Richmond Rifle Muskets in ANV

[marylandmarine]

I have the opportunity to purchase a Richmond rifle musket at a good price but haven't found any reference to its use by any units in the Stonewall Brigade or some of the other Virginia Regiments which are the main units that I belong to. Can some of you more enlightened folks help school this youngster on the prevalence of the Richmond Rifle muskets in the ANV? I am eager to hear about the history on it, and have tried to search on here but haven't found anything that fits my question. Thanks in advance!

[Tarheel]

Tony,

I have two identified Richmond Rifle muskets in my collection. The first was used by Jacob Cool, 10th Va., KIA Chancellorsville, May 3 1863. The second was carried by James Clay, Co. G, 18th Va. He took part in the Pickett/Pettigrew assault at Gettysburg (presumably carrying the musket I have the pleasure to own) He survived the war. Both are dated 1862. The Cool has a "high hump" and the Clay a "low". Hope this helps

Regards,

Patrick Reardon
Lazy Jack Mess, UK

[FloridaConscript]

Tony,
About 30,000 "Richmond Rifles" were produced... I'm not sure how many went to the ANV.If I were to research it, I'd hypothesize that more stayed in Virginia than left, but I haven't researched it.

I posted another account of ANV usage Richmond Rifles (and the subsequent use of those rifles by the 26th Pennsyvania!)

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?30472-Richmond-Rifles-amp-refurbished-Springfields

Curt Schmidt and Craig Barry weigh in on the thread. Both of those guys are the resident "gun guys" around here, and have forgotten more about ACW long arms than I'll ever know.

[marylandmarine]

Thanks for the replies. Bryant, I had read that thread you posted, and it is a great wealth of knowledge! I am constantly impressed with the vast knowledge base on this forum! I decided to pass on the Richmond and I'm holding out for a 1842 smoothbore. Patrick, that is awesome to hear about the rifles in your personal collection. The history alone is astounding! Thanks again chaps!

[Craig L Barry]

The CS Richmond was an excellent rifle-musket and much sought after by CS troops, who considered it (as did Union that
captured them) "Richmond Springfields." The problem is one of numbers. With so few produced they would be necessarily
limited even in the ANV. In contrast, estimates are that 150,000 US 1861s were in CS hands, either captured still in the
crate or gleaned from one of the many Virginia battlefields. Put another way, 5x more US 1861s were in Confederate hands than
CS Richmonds. The reproduction from Armi Sport is so-so at best.

The US 1842 is another matter entirely and would be appropriate in any theater and every battle from 1st Manassas to
Appomattox Courthouse. Get one of these instead. For some reason Armi Sport got this one right.

[marylandmarine]

As always Craig I am amazed at some of the figures that you show us! Very good perspective about the numbers. I decided that I am definitely saving up and getting an 1842 eventually.

[FloridaConscript]

As always Craig I am amazed at some of the figures that you show us! Very good perspective about the numbers. I decided that I am definitely saving up and getting an 1842 eventually.

Tony,
You won't regret going with a '42 especially as we start the 150ths. A .69 coupled with a contract blockade run P53 Enfield should cover most CS impressions.

[lwtaggart]

If interested in the Richmond Rifle musket and its evolution, the reference "C.S. Armory Richmond" by Paul J. Davies is your better information source. Davies research reveals some fantastic information on the weapon. He does mention from his findings certain ANV units that recieved it. Another referecne is said to be coming with more information on specific units issued this musket.

George Taggart

[marylandmarine]

Thanks for the reference George, I'll have to look at that. I'm in "sponge" mode, just soaking up knowledge! Bryant, Craig, and other fine gents, thanks for the information, I'm going to go with an 1842 Springfield to round out my impression and to go with my defarbed Enfield (which I flippin love!). I've posted on here that I'm looking for an old 42, so if you all run across someone looking to unload one, then please let me know! Thanks again!

Tony Manson