1861 Springfield rifled musket question

[BOYWONDER]

Does anybody own one? If so how does it shoot? Do you like shooting it? Do ya use it for hunting or just target practice? the reason i ask is i am a big history buff. plus i see one at cabelas, and it makes me drool evry time i see it.

pat

[BOYWONDER]

Ive done some searching and i can't find anything. another question what's the rate of twist for the springfield?
pat

[cayugad]

I don't own one so to tell you how it will shoot would only be a guess. The rifle has a 1-66 twist with a very shallow rifling. They were made to shoot minnie ball actually. Most of them are a .58 caliber but actually mic out to a .577 caliber (not a big deal). They should also shoot roundball well.

When they first came out of course they were a musket with no rifling at all. During the Civil War many of them were rifled and made that way. This increased the accuracy of the rifle at longer ranges. They claim to be able to hit a man sized target at 300 - 500 yards. Like I said, never shot one, can not say.

I am sure they would be a good rifle. I too have looked at them but decided that before I go that route. I'd kick a little more to boot and go custom. Hope this helped.

[jboyer]

There is a good thread on www.muzzleloadingforum.comabout loading and shooting Springfield muskets. I think it is in either the percussion muzzleloader section or the civil war section.

Jeff