1863 Springfield made by Miroku?

[rkg]

How can I verify if my Navy Arms 1863 Springfield was made by Miroku? I've had it since the late 1980's. If anyone can enlighten me on how I can tell this I would appreciate it.

[Marine Mike]

Re: 1863 Springfield made by Miroku?

If it's like my Zouave from the same time then it will say manufactured by Miroku on the left side fo the barrel ahead of the breach plug and above the wood.

Mike Stein

[threepdr]

Re: 1863 Springfield made by Miroku?

One way to tell might be to look at the tang. The Japanese made M63s and M61 had a slightly tapered barrel tang. It was also a little longer than originals.

Jap parts generaly did not interchange with original, but they were generally well made and they shoot straight.

[Craig L Barry]

Re: 1863 Springfield made by Miroku?

If the US 1863 in question was stamped Navy Arms Ridgefield, NJ on the lock, and it dates from the 1980s it is definitely a Miroku because that was NA's supplier until at least the late 90s. The other dead giveaway is the weight...the Italian made repro Springfield muskets are at least a pound or two heavier than the Jap made Miroku 63 Springfield which tips the scales at more or less the US Armory specification weight of 8.75 lbs. Euroarms is more like 10.5 lbs, Armi Sport around 10 lbs. Woof, you feel it when you shoulder the arm, too.

Also, the 1863 Springfield (if it is Italian) will be marked with the Valtrompia Gardonne Italian proof house mark, and two letters in a square like "BD" which correspond to a date of proof. For example...BD = 1994, (skip BE), BF = 1995, BG = 1996, and so on. None of that is going to appear on the side opposite the bolster if it is a Miroku (obviously), since it would not have been proofed in Italy. While the Miroku lock does not accept most original parts, it will provide one final clue...the half cock position is much farther back off the percussion cone than the Italian version, more like an Enfield repro at half cock, around 3/4 inch off the cone.

Those are really not bad weapons, a little farby but most of the problems associated with them are due to a lack of parts if something needs to be replaced, like a barrel for one recently was needed and it was no-can-do. Had to have Whitacre Machine Shop rebuild the bolster area, which was expensive and no fun. The other problem is that the 1863 Springfield did not begin showing up in the ranks until late in the game and were not widely used until the final phases of the Civil War...obviously the 1863 date is anachronistic for any early war event you might want to attend.

[rkg]

Re: 1863 Springfield made by Miroku?

Thanks for the responses. No, I don't plan on using it for any living histories. I have had it for years, and have not put more than 50 rounds through it, if that many. It is a very accurate weapon, I just don't live fire unless I'm deer hunting and the barrel is a little too bright for that. It still has that new look to it, no dings on the wood or rust on the barrel!

[cpinkhaminsc]

Re: 1863 Springfield made by Miroku?

I just bought a "type II" for a great price, it's a Navy Arms deal made by Pedersoli, per their name over the X on the barrel. How Pedersoli had the gall to put their name on it is beyond me, the stock carving/profiling is horrible. After a LOT of rasping and sanding it will be fine, and the wood is quite pretty. The barrel has "AZ" inside a rectangle along withcrowned PN, BP only, made in Italy, cal.58, and another indistinguishable proof; with Navy Arms, etc on the upper barrel flat. Craig, if I follow your explanation of their numbering scheme that would be 1990 production?
An original Upper barrel band popped right on and an original lower will work after contouring. The barrel fits an original bayonet, it appears the sight was mounted backwards.
The lock isn't too bad but the lockplate has the Navy Arms stamp and is 5/16" thick! The inletting was mediocre and it sticks out 1/8" from the stock. The mortise looks like it was recut after the stock was milled out and oiled, to get the lock deeper. What gives with that? The ramrod spoon and pin are missing also, though it has the mortise.
Will put an original hammer on after I find a decent lockplate.
A good starting point with great potential, but it will take a whole lot of elbow grease and another $100 to get there.
I highly recommend Mr. Barry's book (1/2 way through it, got it yesterday) and he is donating his "cut" to preservation.

Charles Pinkham
Company D,
First Minnesota

[Michael Comer]

Re: 1863 Springfield made by Miroku?

I have a Miroku '63 and like it quite well but Craig's right. There's not many events you can use it at but it's still a nice weapon in my opinion.

[Craig L Barry]

Re: 1863 Springfield made by Miroku?

Yes, AZ = 1990, but AU = 1989, there is no AV,AW,AX or AY they skip around for some reason. For the record, Pedersoli does not make their US 1861 either, it is just a well finished piece made from all Euroarms parts, but "finished to Pedersoli's higher standards." For that, you can pay 50% more than the Euroarms version. They are identical right down to the way "made in Italy" is stamped on the trigger guard.

[ndnchf]

Re: 1863 Springfield made by Miroku?

Craig - so is the Navy Arms/Pedersol/Euroarms made 1863 Type II overweight in the breech area like other Euroarms muskets or is it similar to original in countour and weight?

The weight difference of my Miroku 1863 Type II compared to my Euroarms 1861 is night and day. The Euroarms feels like a boat anchor in comparison. If only I could find a Miroku 1861, I'd dump the boat anchor overboard in a heartbeat;)

Thanks
Steve Blancard
13th Virginia, Co. A

[rick35ovi]

Re: 1863 Springfield made by Miroku?

I used to have one of these! it was my first that i built from a kit in 1983! ufortunately stolen in 1989 while i was overseas in the Marine Corp!! I still remember the serial number, 608. I wish i still had that one, my dad helped me build it before he past away.

[lwtaggart]

Re: 1863 Springfield made by Miroku?

I have a miroku model 61 picked up in the late 80's. Quikest way to know if you hve one is all threads are metric. The weapons are quite popular with todays serious shooters. The barrel rifling is excellent. I have actually taken my 61 and converted it to a nice 62 high hump Richmond. All parts used were purchased from Euorarms suppliers and work with little refit.

George Taggart