Original Bayonets and Miroku 1861s: A Question of Fitting

[Benedict]

Dear ACers,

I would like to know if any of you have experience concerning the fitting of original bayonets on Miroku-made 1861 "Springfield" rifle-muskets?

I have read that people have fit original bayonets on repro muskets, which sometimes involves filing off a bit on the musket or on the bayonet to insure a proper fit. I have also read, and heard/seen first-hand, that some people have original Enfield bayonets fit the 1861s by Miroku.

I wonder if anybody has tried to fit an original 1855 U.S. bayonet on a Miroku 1861 and if they had to adjust either the musket or the bayonet in order to do so. I could imagine that, since the barrel of the Miroku is not as thick as the Italian reproductions' ones, an original bayonet might fit well without much ado.

I wish I could bring my Miroku to a gunshow or a dealer myself, but unfortunately, I live in Germany and do not really have such an opportunity (I doubt if many dealers at German gun shows have a huge, if at all, selection of Civil War bayonets) and would therefore rely on ordering a bayonet from a dealer in the States in the hope of a good result. Therefore, any helping comments are greatly and gratefully appreciated.

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Original Bayonets and Miroku 1861s: A Question of Fitting

'n Abend, mein Freund!

I went down and tried two (2) original M1855 socket bayonets on the repro Miroku M1861.

The first fit like a glove (a pleasant treat when used to using Italian
M1861's and Italian M1855 socket bayonets).

Surprisingly, the second's sight base caught on the slot and would not slide over. For some reason, the second original has a slightly narrower slot than the other. To remedy that, a very small filing would have to be removed from the length of the front sight/bayonet stud to allow it to slide freely through the slot.
The rest of the "fit" was as a glove as it should.

The adustment of the clamping ring was spot on, and required no screw adjustment up or down.

I would have expected both bayonets to be identical, so I am glad I did more than one.

Curt

[Benedict]

Re: Original Bayonets and Miroku 1861s: A Question of Fitting

Thanks for your hope-instilling reply, Kamerad.

[Benedict]

Re: Original Bayonets and Miroku 1861s: A Question of Fitting

the ... sight base caught on the slot and would not slide over. ... To remedy that, a very small filing would have to be removed from the length of the front sight/bayonet stud to allow it to slide freely through the slot.

This is what has happened to me. A little filing off the front sight and now it fits perfectly - and has made me one happy Miroku-original bayonet-combination owner :thumbs_up

[J.H.Berger]

Re: Original Bayonets and Miroku 1861s: A Question of Fitting

Great Ben, then I do not have to worry that much of the bayonet I am going to get:) Now we only need to get thje stamps for stock and the VP and eagle head stamp.