US Model of 1842 Musket (A Photo Study in Several Parts)

Part the First: Overall views and External Details:


At least two things that are important about this weapon: Last US military musket (smoothbore) produced, and the first US military percussion weapon adopted for general issue. Also, see Photo #4d for another "last".

For more historical discussion reference this thread (Click on the underlined links to go there directly):

U.S. Model 1842 Musket- used by both the North and South during the Civil War.

And a Range Report on the very musket shown below:

New and Old: Knight's SR15-E3 IWS and U.S. Model of 1842

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...uff03311-1.jpg
#1a

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff048-1.jpg
#1b

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff049-1.jpg
#1c

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff050-1.jpg
#1d

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff054-1.jpg
#1e

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff064-1.jpg
#1f

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff051-1.jpg
#1g

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff052-1.jpg
#1h

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff053-1.jpg
#1i

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff061-1.jpg
#1j

Continued:

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff059-1.jpg
#2a The waxy substance in the joints is just that- wax. Helps keep the black powder residue out of the cracks.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff057-1.jpg
#2b

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff062-1.jpg
#2c

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff063-1.jpg
#2d

Some bayonet details:

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff005-1.jpg
#3a

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff046-1.jpg
#3b

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff067-1.jpg
#3c

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff068-1.jpg
#3d

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff069-1.jpg
#3e

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff070-1.jpg
#3f

Lock and associated elements:

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff034-1.jpg
#4a

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff039-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff038-1.jpg
#4b Two shots of the same area shown differently to accentuate different details.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff041-1.jpg
#4c

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...tuff0351-1.jpg
#4d) The old method of transferring power from the mainspring to the tumbler. The later US designs, i.e. the M1855 rifled musket and newer, utilize a stirrup which reduces friction and wear. Probably improved the hammer speed as well, but the mainspring force was reduced due to the newfound efficiency. (Easier to operate and probably reduced breakage as well.)

Nice musket! Thanks for all the piccies! They're really fun to shoot aren't they!

It shoots fairly well but low and to the right. About 6" low and 12" right at 50 yards! But there's no rear sight, so it could be just me not having found a better cheek weld.


ETA: Stock photos!

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff020-1.jpg
#6a

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff023-1.jpg
#6b

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff024-1.jpg
#6c

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff021-1.jpg
#6d

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff022-1.jpg
#6e

Working forward-

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff025-1.jpg
#6f

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff026-1.jpg
#6g

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff028-1.jpg
#6h

And jumping to the rear:

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff017-1.jpg
#6i

If you need any more detail shots or measurements, please do a brief post or start a new thread of your own! Happy to assist!

This post is now dedicated to barrel photos.

The first run aren't the best, but until better are taken, they'll have to do.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff007-1.jpg
#7a

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff015-1.jpg
#7b

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff008-1.jpg
#7c

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff016-1.jpg
#7d) A faint "V" and "P" are still visible towards the left upper side of the barrel across from the bolster.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff010-1.jpg
#7e) The bayonet lug location was moved from the location found on 1816 type muskets. It's now on the underside of the barrel.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff011-1.jpg
#7f) Where the metal has been covered it's generally in quite good shape. Bare steel was the "finish" of the day.

Thanks jmoore. You made me get mine out to look at. Interesting thread,I like it.


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A fresh new range report has been started! (Click on the link below):

New and Old: Knight's SR15-A3 IWS and U.S. Model of 1842


BTW, slowly adding captions, text, etc. to the previous posts. So check back from time to time.

Feel free to add input or historical info!

I received one from my SIL today and before I even consider disassemble I want to find as much data and info as possible.I have read JMoores post and licked the pages but still want to know more.
Is there a web page / forum that has any disassembly data?
I am led to beleive there is a breach plug on the barrel but have not seen anything that looks like one.
I have not removed the barrel from the stock as of yet and do not intend to until I get more info on it.

A gunsmith I am not but I have been restoring old rifles for more than 40 years so I know the pitfalls you get your self into with out the proper data and or pictures so any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for reading this.

Jim
aka: Calbeekeeper