1861 Springfield

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	Weapon: 1861 Springfield Type: Rifled Musket Country of Origin: United States Year Adopted: 1861 Caliber: .58 Minie Action: Percussion Overall Length (mm): 1400.0 Overall Length (in): 55.12 Weight (kg): 4.00 Weight (pounds): 8.82 Effective Range (m): 200 m Effective Range (yards): 218.72

The 1861 Springfield Rifle-Musket was a percussion lock rifle used by the Union Army during the American Civil War. Chambered in .58 caliber and featuring a rifled barrel, the Springfield offered improved accuracy over earlier smoothbore muskets, making it a key weapon in the transition to modern firearms. It was manufactured in large numbers, with over 1 million units produced, making it the most common weapon of the Union forces.

Adopted in 1861, the Springfield rifle was a game-changer in Civil War combat. Its rifling allowed for greater accuracy, which made soldiers far more effective at medium to long ranges compared to earlier smoothbore muskets. The rifle was also compatible with the Minie ball, which further improved its lethality and accuracy. The Springfield's reliability and ease of use helped the Union Army maintain a technological advantage over the Confederacy.

After the Civil War, the Springfield remained in use for several years, eventually being replaced by more modern breech-loading rifles. Despite its relatively short service life, the 1861 Springfield is remembered as one of the most important firearms in American military history, and it played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the Civil War.