Interesting US Model 1864 Musket by Springfield Modified for Target Shooting
NSN, .58 Caliber, 40" barrel with an excellent, bright, 8-groove bore. This is a nice looking rifle-musket that has an 1864-dated Springfield lock, and has a mottled gray and plum-brown patina with thin freckling throughout. The barrel is a probable 20th century replacement that matches the condition of the original components and has a windage adjustable front sight blade (the rear sight is the original single leaf musket sight reinstalled on the new barrel), narrow land eight-groove rifling along the bore, and a visible border where the barrel meets the newly made breech and nipple bolster assembly. This assembly is somewhat roughly finished, but has a clean-out screw on the bolster, and an expertly performed join at the barrel. The original walnut stock is in fine condition with minor handling marks and small surface blemishes scattered about the reapplied military oil finish. The "ESA" inspector cartouche is still clear and legible on the left side, a correct ramrod is present, and the rear sling swivel has been removed. The lock is fully functional, catching firmly at both half and full-cock, with a fairly crisp trigger break having a small amount of creep. This is a good looking Civil War Model 1864 (or Model 1863 Type II) musket, modified for accurate shooting. Antique