M1861 Springfield musket- which one ?

[jonathan butcher]

I've been reading online about Armi Sport vs Euroarms vs Pedersoli vs Colts M1861 musket and the more I read the more confused I am. There appears to be a consensus that the Miroku M1861 is the best of the reproduction CW 1861muskets but of course they're impossible to find.
Those of you who have handled all of them, whats wrong with the Armi Sport M1861 musket ? Is the Colts musket any better than the Armi Sport ? Any insights or experiences are very welcome.

 

[hawkeye2]

The Colt is an entirely different gun and is referred to as the 1861 Special Model, closer to an Enfield. You are better off if you don't get involved with either the Colt or Amoskeag reproductions as you won't find any parts for either. The Armi Sport barrels shoot very well but are much heavier than originals. The lock plates are thin and my limited experience with the locks is that they function but aren't the best quality.

 

[jonathan butcher]

Thanks Hawkeye, I really appreciate the info. Is there any available reproduction that's worth having except the impossible to find Miroku ?

 

[APG]

I have the Pedersoli 1861 Springfield and love it. Now I don't know if it is any better than the others on the market. Or if it's even an accurate reproduction. But I love it. Cast my own Minieballs and make my own lube too. Make paper cartridges and blast away like the enemy is at hand. Even got a bayonet for it.

 

[jcs266]

I have the Pedersoli 1861 Springfield and love it. Now I don't know if it is any better than the others on the market. Or if it's even an accurate reproduction. But I love it. Cast my own Minieballs and make my own lube too. Make paper cartridges and blast away like the enemy is at hand. Even got a bayonet for it.

Ditto here. I can definitely say I'm very pleased and impressed with my Pedersoli 1861 Springfield. It's very well done and I really do enjoy owning and shooting it. I also have taken to casting Minie's and plan to roll my own paper cartridges soon to add to the fun. No bayonet here, at least not yet...

 

[kh54]

The following only partly answers the OP but here goes anyway. I had an 1861 Armi Sport but I sold it after I found a Miroku. I have two 1861s, an original and the Miroku. I also have an 1863 Miroku. My original is in excellent condition and I’ve fired it a couple of times. I can’t say I’ve fired any one of them enough to make a valid comparison but it seems that the Mirokus are just as nice to handle and shoot as the original. The difference in the weight of the Armi Sport was only noticeable when I handled them side-by-side. If I hadn’t found the Miroku I certainly would have kept the Armi Sport and I think I would have been content with it.

 

[PastorB]

I know the OP asked about which repro to get, but in my opinion, I would just spend a little more and get an original. I have a few originals, a 1861 Springfield, a 1842 Harpers Ferry musket, and a Colt Special Model made in 1862. I paid just a few hundred dollars more for good, shootable originals, than I would of for Italian reproductions. For me, it was well worth it, just something very cool about the originals and the stories they could tell. As a final note, I have never had a part break on an original, despite a lot of shooting. I honestly believe the metallurgy and quality of manufacture of the antiques surpasses the repros by a wide margin. If a part were to break (doubtful), original parts are available from several sources. I hunt with my muskets, dragging them through the woods and brush, and they perform just wonderfully. Pic is of last years buck and my Colt Special Model.

 

[jonathan butcher]

I recently bought an older Mikoru made M1863 which is superb in dimensions, weight and appearance, will post pics as soon.

 

[jcs266]

I recently bought an older Mikoru made M1863 which is superb in dimensions, weight and appearance, will post pics as soon.

Congrats!! What a great find.

(We'll need those pics ASAP!)

 

[jonathan butcher]

Here are a few pics. My initial impression was how light the rifle was. The walnut stock isn't as thick as the Italian reproductions, wrist feels like an original. Case colored side plate, good fit and finish everywhere. Am taking it to the range as soon as I find some caps!

 

[jcs266]

Great pics! Excellent and what a beautiful 1861. I love that dark color wood. What does it weigh? Congrats again on the find.

PS: I like that sling, who makes it? Link to find one? That's one thing i'm needing on mine.

 

[APG]

Wow, she sure is beautiful. Congratulations on a great find.

 

[barracudadave67]

Nice find. I've only heard good things about Miroku Muskets.
The sling looks like a cloth Confederate sling, those are cool.
Dave

 

[toot]

I recently bought an older Mikoru made M1863 which is superb in dimensions, weight and appearance, will post pics as soon.

they are as hard / rare, to find as ROCKING HORSE POOP!

 

[11th corps]

I have an Armi and its been a good shooter. I paid right at $450 for mine, NIB. That was about 20 years ago.

 

[jonathan butcher]

Can anyone make a musket nipple wrench suggestion for this rifle ? I ordered an RMC MUSKET NIPPLE WRENCH #ML080 which arrived today, unfortunately it dosen't fit, not nearly big enough.

 

[APG]

Regimental Quarter has wrenches like the one's issued in the 1860's . Also Dixie Gun Works. They both have what you need.

 

[APG]

Can anyone make a musket nipple wrench suggestion for this rifle ? I ordered an RMC MUSKET NIPPLE WRENCH #ML080 which arrived today, unfortunately it dosen't fit, not nearly big enough.

The wrench you got is for the small nipples #10 & #11's

 

[barracudadave67]

Lodgewood, and S % S Firearms should have musket nipple wrenches to fit the 1/4 inch musket nipples.

Dave

 

[dave951]

1/4 drive socket with an appropriate allen wrench. Put the square end on the nipple use allen wrench in part where the bolt would go. Best nipple wrench you'll ever use.