Navy Arms 1864 Springfield Questions

[Darkfold]

Happy New Year!

I have a reproduction of the 1864 Springfield. I've already e-mailed Navy Arms, but I'd also like to know what you all can tell me about it.

The lock is marked 1864 behind, and the U.S. 'spread eagle' is in front, of the hammer. The bolster also has a 'spread eagle'.

Below the bolster is marked U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / NAVY ARMS CO. RIDGEFIELD N.J. U.S.A. On the left side of the breech is the serial number 1279. These are the only markings.

Who, when and where was it manufactured?

What wood is the stock made of?

Will standard Italian repro parts work with only minor fitting?

Thanks for any help!

Click on the thumbnails to expand the pics.

 

[poordevil]

I think NA started bringing those in , in the early 70's Made In Japan.....I don't know if all were or are from Japan.

I think wood is Beech, but not sure. I also belive the early ones were two piece stocks.

P

 

[Steve Blancard]

I have one of these also. They are made by Miroku in Japan and are very well made. They are closer to originals in weight and feel than anything coming out of Italy.

Some were made with 2 piece stocks, joined under the lower barrel band. Mine was, but I joined it with steel pins and epoxy.

Some lock parts will interchange with originals, don't know about Italian parts. But original parts are fairly easy to obtain - what do you need?

A couple other quirks - the lower barrel band should be solid, but most came with a screw type band. Also the distance of the nose cap to the front sight/bayonet lug is a little different than originals, requiring some special fitting of a bayonet.

 

[Darkfold]

Yes, I suspected it was a Miroku. The slim, two-piece, light-colored hardwood stock and other features seem to fit the descriptions I've found. I think I have a "classic" here. I don't need any parts yet but give me some time, I'm good at breaking things. :grin: I have plenty of Minié balls, powder and caps, only the bitter cold is keeping me from shooting it once the old grease and dust are cleaned off. Thanks heaps for the info, pards!

 

[Steve Blancard]

They are fine muskets and feel right. By your photo it looks like your ramrod is short. When seated, it should end flush with the muzzle. Unless for some reason it is seating much deeper than it should be. New ramods are available if you need one. Be sure to specify an 1863 type as they are different from the 1861 model.