will get a warm up over the next couple of weeks. Might have temps in the upper 50s and lower 60s. I'm already getting the BP stuff organized so I can get to the range and shake off some of this cabin fever. :thumbsup:

Jeff

 

[Ray-Vigo]

That sounds good. I'm over in Montgomery Cty Maryland and have been looking forward to warmer weather to get started this year.

 

[Diver63csa]

I am tryng to figure out now at the end of 2020 which is the better quality and nearest reproduction; choices are the Euro Arms 1861 Spingfield, Chiappa Arms CS Richmond or ARMI 61' or 63's?
thanks

Jeff

The Armisport is a good servicable M1861 musket. Yes, you do need to keep track of that little clean out screw that was mentioned, but its not a big deal. The Euroarms made M1861 is a little more accurate in some respects, but they are both overweight compared to originals. IMHO, the best repro M1861 muskets were made in Japan by Miroku. They are no longer made, but were sold by Dixie Gun Works and Navy Arms. I would highly recommend it if you can find one. The do come up for sale now and then. I have an assortment of muskets from Armisport, Euroarms and Miroku and am pretty familiar with their differences. I'd be glad to answer any questions about them.

 

[Diver63csa]

this is a general inquiry on the quality of Armi vs Chippewa and Euro Arms for reenactments and some range fire. I am intersted in either the Springfield 1861 or the CS Richmond.

 

[dave951]

Since you say you’re near Taylor’s, you’re in the near vicinity of the North South Skirmish Association and we shoot these guns in competition.

Euroarms is long gone leaving mainly Armi still around. Decide on the main use. Reenactor criteria are more centered on looks than accuracy