Springfield Model 1863

The Model 1863 also has the distinction of being the last muzzle-loading longarm produced by the Springfield Armory. It fired via percussion lock, which was much more reliable and weather resistant compared to the older flintlock muskets. The Model 1863 was produced in two variants. The Type I eliminated the band springs and replaced the flat barrel bands with oval clamping bands. It also featured a new ramrod, a case-hardened lock, a new hammer, and a redesigned bolster (percussion chamber). Several of these modifications were based upon Colt's contract Model 1861, known as the "Colt special". 273,265 Type I variants were manufactured in 1863. The Type II is sometimes referred to as the Model 1864, but is more commonly referred to as just a variant of the Model 1863. This version re-introduced band springs, replaced the clamping bands with solid oval bands, and replaced the three leaf rear sights with single leaf sight. A total of 255,040 of these were manufactured from 1864 to 1865. In the years following the Civil War, many Model 1863 rifled muskets were converted into breech-loading rifles. The breech-loading weapons increased the rate of fire from three to four rounds per minute to eight to ten rounds per minute. The Model 1863 could be converted to breech-loading for about $5, at a time when a new rifle would cost about $15. The conversion of Model 1863 rifled muskets therefore represented a significant cost savings to the U.S. military. The military adopted various models like the Springfield Model 1865, Springfield Model 1866, Springfield Model 1868, and Springfield model 1870.

• Is Ranged — yes • Name — Springfield Model 1863 • Type — Rifled musket • Origin — United States • Service — 1863–1865 • Used By — * United States • Confederate States • Design Date — 1863 • Manufacturer — * Springfield Armory • Various private contractors • Production Date — 1863–1865 • Number — c. 700,000 • Variants — Type I, Type II • Weight — 9 lb • Length — 56 in • Part Length — 40.0 in • Cartridge — Paper cartridge, Minié ball undersized to reduce the effects of powder fouling and for the skirt to get grip of the grooves when firing • Caliber —.58 (14.7320 mm) • Action — Percussion lock • Rate — User dependent; usually 2 to 4 rounds per minute • Velocity — 1000 ft/s to 1400 ft/s • Range — 200 to • Max Range — 800 to • Feed — Muzzle-loaded • Sights — Open sights • Illustration — Springfield Model 1863 rifled musket and Enfield Pattern 1861 musketoon • Illustration — Springfield and Enfield lockplates