M1841 "Mississippi" Rifle

[.455_Hunter]

Looking at all of the muzzle loaders on the market, the one that I like the best is a clone of the M1841 service rifle.

What was the original projectile for this .54 caliber gun- round ball or minie ball?

What was the original charge?

Does anybody have experience with the Dixie Arms clone?

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_92_186_191&products_id=889

Would its 1-66" twist stabilize anything besides a round ball?

How about a TC Maxi-Ball for elk hunting?

How big of a charge could you use safety in a weapon like this?

Thanks.

 

[pohill]

This might help you, might not. I have an original Belgian rifle made in 1859 wih a barrel fitted to it that was made in 1841. I only use roundballs since the rifling was bored out at some point. Last week I shot it for 3 hrs using FFFG Goex BP and patched .535 roundballs. I worked up to 80+ grains, no problem.

 

[Smokin_Gun]

Here ya go on info for the M1841 Mississippi Rifle...
http://www.rulen.com/civilwar/ata10183.htm

 

[Hawkeye748]

The Mississippi as produced by Dixie in 54 is closer to the original issue guns than any out there. The first ones had no rear sight. The reproduction has a block rear sight. Originally, they shot a round ball, with a charge of 60 to 80 grains of BP.

The bores usually measure about .546. The end result is that most commonly available minie moulds for the gun are too small. So to get good groups, you usually shoot RB. Custom minie moulds are made by several folks for this gun. They work okay, but most serious shooters eventually buy a custom barrel if they stay with the 54.

Dixie also offers this in .58 which gives you a much better selection of bullet Moulds. Cannot advise you on the Maxi as I didn't try it in my Mississippi. You should be able to shoot up to 100 grains safely but I don't believe it would be necessary. Also, harden the internal lock works when you get it. Saves trouble down the line.

Here is my understanding of how it got its name:

Jeff Davis commanded The First Mississippi Regiment that gave this rifle its name. Davis had insured that his regiment had the most modern equipment available through his political connections. He trained them to a razors edge, including what was unheard of in that day, regular rifle practice.

This all came into play at the Battle of Buena Vista(I think). The US Army had been driven back and was on the verge of defeat. The Regiment stepped into the breech and held the line against the Mexicans.

It was the First Mississippi Regiment against the entire Mexican Army.

They broke up the Mexican advance by scoring kills at over 300 yards while the Mexicans were trying to form up to finish the Americans all the way in to contact. The Mexicans were unable to return fire with their Muskets while suffering severe casualties, so the Mexican attack faltered when the First held its ground on close contact. This gave the rest of the American force time to re-group and win the battle instead of being defeated. To honor them, the rifle became known as the Mississippi.

 

[StrawHat]

For originality go with the 54. If you want a shooter get the 58. What Hawkeye said about the availability of molds is correct. (so is the rest of his info).

I had a 58 caliber 1841 but never shot it. I bought it because it was the right price and I needed a platform to wrap around a trapdoor barrel and reciever. It worked out great.

 

[4v50 Gary]

From Chapter 15 of my book on the blackpowder sharpshooter (to be released later this year).

The Model 1841 was adopted as the US Army’s first percussion rifle in 1842 and featured an overall length of 4 ½ feet with a .54 caliber, 33" seven groove with 1:72" twist long barrel secured to the stock by two metal bands. Called the Harper’s Ferry Rifle within the official circles, it was unofficially called the Harper’s Ferry Yaeger, the Windsor rifle (because some were made under contract by Robbins, Kendall & Lawrence and Robbins and Lawrence in Windsor Vermont), the Whitney (because Whitney also made them), it received its most popular nickname “Mississippi Rifle” because it was first issued to the First Mississippi Regiment in the Mexican-American War. Weighing 9.68 pounds, it had a brass patch box on the stock. Originally designed for a half-ounce round ball, when used with 75 grains of powder, it had a muzzle velocity of 1850 fps. In 1855 then Secretary of War Jefferson Davis ordered the rifle to be adapted for the new .58 caliber Burton ball. Besides being re-rifled and a stud attached so that it could take a bayonet, a new rear sight was added to take advantage of the extended range.

 

[.455_Hunter]

Thanks for the info guys!

I will take a look at the .58 as well...