Dixie 1861 Springfield Rifle-Musket

Dixie Gun Works, Inc. · Rifle · In Production

Also known as: Pedersoli 1861 Springfield, 1861 Springfield Rifled Musket (reproduction), Dixie/Pedersoli M1861 Springfield

Overview

The Dixie 1861 Springfield Rifle-Musket is a modern reproduction of the U.S. Springfield Model 1861, the principal Union infantry weapon of the American Civil War. A .58 caliber percussion-cap, muzzle-loading rifle-musket built by Davide Pedersoli in Italy and imported by Dixie Gun Works, it features a 40-inch bright three-groove barrel with a 1:72 twist and a one-piece American walnut fullstock. Popular for Civil War re-enactment and North-South Skirmish Association competition, it faithfully replicates the original's leaf rear sight, ramrod, and socket-bayonet lug while firing the hollow-based Minié ball.

Specifications

Weight (empty)4400 g (155.2 oz)
Overall Length1420 mm (55.91")
Barrel Length1016 mm (40.00")
Action TypeMuzzleloader
Firing MechanismPercussion
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Muzzle Velocity290 m/s (951 fps)
Effective Range200 m (219 yd)
Maximum Range457 m (500 yd)
Rate of Fire3 rpm
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist1829 mm (72.01")
Number of Grooves3
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWalnut
FinishWhite Metal

Calibers

Features

Service history

Operators

Production

Ongoing modern reproduction production by Davide Pedersoli for the black-powder and re-enactment market.

Origin

Country of origin: Italy

Notes

Manufactured by Davide Pedersoli & Co. in Italy and marketed by Dixie Gun Works. Barrel is 40 inches (1016 mm); overall length about 56 inches (1420 mm); weight roughly 9.7 lb (4.4 kg). Approved for N-SSA competition. Also offered by Pedersoli under its own name and as the near-identical Traditions 1861 Springfield.

Background

A working replica of the rifle-musket that armed the Union in the Civil War, the Dixie 1861 lets modern shooters and re-enactors experience the weapon whose rifled barrel and expanding Minié ball helped make the war so lethal.