Was any distinction made when issuing rifle muskets between the model 1861 and the 1861 special?  I assume some attempt was made to keep weapons uniform within a regiment, would a  regiment be issued only 1861's or only 1861 specials?  Also would the 1861 Special have been considered a first rate weapon or would the regular 1861's have been issued first with the Specials issued only when necessary?  Thanks for any help.

I can tell you from first hand written accounts that the 13th New Jersey was issued Enfield and Springfield rifles in August 1862. The rifles were mixed in the companies. Most of the rifles were Enfields. During the course of the war the Enfields were replaced by 'Springfields'. The writers did not take note of the model, 1861, 1861 Special, 1863 were all 'Springfields'. If it wasn't an Enfield they called it a 'Springfield'. The 1861 Special was considered a first class weapon.

Thanks Tom.  I would like to get a rifle musket.  I would like to get one that had a high likelihood of field use.  I realize you can't usually tell for sure, but thought an early date M1861 would likely have been used.  Budget is a big issue and I noticed that the Specials seem to sell for less than the M1861's. Any suggestions would be appreciated, Thanks!

I know you said you want a rifle-musket, but if budget is a big issue and you want something with a high probability of being used you should get an 1816 musket converted to percussion.

I'm not sure I agree with the notion that an 1861 Special will save you any money over an 1861. I think those models in comparable condition sale for about the same amount. JMHO

In any case, I think you would be best off to decide what you really, really, really want and then save the pennies until you can get it. Also, search in unusual places. I have a Model 1861 that is very, very nice that I got cheap from a company that mostly sells parts for modern military rifles. I don't know how they ended up with it, but they were just looking to git rid of it.

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After replying I noticed the dates, sorry for dredging up an old post!

Hey that is OK, I still haven't gotten one yet!  I am doing just as you suggested, saving and waiting.  This will be a one time deal and I want to make sure to get the right one.  I have been thinking about  m1842 muskets, maybe I'll check out the 1816 conversions too.  I think the looking, reading and research are the best parts of getting something new!  Thanks.