Collection Rifled and unsighted conversion musket

[Patio]

Arrived today. Was described as a smoothbore, but after examination the bore is rifled. The riflings are shallow. There is no rear sight. Most of the ones I've seen have rear sights. How common are the unsighted rifled muskets?

 

[Old Soldier]

It is a Remington conversion of a M1822 musket (defined by the lower sling swivel on the triggerguard) done in 1858 with a plate incorporating a Maynard percussion tape like a M1855 Rifle Musket:

Springfield M1855 lock.

Your lock

The give-away is the long plate in front of the nipple. Some of these conversions were rifled, but I would have though some sort of backsight would have been attached too. It will have the brass backplate on the opposite side of the lock - not the brass screw seats for the M1855/P53.

• Production & Volume: Remington produced 21,952 alterations of the U.S. M-1816/22 muskets, a significant upgrade to modernize older flintlocks for the Civil War.
• The Conversion Process:
  • Breech & Barrel: The original breech was cut off and replaced with a new, stronger breech section featuring an integral bolster.
  • Lock Mechanism: The flintlock system was replaced with a new lock plate incorporating the Maynard tape primer mechanism.
  • Sights: Most, though not all, were fitted with long-range rear sights and new iron front sights.
  • Rifling: The barrels were rifled to accommodate .69 caliber ammunition, such as the Minie ball.

Several threads on this site including:

Thread 'M.1816/22 Remington Conversion to Maynard Tape-Priming System Rifled Musket'

Jan 27, 2018

The latest addition to my collection of old smoke poles, also derisively called pumpkin slingers by the troops who were issued these .69 caliber smoothbore muskets, which were originally flintlocks but converted to percussion before the war, is this hard-used and much-restored specimen that nevertheless appealed to me because of its Been there; done that look. Above, seen full-length atop a reproduction shelter-half; unfortunately, at some point in its service, likely postwar, it was cut down or damaged and the stock fore-end from the middle band; the...

• James N.
• Replies: 22
• Forum: Small Arms & Ammunition

• 

 

[Patio]

Old Soldier thank you for the information and link.

 

[Old Soldier]

Welcome.

 

[7thWisconsin]

To aim something like this, you line the front sight up with the tang screw. It's not exact but it's like a shotgun with a bead sight.

 

[Patio]

More pictures

 

[Conquerordie]

Here's a link to College Hill Arsenal write up if a similar rifled, but no rear sight added.

Remington-Maynard US M1816 Frankford Arsenal Alteration Musket

Remington-Maynard US M1816 Frankford Arsenal Alteration Musket

collegehillarsenal.com

Interesting, it has the front barrel band with the improved front sight that was found on the conversions with the rear sight. Yours has the traditional M1816/1822 front band. Maybe they all didn't receive the new barrel band during the conversion? Looks to be a nice musket. Congrats.

 

[Old Soldier]

To aim something like this, you line the front sight up with the tang screw. It's not exact but it's like a shotgun with a bead sight.

I have an old British private purchase yeomanry carbine - smoothbore (IOW - not issue or to Pattern). It has a foresight, but I notice when I line it up with the tang screw it is well off to the right. Someone knew at some time. (NO. It is not a shooter!)

 

[Patio]

Thanks everyone for your replies. They are much appreciated.

Do the conversion muskets use the M1816 bayonets or something else?

 

[Conquerordie]

I believe it's the standard M1816 bayonet. The conversion work was on the breech, lock, front barrel band, bore, and rear sight. I haven't read that the muzzle was altered in anyway to change the bayonet to be used.

 

[muffinman67]

The Horse Soldier has a bayonet for the Remington Maynard Altered musket for sale. It matches the beautiful condition of the one you have. Check it out.

 

[Patio]

Thanks Muffinman! I'll check it out.

 

[gary]

What a beauty!