1861 Springfield Restoration Question

[tjiann]

I recently purchased a restored 1861 Springfield. I'm not sure exactly what had been done, because I'm not real familiar with the sporterization variations that these guns underwent. The original stock was cut, and was restored to full size (joined new forestock) by the previous owner. He seems to have done a nice job. The barrel was not shortened. The lock, barrel, and trigger assembly are original, and period correct sights were added. The bore is in very good shape with good rifling and only minor pitting.

There is a notch on the underside of the barrel. I'm assuming this is where something was added in the sporterizing process to help secure the barrel to the shortened stock, or maybe to hold a ramrod? I'd appreciate any thoughts that you all can provide.

Thanks.

 

[Loyer]

Generally a notch in the underside of the barrel is to mount a lug to allow a pin to be used to secure the barrel to the stock. Your model of Spring field does not require this lug but maybe an older barrel was used at the Springfield factory to pump out as many Civil War weapons as possible.

 

[hawkeye2]

All the US barrels (muskets, rifle muskets & rifles) were secured by bands. The dovetail was done when the gun was modified after it left service. The dovetail is not a safety issue nor is it visible, just ignore it.

 

[tjiann]

All the US barrels (muskets, rifle muskets & rifles) were secured by bands. The dovetail was done when the gun was modified after it left service. The dovetail is not a safety issue nor is it visible, just ignore it.

Agree. Not a safety issue or any issue for that matter. I was just curious. My best guess was a tube installed to hold the cleaning rod when the forestock was cut.