115grfmj
Member
I just got an 1861 springfield handed down to me (At least thats what I was told). It was passed down to me from my father and his father before him, so I have no idea where it came from. The rifle is about 80%. I'm trying
to determine whether it's the real deal or not. The specifics: The lock is stamped springfield 1839. The barrel is stamped 1862 top dead center about 2 inches from the breech. It also has h&p stamped on the bolster right below the nipple. The barrel bands have a spring retainer to them, and it appears that some time in the past enough of the barrel was shorted that the bayonet lug is no longer there. The major issue that
had me questioning it's authenticity, is the fact that I can't make out
any rifling in the bore. Given the specifics is there a chance that it's
real? Are there any other things I should be looking for? Admitedly,
I am not an expert on firearms from this period.
to determine whether it's the real deal or not. The specifics: The lock is stamped springfield 1839. The barrel is stamped 1862 top dead center about 2 inches from the breech. It also has h&p stamped on the bolster right below the nipple. The barrel bands have a spring retainer to them, and it appears that some time in the past enough of the barrel was shorted that the bayonet lug is no longer there. The major issue that
had me questioning it's authenticity, is the fact that I can't make out
any rifling in the bore. Given the specifics is there a chance that it's
real? Are there any other things I should be looking for? Admitedly,
I am not an expert on firearms from this period.