[Crownvicman]

Ok, I have settled on an 1853 Enfiled rifle-musket replica. The two manufacturers out there seem to be Euroarms and Armisport. What is the difference? Anyone have first hand experience shooting either one's products? How is the quality? Thanks Everyone!:D

[Stoney]

Crownvicman
I have a 1853 3 band Enfield made by Euroarms. The rifle looks great, functions well and is great fun to shoot. However, finding mini bullets that shoot accurately has been a problem. The rifle is very ammo sensitive.

I gave up on trying to find store bought mini bullets and starting casting my own. If you intend to get any kind of rifled musket you should plan on getting into bullet casting .

I also have a 1861 Springfield by Armisport, and had the same problem in finding an accurate store bought mini bullet. Bullet casting is the way to go if your serious about getting good results when shooting that musket.

[Crownvicman]

I have considered casting before, my 1851 Navy came with a cheap brass mold. But where does one purchase lead?

[Stoney]

I get my lead from a plumbing supply shop, but you can also get it at Home Depot or most large hardware stores in the plumbing section. You need to get as pure as lead as possible, 100% lead if possible.Some lead has tin and other additives.

[Crownvicman]

Thanks.

Stoney, you said you own Armisport and Euroarms guns. Which seems to have the highest quality? I'm only going to be able to buy one. I am trying to decide which to get. What do you think of the 1861 springfield? I like the looks of the Enfield, but part of me wants an "American" gun. Is one a better shooter than the other?

[Stoney]

Crownvicman
Of the two the Euroarms is the better quality, mostly due to a higher grade of wood used in the stock. That being said, I like shooting the Springfield better. The Enfield smacks your cheek when firing due to the stock design. After 40 or 50 shots my cheek is very sore.

If I could only have one the Springfield would be my choice. I'm told by Enfield owners that you need to lift your head off the stock when you fire the rifle, but that seems unnatural to me.

Whatever rifle you end up with I think you'll be happy. There both great rifles, so there is no wrong choice.

[Crownvicman]

Thanks for the input. I will keep that in mind as I make my decision.

[Poodleshooter]

Another way to get lead is using wheelweights, then skimming them like crazy at high heat to get the tin and antimony out. You end up with reasonably pure lead (maybe 98-99%) for nearly free if the local tire/auto shops will give you free wheelweights. They also make good handgun bullets if you don't skim as much.

[4v50 Gary]

Become buddies with your plumber. Scrap lead/haz mat problem? Not with you around! :)

[confed sailor]

I have an armisport myself, i bought it because it was 30 dollars cheaper than the euroarms, but ive used both. they are almost the same.

as for springfields, yes an enfield may smack your cheek, but the first time a barrel band binds up on that '61, you will wish you had enfield type screw bands.

[4v50 Gary]

British aiming technique is different. Head is held straighter unlike us.

[Stoney]

I have a Armisport 1861 Springfield for sale for 350.00. It's kind or a beater, the metal has some rust on the buttplate and the trigger guard and the barrel is kind of dull. The wood is in VGC. This rifle's first owner lived in Mississippi and I think the humidity got to the steel.

It shoots fine though. PM me if your interested. I will ship to you UPS.

[confed sailor]

good price, if i wanted a second gun, and had 350 layin around id be all over that

[Stoney]

The Springfield has been sold.