Best 1861 Springfield replica?

Hi,
Although, I always have my eye out for an original that is affordable and maybe even shootable, I might just pick up a good replica of the Springfield 1861 .58 caliber rifle musket.

Who makes the best one? Pedersoli? From pictures, they seem to perhaps have the best looking wood; however, I've probably not seen all the choices.
Dixie Gun Works offers a pretty nice looking one, but they don't give the manufacture at their website.
I'd like a nice one.
Thanks,
Hickok45

In the 2011 Dixie Gunworks catalog they say the Dixie 1861 Springfield Rifle-Musket is made by Armi Sport in Italy. (PR1019)

That catalog also shows a 1863 Springfield Rifle-Musket Type 1 that is also made by Armi Sport. (PR1021)

how much you looking to spend?

from what I have seen, pedersoli makes the best one.

I purchased mine from Cabelas.

It's a Armni Sport from Italy...

I have had loads of fun...with it. Once I got over the pain of learning where I could acquire supplies... i.e. nipples, caps etc... OBTW.. folks on this forum helped me greatly!

It's of good quality and if you search for some of my posts you'll see some actual range results.. I am still learning how powder variations, ball Sizes and patch thicknesses result in predictable shooting patterns and results.

For whatever it's worth...

I abandoned the mine' balls and transitioned to PRBs.. I couldn't get consistent range results with Mine's that I didn't cast myself.

The skirts were to deformed to get consistent shooting....

So, have fun... it's a great rifle. I also appreciate the historical relevance it served during the civil war period... :wink:

Specification wise...with regard to the Armi Sport 1861 Springfield...

I have gained some modest bench rest range consistency with the following. (Not Off Hand).

.550 RB with a .018 pillow ticking patch, and 65Gr Swiss 2FG.

At 25 - 75 yards I am somewhat consistent. Beyond that I still am learning / experimenting. :hmm:

I am sure it's not the rifle but my shooting skills.

I am sure there are folks here on this forum that have figured that out and have obtained much better results than I have achieved.

It's still lot's of fun..Whatever you decide to buy and use, let us know how you're doing and share your experiences!

I have a original Norwitch musket but my Armine Zoluve shoots rings around the original. I would not be afraid of any rifle they made. Geo. T.

Hickok45, I would suggest the Pedersoli. The Armi-Sports are good shooters, but the Pedersoli is much closer to the original in regards to rifling, stock wood, markings and shape/contours of the bolster area.

Thanks for the input.

Hickok,
Since you are a "carbine" type of guy (like myself), you may be interested in the 1862 Richmond carbine sold by Taylor and Company. It is basically an 1861 Springfield with a cut down 25" barrel as made by the Confederacy.
I purchased two Richmond carbines from James River Armory when they were still in the blackpowder business. Mine have Hoyt barrels that are heavier than a regular rifled musket barrel. They are powerful, accurate and a pleasure to use in the woods.

Hi
I have this carbine I bought off of track, though not exactly historically correct I like it.It was made by Richard Hanson and has a custom 21 inch bobby hoyt barrel,saddle bar and ring and custom stock and swivel ramrod.

Have fun and share your results...

You posted "Armine Zolouve". Did you mean Armi- Sport Zouave? -Smoothshooter