Colt signature series 1861 Springfield rifled musket.

[GreyGus]

I own 3rd generation signature series Colt pistols, a WAlker and a 1860 army. I recently saw an ad for a 3rd gen signature series Colt 1861 Springfield rifle.
I didn’t even know they had been made. Has anyone had any experience with these? I am looking for a rifle to shoot and the asking price on the colt was a couple hundred more than a new Italian import. Would the colt be worth the premium? It was used, but looked to be in excellent shape.
thanks,
GreyGus

 

[barracudadave67]

Good luck finding lock parts if you ever need them. They are unobtainium.
Nothing will fit them.

Dave

 

[hawkeye2]

It's not an 1861 Springfield but is an 1861 Colt Special Model, quite a different gun from an 1861 Springfield. A limited import and virtually no parts available.

 

[PastorB]

Spend the same amount of money and get a good condition original musket to shoot. An antique Springfield or Colt Special Musket will be superior in build quality to any Italian repro, and if any parts ever break (doubtful), are easily procured from several sources. Italian black powder guns have set metallurgy back about 500 years, and you WILL replace parts on those.

 

[wiscoaster]

... the asking price on the colt was a couple hundred more than a new Italian import. Would the colt be worth the premium? ...

I just bought one, and yes.
https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/ngd-1861-rifle-musket-but-what-exactly-is-it.170072/

 

[wiscoaster]

Good luck finding lock parts if you ever need them. They are unobtainium.
Nothing will fit them.

Dave

Mmmm ... I found nipples. I can't visualize any other parts I might need. Unless I booger a screw head, though I understand some Springfield screws fit. If I come across a bayonet, that would be cool. But the Springfield bayonet also fits, so that's not a problem. I'll cross those bridges when and if I have to and not worried about it right now.