[timothy75]

I'm looking at getting one of these in replica form and have some questions.

1. What was the difference between the 61 and 63 Springfields?

2. What kind of groups can I expect at 100yds with both balls and minis?

3. Can the sights be adjusted by reasonable means?

Thank you

[RON in PA]

The shape of the lock and hammer differ and the 61 has barrel bands.

4" groups.

Sights are not easy to adjust, one trick used is to calculate needed adjustment and then drill a hole in the calculated spot, thus creating a peep sight.

[bigjohnson]

Actually, nearly all parts of 1861 and 1863 Springfield muskets are interchangable. The big difference in the two guns is the way the bolster (the big bulge on the rear of the barrel where you screw in the nipple) is made. The 1861 bolster has a rounded outside with a clean-out screw in the middle. The 1863 bolster has a flat outer surface with an eagle embossed on it. The profile of the hammer is a bit different, although an 1861 hammer will work just fine on an 1863 musket. The first civil war musket I ever owned was an 1863 Springfield with an 1861 barrel and hammer on it.
The most noticable difference is the barrel bands. The 1861 bands are wide and flat, while the 1863 bands are much narrower and rounded. There are actually TWO different 1863s... the first and second type (although the second type is sometimes called the "1864 model"). The first type had no band springs, with the barrel bands fitted with tightening screws to hold them in place. The second type had similar narrow, rounded bands, but with the normal band springs like those found on the 1861 models.
The lock plates and internal parts of 1861s and 1863s are identical, except for the dates of manufacture, and are completely interchangable.