Video—I Have This Old Gun: Model 1863 Springfield Rifle Musket

by
posted on September 21, 2018
The Model 1863 Springfield Rifle Musket has its beginnings in the Crimean War when the Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle Musket was the world's premier infantry weapon. Concurrently, the U.S. government was creating its rifle musket the Model 1855 and then later the Model 1861. Shortly after, the Model 1863 was developed as a more expedient version of the Model 1861 and was being made during the Civil War. It was the last percussion muzzle-loading firearm made by the Springfield Armory. However, it continued its service because it could be converted to a metallic cartridge by installing a trap-door type of conversion. And even though production of the Model 1863 ended in 1865, it is still made today in the form of Italian replicas. For more on the Model 1863 Springfield rifle musket, watch this "I Have This Old Gun" segment from a recent episode of American Rifleman TV.













Latest

Taurus Executive Grade revolver left-side view stainless steel gun with walnut grip positioned on black wire stand
Taurus Executive Grade revolver left-side view stainless steel gun with walnut grip positioned on black wire stand

Rifleman Review: Taurus 605 Executive Grade

Taurus enhanced its popular 605 revolver with Executive Grade touches recently, and this carry-ready, controllable, .357 Magnum-chambered revolver is now nicer than it has ever been.

New For 2025: SDS Imports MAC IX

Based largely on the MP5, the SDS Imports MAC IX incorporates several familiar feature from the AR-15, too, into a large-format handgun chambered for the 9 mm Luger cartridge.

Review: U.S. Arms Co. M4 UTAW

U.S. Arms Co.’s origins can be traced back to 2016 with research-and-development efforts for military contracts, and the company came to market in 2019 with its M-905 Talon muzzle brake as a result.

Colt Partners With Georgia To Promote Responsible Firearms Ownership

Colt's Manufacturing is fully funding Georgia’s “Give It a Shot” program, which offers hands-on firearms training with certified instructors.

Favorite Firearms: A Testament To Service

NRA member Denis Kaup's father's war trophy from 1944 is his most beloved gun. What's yours?

Flat-Out Slick: Hornady’s Drag Variability Reduction Technology

Bullets in flight are subject to nature’s forces. Through the decades, manufacturers have developed bullets to somewhat counteract the effects of wind, gravity and atmospheric drag with a streamlined shape incorporating a boattail and long ogive terminating in a sharp point.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.