1861 US Springfield ?

[brthho1209]

Update on my 1861 Springfield
I took the rifle to Brownstone Trading Co in Westminster, MD.
The owner Bradley is experienced with working on and shooting these guns.
Bradley is going to work on my rifle and then send it to a friend of his to reline the barrell.
In a couple months this historic firearm will be shootable.

 

[Buckskinquin]

I have an 1863 rebarreled (Navy Arms). The rear sight is secured with one screw. I’d describe it as a spanner type fastener. The tool is available (or was) at S&S. I have shot both PRB and 3 style minies. 60 grains of 3F for PRB and 50 grains for minies for distances of 50 and 100 yards. From my experience, using too much powder, especially with minies hurts accuracy. It took me a few years before I became a believer. Have to say, it’s one of favorite guns to shoot. The minie in the middle is the most accurate in my musket. Best of luck with your project!

 

[brthho1209]

I have an 1863 rebarreled (Navy Arms). The rear sight is secured with one screw. I’d describe it as a spanner type fastener. The tool is available (or was) at S&S. I have shot both PRB and 3 style minies. 60 grains of 3F for PRB and 50 grains for minies for distances of 50 and 100 yards. From my experience, using too much powder, especially with minies hurts accuracy. It took me a few years before I became a believer. Have to say, it’s one of favorite guns to shoot. The minie in the middle is the most accurate in my musket. Best of luck with your project!

Thanks for the information.
My rifle is missing the rear sight, the screw that held the sight in was broken off at some point in the past.
Bradley has spare parts to replace them.
Im looking forward to shooting the 1861 Springfield.

 

[Scott Jones]

I have several CW and earlier firearms; most have badly pitted bores. In trying to replace a badly damaged nipple in an 1853 Enfield, I ended up w/ hardly any threads. I strongly suggest that you do not try to make a shooter out of this piece, but retain it as an interesting example of the arms utilized during one of our Nation's most traumatic event. Even as is it would be worth several hundred dollars to a collector; doing what you suggested would make it worth $50.

 

[brthho1209]

I have several CW and earlier firearms; most have badly pitted bores. In trying to replace a badly damaged nipple in an 1853 Enfield, I ended up w/ hardly any threads. I strongly suggest that you do not try to make a shooter out of this piece, but retain it as an interesting example of the arms utilized during one of our Nation's most traumatic event. Even as is it would be worth several hundred dollars to a collector; doing what you suggested would make it worth $50.

Hi Scott,
I considered not doing anything to the 1861 Springfield due to its historic revelance.
However since it was neglected and subjected to being stored in a damp environment I decided to bring it back to shootable condition.
The work is being done by gunsmiths familiar with these rifles.

I feel this increases the value ( not $$ value) of the rifle.

I do appreciate and welcome your perspective.

Bryan