1862 Tower Rifle ?

[Bootsctm]

I acquired this rifle I wish it could talk would love some input or insight on it if you all have any info.
1862 Tower lock
Looks like its original stock that has been cut down
Barrel looks to be a smooth bore and mics .575
"W. Adams" stamped on the back of the lock by main spring
If you want any specific pictures let me know.
Be interested in people input on what everyone thinks this rifle original was and its history
Found at a gun shop in western Kansas

 

[dave951]

Could well be a smoothbore. After the War, many muskets were cut down in this way, rifling reamed out and sold as shotguns.

 

[Bootsctm]

Very interesting. On the lock was it common for a name to be stamped on the back of them? Would the lock off this rifle as it still functions be worth something to anyone trying to restore an original rifle?

 

[springfield art]

I acquired this rifle I wish it could talk would love some input or insight on it if you all have any info.
1862 Tower lock
Looks like its original stock that has been cut down
Barrel looks to be a smooth bore and mics .575
"W. Adams" stamped on the back of the lock by main spring
If you want any specific pictures let me know.
Be interested in people input on what everyone thinks this rifle original was and its history
Found at a gun shop in western Kansas
View attachment 376018View attachment 376019View attachment 376020View attachment 376021View attachment 376022View attachment 376023

 

[springfield art]

Thousands of muskets of all types were cut down after the war for hunting, to give to Indians, etc. The history may be quite mundane, unless it was collected up after the surrender of the South and guided into commercial markets. Fun find!