1853 Enfield or 1861 Springfield

[Olmontanaboy]

What are your thoughts? I've been looking at them both and can't decide. I like the looks of the Armi Sport models over the Euroarms. anybody have both? I might have to eventually get one of each I was at Gettysburg and one of the local sutllers had several of each on display.

 

[junkman_01]

I already told you a couple of days ago that I am partial to the Springfield pattern ..... http://thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=6832678&postcount=2

 

[arcticap]

1. http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=547758&highlight=springfield

2. http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=523777&highlight=springfield

3. http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=532081&highlight=enfield

4. http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=528840&highlight=enfield

5. Trouble with Springfield replica

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=487960&highlight=enfield

 

[Pops]

1853 3-band Enfield

Better yet, GET BOTH

 

[StrawHat]

It depends on how you are going to use it. If for target competition, get an Enfield 1863, made in England by Parker Hale. It was not one of the options mentioned but it is one of the more accurate rifles made.

If for hunting and hanging on the wall, get the lesser expensive one.

 

[IanMor]

I'm an Enfield guy. They are all I will own now. Why? They fit me better, generally they are lighter, and I find them extremely accurate.
Virtues of the Springfield; If you find an Enfield doesn't fit you right (fairly common) the Springfield usually will. It is easier to clean out the "drum" in a Springfield due to the clean out screw in the side. Very handy. Springfields shoot very well. I have worked on a great many of both. I like them both, but as I stated, make mine an Enfield.

 

[wittzo]

Artticap's link about my Springfied was about my 1842 Springfield, not an 1861 Springfield. I got better once I changed my powder load. I'm still working up a load for the '61 Springfield.

The '61 has the front sight post on the barrel, not the band, so I don't have the same problems.

 

[DutchmanDick]

I like my Enfield, but it's an original type-2 that was made in Nepal under British supervision. I've never handled a modern repro but I have heard that they are heavier and handle differently from the originals due to thicker barrel walls (got to keep the liars...er, lawyers...happy).

 

[Jaymo]

I've always liked the Enfield better than the Springfield. I'd like to have one each of all the variants of the Enfield.

 

[4v50 Gary]

It depends.

If you're a reenactor or thinking of getting into reenacting, then find your unit and then buy the gun.

If you're a shooter, I'd go Enfield. The English made ones (and the Italian ones are supposed to have English made barrels) are longer range than the Springfields. They were the weapon of choice for the Confederate sharpshooters (not the sniper type, but the skirmisher variety).