Springfield Rifle or smoothbore?

[mainer]

Where's a good site to get a handle on the value of a 1861 Springfield in good shape w/ bayonet? Also, how can we be sure if it's a rifle or a smoothbore? At the muzzle, as far down as I can see w/o a special light, it looks like a smooth. The barrel at the muzzle is of rather thin steel like a shot gun; it's not as thick as I would expect a rifle to be. The gun belongs to a computer free neighbor, and it's been in his family as long as he can remember at least 50 years, but he made no comment other than that. Thank You

 

[30th_il]

rifle vs smoothbore

The '61 springfield was a rifled musket. If it appears smooth the rifling may have been shot out but a bore light is really the only way to tell. Values on these pieces really depends on condition on the stock, metal and action of the trigger, etc. Bringing the musket to a reputavle dealer in civil war firearms is the best way of realizing it's value. There a many such shows in just about any part of the country. Where are you located and perhaps I (or otherws on this board) may be able to give you a hand.

 

[johan_steele]

A lot were bored out to shotguns post war... some had the rifling shot out of them. All originals I have handled had very thing barrels in comparison to the repros.

An original can range in vale from $750 to wel over $3k depending on the maker, rarity, condition etc.

Good Luck