Special Model 1861 v. M1861

[RSMorris]

Does anyone know if soldiers using Special Model 1861's ever noticed any difference with performance and/or durability with the
lock plate being so much thinner? And if it worked well, I wonder why the same thickness of the
Special Model wasn't carried over to the M1863 locks? Seems like it would have saved a lot of money in metal. There is a bit of difference in the weight. The special weighs 4.59 oz, where the standard weighs 6.46 oz.

 

[johan_steele]

That's a good question. I don't think I've ever read of complaints from the men on the Special Model 1861.

 

[Papabyrd]

They waited till 1873 when they got the trap door. lock plate was a lot thinner on them

 

[RSMorris]

They waited till 1873 when they got the trap door. lock plate was a lot thinner on them

Just curious why they didn't use the thinner, lighter plates for the M1863's.

 

[Conquerordie]

My guess is because M1863 specs were determined by Springfield Arsenal. I was always under the conclusion that's the Special Model 1861, was a Colt design, manufactured by a few contractors. Two different manufacturers, two different designs.

 

[RSMorris]

My guess is because M1863 specs were determined by Springfield Arsenal. I was always under the conclusion that's the Special Model 1861, was a Colt design, manufactured by a few contractors. Two different manufacturers, two different designs.

Makes sense to me..... They were Colt, Amoskaeg and LG & Y.