Springfield 1861

[Nessmuk03]

Good evening,

I am new to muzzleloading and black-powder shooting. This past summer I acquired a Springfield Model 1861 and have not had a chance to properly dedicate time to it's maintenance on account of academics. Nor have I begun to assess whether it is wise to shoot, or whether it will become a wall-hanger. Regardless, I am writing this forum post to consult the knowledge of those more experienced than me in these matters, and I look forward to finally giving this piece of history the love it deserves.

This specific Springfield Model 1861 was manufactured in 1862 and appears to be an original. Being an original I have been cautious to clean it as I would other modern firearms in my possession. I am hoping that somebody who either owns a Springfield Model 1861, or has handled one, can assist me in what products and procedures I should take when cleaning this original Civil War muzzleloader. I have read a number of forum posts, comments and guides as well as watched videos on the subject. However, I have found that many of the aforementioned online resources regarding the maintenance and cleaning of muzzleloaders seem to be on reproductions or recently manufactured muzzleloaders. Given my Springfield 1861 is an original I want to be absolutely certain that I am not going to further degrade its condition. I have attached a number of pictures below which should give any viewer a good idea regarding its condition. There is clearly pitting between the 'tang' and the rear sight. The wooden stock is in good condition, with no major cracks. The trigger mechanism and hammer works well and the various metal accoutrements such as the 'barrel bands' and 'trigger-guard' are all satisfactory. My main concern is surface rust which I have noticed appearing following handling of the rifle.

I appreciate anybody who stops by and is able to provide me with any information regarding the cleaning, care and maintenance of my Springfield. I will seek advise about potentially shooting my Springfield Model 1861 when I make a separate post at a later date regarding the state of the bore.

Thank you all in advance.

 

[maillemaker]

There appears to be a fair amount of light pitting around the breech and rear sight that has been aggressively polished bright. But the nipple looks new. Cleanout screw is a bit boogered. I'd leave it alone and clean the bore with pumping action to make sure the fire channel gets cleaned out. How does the bore look?

From what I can see, the gun looks shootable.

 

[hawkeye2]

I have shot an original 61 in N-SSA competition for years and I can assure they are tough, regular shooting won't hurt one. The original finish on all the metal parts would have been armoury bright but I don't think you ought to try for that on your gun. I have cleaned a lot of guns including valuable antiques and if it were mine I would disassemble it and clean all the metal with 4ooo steel wool and WD-40. Clean that off with rubbing alcohol and when it's dry give it a couple of coats of car polish. The pitting at the breech won't hurt anything except appearance and I would not try to remove the "clean out" screw. If you decide to shoot it a new nipple would be in order. As far as cleaning the bore after shooting I remove the nipple (anti-seize when you replace it) and stand the barrel in a bucket of warm water and Dawn. A swab or patch on a jag will pump the solution in and out which really cleans the breech face and flame passage. If you haven't taken the barrel out of one yet you'll be surprised at how simple it is to remove and replace. After I dry it with alcohol, WD-40 or carburetor cleaner, whichever is handiest. Oil and reassemble. I picked up a custom built 61 a while ago, all top quality new parts, and the first thing I did was knock it down and wax every bit. I also did that to a nice armory bright original 61 w/bayonet that I got a couple of years ago. It doesn't take long and the wax really protects the finish.
The only issue I see with yours is the sear spring is too short or not screwed in all the way. The end should be visible like the one above it. If it were mine I wouldn't hesitate to skirmish with it and if the bore was bad Bobby Hoyt can take care of that and it won't really hurt the value any.

 

[OLUT]

I have shot an original 61 in N-SSA competition for years and I can assure they are tough, regular shooting won't hurt one. The original finish on all the metal parts would have been armoury bright but I don't think you ought to try for that on your gun.

I agree with hawkeye2.... I've shot my 1861 for over 50 years and merely replaced the nipple once. The posted gun looks solid despite pitting and heavy buffing. Note that the rear sight seems to be missing the two elevation leaves, but a replacement sight can be installed.