1861 Springfield/Contract rifle - Barrel difference??

[Bill S]

This is my first real post and I am thankful for the privilege. I'm starting a small CW gun collection and I would like to include an 1861 Springfield, made at this arsenal plus an 1861 contract rifle. It seems from what I've read that most of the parts are not interchangeable between these but I'm wondering if there is a list that defines the specific differences between parts. Some of these differences are pretty obvious but I'm wondering about the barrel, tang and the whole trigger/trigger guard assembly. I've searched around the web and on this site but I can't find that info.

I'm hoping somebody here can steer me in the right direction.

You all have a great site here,

Thank you!

 

[Jobe Holiday]

The Model 1861 Springfield and its contracts are 100% interchangeable in every aspect.
J.

 

[19Wyoming]

The 1861 special contract ( Colt, LG&Y ) are not compatable, so keep this in mind. As Jobe stated the contract and 1861 are. The 1863 Springfield type 1 & 2 will be an S hammer with no bolster screw.

 

[Craig L Barry]

From the terminology he uses in the post, specifically "most of the parts are not interchangeable" he leads me to believe he is referring the US model 1861 made at Springfield Armory, and the Colt Special Model of 1861. As Jobe points out, the primary benefit of the US model 1861 was the parts interchangeability, pretty much regardless of whether it was produced at the US Armory or by one of the twenty or so private contractors that provided the majority of them to the Union.

 

[Bill S]

From the terminology he uses in the post, specifically "most of the parts are not interchangeable" he leads me to believe he is referring the US model 1861 made at Springfield Armory, and the Colt Special Model of 1861.

Yes, I left out that important detail. Thank you, I'm learning! So then I'll assume that none of the colt supplied parts will work with Springfield pattern parts on any rifle. That's good info for me, basic as it is.

Today, I saw a listing for a colt "Special" rifle with an 1863 hammer but it looked like it lined up okay but it probably wouldn't work.

 

[Bill S]

View attachment 183472

Yes, I left out that important detail. Thank you, I'm learning! So then I'll assume that none of the colt supplied parts will work with Springfield pattern parts on any rifle. That's good info for me, basic as it is.

Today, I saw a listing for a colt "Special" rifle with an 1863 hammer but it looked like it lined up okay but it probably wouldn't work.

In the photo above, the barrel to lock plate fit looks sloppy. I'm wondering if there is play in the positioning of the barrel. Might this be a sign that incompatible parts are being used?

 

[johan_steele]

Springfield Pattern Arms were interchangeable. So all M1855 were interchangeable w/ each other, M1861 same, M1863 & M1864 with many parts being interchangeable between models as well.

The Special Model M1861 was made by just three contractors: Colt, LG & Y and Amoskeag and parts were interchangeable between them but precious few were interchangeable w/ the M1855/61/63/64 series arms.

 

[Jobe Holiday]

Bill S. - The LG&Y you have shown is not correct. A Springfield M-1863/1864 barrel and hammer have been "fudged" to fit the lock plate. At this point it is hard to tell, but perhaps the base arm is a M-1863/4 that has been modified to allow the use of a Special Model 1861 lock plate to make the musket seem more desirable. Which ever way it is, this is a good one to stay away from!
J.

 

[Bill S]

Thank you, I was considering this gun but the closer I looked the more it scared me. I've been reading and learning and will not commit to something until I'm sure it is what I think it is.

I'll start my search for a very sound 1861 from SA.

Thanks for the guidance.

 

[johan_steele]

Thank you, I was considering this gun but the closer I looked the more it scared me. I've been reading and learning and will not commit to something until I'm sure it is what I think it is.

I'll start my search for a very sound 1861 from SA.

Thanks for the guidance.

Dennis Fulmer has a 61 marked Springfield reasonably priced 61 marked are rather scarce. Lodgewood has a Bridesburg and a pair of M1855's as well.

Good luck and post some bragging pics when you get yours.

 

[Bill S]

Dennis Fulmer has a 61 marked Springfield reasonably priced 61 marked are rather scarce. Lodgewood has a Bridesburg and a pair of M1855's as well.

Good luck and post some bragging pics when you get yours.

Great, How can I contact Dennis Fulmer?

 

[johan_steele]

Great, How can I contact Dennis Fulmer?

http://www.fulmersantiqueguns.com/

 

[UCVRelics]

Please keep us updated on what you decide to add to your arsenal.

 

[mofederal]

I am still learning about rifles, and I appreciate all of the information I can find. I love to read this stuff.

 

[Bill S]

http://www.fulmersantiqueguns.com/

Well, I looked at the rifle Dennis Fulmer is selling and althought the price is affordable. I decided to look for something in better condition. I haven't found one in my price range but I became dangerously impulsive and stepped out of bounds by ordering two other rifles.

1) Mississippi rifle
2) Zouave

I'll post pictures on new thread after they arrive.

 

[johan_steele]

Well, I looked at the rifle Dennis Fulmer is selling and althought the price is affordable. I decided to look for something in better condition. I haven't found one in my price range but I became dangerously impulsive and stepped out of bounds by ordering two other rifles.

1) Mississippi rifle
2) Zouave

I'll post pictures on new thread after they arrive.

The M1841 aka Mississippi is a dangerous addiction to get into as there were so many variants. Welcome to the addiction.