Armisport 1842 Springfield smoothbore

[JackAubrey]

I am considering the purchase of an 1842 Springfield smoothbore musket.I would very much enjoy hearing from others who have bought this weapon.Are they pleased with it and is it sufficient to hunt with?Thank you in advance,Jack.

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

I've had one of these for quite a while now, and am very pleased with it. It handles patched balls with no problems and is a good shotgun, patterning well with 1 ounce to 1 and 1/4 ounce loads. I've fired it with 1 and 1/2 ounce shot charges and this would make a fine goose or turkey load. Recoil is modest, perhaps in part to stock shape, and because it has enough mass to soak up recoil. It carries nicely in hand or using the sling. It is well fitted and finished and balances well. The finish on my musket is as good as a Pedersoli any day, and comes at a much more reasonable cost. I would recommend this gun with absolutely no reservations.
It may be worth noting that these muskets are really nothing more than extremely robust fowling pieces and are a good way of getting an historically accurate firearm at a fair price. The same holds true for some of the flintlock muskets that are available.

 

[JackAubrey]

Thank you for your post Russ,I own two Armisports,an 1853 Enfield and a 1861 Springfield and am very pleased with the fit and finish.You are very right, a military musket could be considered a stocked up fouler.How many saw use in civilian life once they were quit of the military,I wonder?Many,I would suppose.I appreciate your recommendation,I will buy one,Thanks mate!Best Regards,Jack.

 

[smokeblower]

I am very pleased with my 1842. They are as close to the original as available. I have fired shot #8 - 000 buckshot. with good patterns. I have fired unpatched lubed roundballs with good results. It was used to take my first smoothbore deer this past season. Takes some practice if you are using guns with rear sights. Lee makes a tight roundball mould for the bore that can be fired without a patch. I wish they made a three ring mini mould in a .69 cal. Bottom line is it is my favorite, next to my Blue Ridge .50 flinter. :m2c: well worth the money.

 

[Va.Manuf.06]

For my first post on these forums it is a great pleasure to give a favorable review of the Armi Sport M1842 musket. I had one for several years before selling it recently to another reenactor and can say that, after handling many original '42s over the last 30 years, that it is head and shoulders above all other reproductions of Civil War arms made by all of the current makers. The only "problem" I had with mine was the wrist area where it was a little blocky when compared to the original, but that was a small thing. It handles roundball loads well. I used .680 from a Dixie mold and .64 cast from an original mold) and both did very well, patched or not. With a .69 Minie (730 grains) it had the normal problem of tumbling the bullet on some shots but, I'm sure, the rifled version would do better with that bullet.

 

[Ohio Joe]

I'm glad to hear the good reports on this musket. I have been thinking of buying one, but have always put it off for one reason or another? This time I think I'll get one! :front:

 

[JackAubrey]

Greetings Gentlemen,I do appreciate each of you taking the time to read and respond to this post.I have heard on numerous occasions the 1842 is one of the most faithful reproductions to be had save for a custom.It would appear your posts bear this out.Now to convince the wife an 1842 Springfield would do better than new curtains!Best Regards,Jack.

 

[Rat]

Curtains: They just hang there.

1842: It can hang there too, but looks much more interesting.

Curtains: Just hang there.

1842: You can take it off the wall, and shoot it.

Curtains: Can't shoot them...they just hang there. Don't even make good patches...unless they are PILLOW TICKING curtains!

1842: Could save your life or family...what home invader or robber would argue with the muzzle of a 1842?

Curtains: Home invader will tie and gag you with them...or they will just hang there and do nothing. They also make a very lousy weapon.

1842: Will put food on the table.

Curtains: Guess you could use them for napkins...but ya know they are just gonna hang there while you eat.

1842: Will last FOREVER, or at least long after you are gone.

Curtains: Wife will want new ones in a couple of years, after she gets tired of looking at them hanging there.

1842: Great topic to share on a interesting, dynamic forum with lots of great people.

Curtains: Have you been on the CURTAIN FORUM lately?

'nuff said!

:hatsoff: :crackup: :blah: ff:

 

[JackAubrey]

All right there Rat! I had my wife read your post.She got a good laugh...was that a good sign?Well,it sold me!

 

[Rat]

She could be coming around. The logic is in-escapable. (sp?!?!?)

Rat