Need info on musket barrels, stocks, locks...

[Stony]

I've shot a lot of black powder over the years and have a number of custom and production guns, but have never really gotten involved much with the muskets. I've owned a couple of 2 band repos but never have do anything with the 3 banders....but now it seems like I've got the itch to play with one.
I have a couple repo parts that are not compatible and need some direction on what parts will interchange. I have a very nice Armisport 1862 Richmond stock, complete with everything but lock and barrel. I also have a nice unfired Navy Arms barrel for a 1863 Enfield, which is not compatible with the Richmond stock.
I have seen a guy listing a barrel (that he wants way too much for} that he says will fit either a Richmond or Springfield 1861 stock. I was just wondering which models have interchangeable parts with others...as I know very little about these types of rifles. I would hate to keep buying parts in hope they would be compatible with what I already have and find out different.
Any of you more knowledgeable guys out there that can enlighten me?

 

[AlexanderA]

As you have probably realized, the parts of reproduction muskets are generally not interchangeable with the originals.

Whether one reproduction with interchange with another depends on which factory made them. Navy Arms was an importer and marketer, not a manufacturer. In the 1980's, their 1863 Springfield (I assume you mean Springfield, and not Enfield) was made for them by Miroku of Japan. Later, production for Navy Arms was shifted to Italy. Incidentally, Miroku-made guns have the reputation of being closest to the originals of all reproduction muskets. They haven't been made for many years, and fetch a premium when found on the used market.

Armi Sport is just a brand name used by Armi Chiappa of Italy. Armi Sport CW muskets (1861's, Richmonds, etc.) are serviceable guns, but they have the reputation of being the least authentic of the current reproductions. By contrast, their 1842 reproduction is excellent in every respect.

The Euroarms 1861 is generally rated as being somewhere between the Armi Sport and the Miroku (that is, a bit better than the Armi Sport). However, it, too, is no longer made. The tooling somehow went to Pedersoli, which has continued production. I have both a Euroarms 1861 and a Pedersoli 1861, and putting them side by side, it's clear that this is the same gun. But despite Pedersoli's general reputation for quality, I find that the fit and finish on the Pedersoli is a bit worse than on the Euroarms.

To answer your specific question, I think you need to find a lock and barrel made by Armi Sport / Chiappa. Since the stock for the Richmond is inletted for the humpback lock, you'll have to go for a Richmond lock. I don't think there's any difference between the Richmond and the 1861 Springfield barrels, other than the markings. I checked my usual sources -- Dixie, S&S, VTI -- and none of them have what you need. Your best bet might be the "sutlers' row" at the N-SSA Nationals.

 

[expat_alaska]

Not that I am knowledgeable about your situation, but I remember going through a DGW catalog as a teen in the mid 60's that my Dad used to get every year (back when Turner Kirkland was alive and running the show) and was amazed at the offerings. If you are any sort of BP gunsmith, you could well use something that that is offered there. Lots of elbow grease and fitting could be involved, but that is half the fun. I have the 2015 version.

DGW does not publish an online catalog, but you can order a print version for 5 bucks, don't need an electronic device to view it, and it is just pleasurable fun. Just spending a few days just poring over the options is a good time and you might find something that will work for you.

https://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?products_id=17322&osCsid=37913ph76eivp9ij3226ql4j33

Good luck!

Jim

 

[Stony]

Thanks for all the good info....I would probably be ahead of the game to just buy a new musket and be done with it. I'm in no big hurry to get it all going, and just thought maybe I could run into a humpback lock and barrel maybe along the way to fit the stock I have. I see someone on ebay has a Richmond barrel that would cost me over 300.00 by the time I paid for shipping and everything. I see a Springfield barrel for sale now and then and thought maybe I could do a little better with one of those, if it fit properly in the lock and tang area. Guess I'll just put the whole project on the back burner for now and see what comes along.....

 

[4v50 Gary]

Guys, correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think there's any guarantee that one aftermarket mfg's parts will interchange with another mfg's parts. Some minor fitting may be required.

 

[Stony]

Guys, correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think there's any guarantee that one aftermarket mfg's parts will interchange with another mfg's parts. Some minor fitting may be required.

I think you are 100% right on that one. I don't do reenacting or anything like that with the muskets and was just thinking it might be fun to pop a pig or two with one and play around with it at the range. Historical accuracy is not a factor in my quest for a 3 bander. I still have a zouave around here somewhere and have shot them quite a bit with prb, and they are fun, but I am thinking a larger version would be interesting top play around with using mini's.

 

[Stony]

Talked to Taylor's today and they list a lock to fit my stock for 135.00. I've seen them listed on ebay for considerably more. Of course Taylors is out of them, but expects some in the near future and said they would call me when they are in stock again. I might be popping some pigs with it some day after all...

 

[sharps59]

I suggest you go to the N-SSA board and ask there. also there small arms committee would be a great help to you. As to what makes what.