Pedersoli 1861Springfield rifled musket

[JackAubrey]

Having had disappointment after disappointment w/ my Armisport rifled muskets,I am considering replacing them Pedersolis.I have had very good luck w/ Pedersolis.Has anyone had any experience w/ this company's 1861 Springfield rifled musket?I seem to have heard mention somewhere that Pedersoli does'nt actually manufacture it.Is this so?If so,who does make it?I saw one in Dixie Gun Works,rather pricey,I should think,$900.00.What say ye,gentlemen?Best regards,J.Aubrey

 

[rice1817]

For less money than the Pedersoli, you can get a correct Springfield from James River Armory. He takes the Italian repops, redoes the wood to make it look like an original, and the barrels are re-rifled by Hoyt. You don't have to limit yourself to a Springfield, either..He does a wide variety of Civil War issue rifles and muskets. The guys who shoot competition in the NSSA use them....good enough endorsement for me.

 

[Trot]

I had a Pedersoli 1863 Springfield for about three years, I tried everything to get that thing to shoot well. Believe it or not, I finally gave up and traded it in on an Armisport 1861 and have been happy ever since. In fairness I may just never have hit the right load combination, but I just didn't know what else to try.

 

[Phantom Captain]

Hi,

I have an 1861 Springfield from Pedersoli and I reallly love it. Shoots great and is really a beautiful rifle. One thing though, if you are reenacting you might have problems with fitting a bayonet. I don't reenact so this wasn't a deal breaker for me.

Seriously though, look at the James River Armory rifles too. I am seriously considering one of theirs myself. But absolutely, the Pedersoli is better than Armisport or Euroarms.

Here's a couple pics of mine.

The Pedersoli is on the bottom, above is an Armisport Richmond musket.

 

[JackAubrey]

Thanks guys,I appreciate the input.SAy,Phantom Captain,that is one beautiful rifled musket!I will check out the James River Armoury though.Maybe the Hoyt barrel would work and be a cheaper alternative.As a matter of curiosity,what diameter minie balls are you gentlemen firing?Best regards,J.A.

 

[jdstrang]

My bore gauges at .577, and I size minies to .576. A thousandth of tolerance, and pure, soft lead means the minie doesn't have far to go, thus little to distort, to fill the rifling immediately.

 

[Iron Jim Rackham]

My 2 band Hoyt barrel Enfield has a .577 bore, and my old Parker Hale musketoon also has a .577 bore. The Parker Hale prefers a Lyman 575213OS(460 grain) bullet sized to .575 while the Hoyt barrel likes either a Lyman 575213 (510 grain) bullet sized to .575 or a 575213PH (566 grain) bullet sized to .576. A thousandth under should work best, but for reasons I can't comprehend some guns will shoot a bullet .002 undersize somewhat better. The 575213 has a thinner skirt, so maybe it expands more. Frankly I don't know, but it's the only factor I can think of to explain why a .575 bullet shoots more accurately than a .576

 

[Phantom Captain]

Hey thanks, yep she's real purty.

I too shoot .575 minies lubed with bore butter and Goex ffg. No prob.

Here's a better pic of the stock, also the Pedersoli stock is correct to the originals as is the James River's but unlike the Armisport or Euroarms. The wrist and butt are cut right. Again, the Pedersoli is the bottom one.

Outside in the sun it really shines.

The James River Armory muskets are supposed to be great and for less too but I'm really happy with this one. I actually bought it at Dixie for around $850 at the time and saved shipping etc. I think you will be happy whichever one you choose.

I have looked into the James River's as well and they are quite impressive. I still might have to add one to my collection some day! :grin:

 

[Iron Jim Rackham]

Nice musket. I should emntion however that the James River Springfield is LESS money than the Pedersoli, and is completely correct.

 

[JackAubrey]

Greetings Gentlemen,been away for a while.I did look at the James River Armoury rifled muskets and I think thats the way I will be going,what with being historically accurate and all.Thank you so much for shoving me in this direction.I have come into possession of quite a few minie moulds through the years in my attempt to make these Armisports shoot well,to no avail.I have a bore sized Lee R.E.A.L .58 calibre ...maxi,I suppose it would be since its not a minie to be cert.LOL.I have a .577 and a .575,490 grain Old style minie by Lyman.Now I just need to find a re enactor that wants a good deal on an 1853 Enfield and /or a 1861 Springfield.Best regards,J.A.