Springfield Armory · Rifle

Springfield Model 1863

Name: Springfield Model 1863
Brand: Springfield Armory

Muzzleloader · .58 Caliber Minié Ball · introduced 1863

Also known as U.S. Rifle-Musket Model 1863, Model 1864, 1863 Springfield

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About the Springfield Model 1863

The Springfield Model 1863 was a .58 caliber percussion rifled musket produced at the Springfield Armory, a refinement of the Model 1861 and the last regulation muzzle-loading longarm of the United States Army. Produced in Type I (1863) and Type II (1864) patterns, it was the most-produced Union rifled musket of the latter half of the American Civil War. Many were later converted to the .45-70 breech-loading 'Trapdoor' Springfield by Master Armorer Erskine S. Allin.

The Model 1863 was the U.S. Army's last regulation muzzle-loader; rather than scrap the survivors after the war, the Army had thousands converted into the .45-70 breech-loading 'Trapdoor' Springfield by Erskine Allin, extending their service into the Indian Wars.

Springfield Model 1863 specifications

General

Type: Rifle
Action: Muzzleloader
Firing mechanism: Percussion
Trigger: Single stage
Calibres: .58 Caliber Minié Ball

Dimensions

Barrel length: 1016 mm (40.0 in)
Overall length: 1422 mm (56.0 in)
Weight (empty): 4.08 kg (9.00 lb)

Barrel

Rifling twist: 1:72 in (1829 mm)
Rifling: Right hand
Grooves: 3

Materials

Barrel: Steel
Stock: Wood
Finish: white_metal

Performance

Muzzle velocity (typical): 300 m/s (984 fps)
Effective range: 274 m

History

Introduced: 1863
Discontinued: 1865
Production status: Out of production
Country of origin: US

Features

Rifled barrel
Muzzle loaded
Percussion cap
Leaf rear sight
Socket bayonet lug
Ramrod

Type II is sometimes catalogued as the Model 1864. Rifling twist is approximately one turn in 72 inches (1:72). Maximum range reflects the long-range sight graduation; effective range was far shorter.